A cultural bridge connecting young people from all over the world.

Khanh Hoa University recently co-organized the international student cultural exchange program "Colors of Friendship," with the participation of over 400 students from Vietnam, Laos, South Korea, and the island nation of Vanuatu. Through this program, students not only experienced and explored the cultures of other countries but also fostered solidarity and friendship, maintaining strong and long-lasting cooperative relationships between Khanh Hoa and its international partners.

Báo Khánh Hòa•25/01/2026

Cultural appeal

Having just participated in the bamboo pole jumping game, Kinanoy Khitphachanh, a student from Attapeu province (Laos), couldn't hide his joy: “At first glance, it seemed like a very easy game, but when I started jumping, I realized it required skill and wasn't easy at all. However, once I mastered it, the game was really captivating and interesting.” Kinanoy Khitphachanh has been studying Tourism and Travel Service Management at Khanh Hoa University for three years. Throughout his time at the university, he has been interested in learning about Vietnamese and Khanh Hoa culture. “During my studies, my teachers and Vietnamese friends introduced me to many festivals, customs, and dishes. The culture of Vietnam and Khanh Hoa is very rich, diverse, and holds many traditional values. I really enjoy it,” Kinanoy Khitphachanh said.

Vietnamese and Lao students participate in the bamboo pole dance.

At the exchange event, students from different countries introduced each other to the unique characteristics of their cultures and cuisines . Notably, to add color to the program, the students all wore traditional costumes from their respective countries.

During the program, we were very impressed with Malap Rono Max, a student from the island nation of Vanuatu, who is studying Vietnamese at Khanh Hoa University. Despite only being in Khanh Hoa for a short time, Malap Rono Max quickly integrated with his Vietnamese friends. During the program, he showcased his sand painting skills and received much attention from his friends and teachers. Through Malap Rono Max's introduction, we learned that this is a traditional art form of the people of Vanuatu. When asked about his reason for choosing Vietnam, specifically Khanh Hoa province, to study, Malap Rono Max said: “Our country has quite a large Vietnamese population. I chose Vietnam, specifically Khanh Hoa, to study because I want to learn about the beauty and traditional cultural values of Vietnam. In particular, Khanh Hoa has a developed beach tourism industry, so I want to both explore the culture and learn more about tourism.”

Student Malap Rono Max from the island nation of Vanuatu demonstrates sand painting.

For students from Daegu National University of Education (South Korea), visiting Khanh Hoa, in addition to exploring the beauty of historical sites and scenic spots and enjoying local art performances, participating in the cultural exchange program added to their experience. “I found the people of Khanh Hoa very approachable and friendly. Through this trip, I made many new friends and gained a deeper understanding of Vietnam's cultural and artistic identity. I will return to Khanh Hoa many more times to see the changes in your country and to learn more about Vietnamese culture and Khanh Hoa culture,” shared Jeoung Ji-ho, a student from Daegu National University of Education.

Building bridges of friendship

In the field of people-to-people diplomacy, for many years, friendship associations and schools in the province have regularly organized cultural and sports exchange activities and events to further strengthen relations between the people of Khanh Hoa province and the people of other countries. Khanh Hoa University is one of the educational institutions actively organizing exchange and connection activities with other countries. Through these activities, it contributes to improving the quality of education while creating opportunities for lecturers and students to interact, exchange, and learn from lecturers and students from foreign schools. In addition, the university has the opportunity to introduce and promote the culture, history, and people of Vietnam in general, and Khanh Hoa in particular, to friends from other countries. “This is the first time I’ve participated in a cultural exchange activity with international students. I find this activity very meaningful, giving us the opportunity to learn about the cultures of other countries and introduce many interesting and fascinating aspects of Vietnamese culture and my hometown of Khanh Hoa to international students,” shared Mai Phuong Linh, a K10 English Language student.

A performance showcasing traditional costumes by students from South Korea.

Professor Sangsik Bae, President of Daegu National University of Education, stated: "We chose Khanh Hoa province, and specifically Khanh Hoa University, for our educational and cultural exchange cooperation because it possesses all the necessary conditions that align with our student training orientation. Khanh Hoa has many ethnic communities, but they are all very united, close-knit, and harmonious. Although each ethnic group has its own unique cultural characteristics, they also share many commonalities. This clearly demonstrates unity in cultural diversity, as well as the respect and preservation of cultural values.”

Lao students perform a traditional dance.

Through its cultural exchange activities, Khanh Hoa University has contributed to creating a healthy and beneficial environment, strengthening the relationship, solidarity, and friendship between Vietnamese and international students. “Through the 'Colors of Friendship' program, the university aims to foster connections between Vietnamese students and students from other countries studying or cooperating with the university. This creates a multicultural space where students can experience the unique cultural values of different countries. It also provides students with opportunities to hone their soft skills, enhance their integration capabilities, and become future cultural ambassadors. The program is a significant highlight in extracurricular activities, affirming the image of Khanh Hoa University as a dynamic, integrated, and distinctive institution,” said Dr. Tran Viet Thien, Vice Rector of Khanh Hoa University.