Students actively integrate into the global community.

The "Ho Chi Minh City Students Confidently Integrate" week was launched on the morning of April 11th by the Vietnam Student Association of Ho Chi Minh City with activities at the International University (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City).

Students learn about international organizations that Vietnam has participated in as part of the week's activities at an exhibition. - Photo: LE HUY

The activities aim to enhance students' international integration capabilities, equipping them with essential skills in foreign languages, digital literacy, innovative thinking, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment. This is an ongoing activity throughout the academic year, with a peak period from April 11th to 19th at various student union branches in the city.

Affirming capabilities in the integration process

Nguyen Hoang Phuc, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Student Union, said that in the context of increasing globalization and international integration, high demands are placed on young human resources. For students, this requires not only specialized knowledge but also strong political conviction, comprehensive integration capabilities, and the ability to adapt quickly to global changes.

"This week is not only a peak activity period but also creates a comprehensive educational space and a vibrant practical environment for students in Ho Chi Minh City to train, grow, and assert themselves in the process of international integration," Mr. Phuc expressed.

The week is designed to help students access new trends of the era such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and the green economy . This will foster a global mindset, enhance competitiveness, and foster a sense of responsibility. Furthermore, it will improve foreign language skills and integration skills, helping students become more confident in their studies, work, and communication in an international environment.

Tran Ngoc Phu, President of the Vietnamese Student Association at the International University (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), said that during this peak week, the "Youth Sustainminds Forum 2026" is an opportunity to share the voices, ideas, and perspectives of students in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Please be proactive in participating, confidently express your opinions, listen openly, and always maintain a sense of responsibility. The forum also provides an opportunity for us to learn from each other and better understand our role in building a sustainable future," Phu shared.

This week is an opportunity to spread and introduce the beautiful values ​​of Vietnamese culture, people, and traditions to international friends, so that each student not only integrates but also carries with them pride in their national identity.

Mr. NGUYEN HOANG PHUC (Vice President of the Vietnam Student Association of Ho Chi Minh City)

You need to understand who you are.

At the talk show "Gen Z and the Confidence to Integrate in the Global Era," Ms. Mai Hong Quan (International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) argued that to confidently integrate, the most important thing is to know who you are and what you want. She cited the story of Alice in Wonderland as an example: when Alice asked the cat which way to go, the cat asked her where she wanted to go.

And when Alice said she didn't know, the cat said that it doesn't matter which path you choose if you don't know what you want; any direction will seem vague. And Professor Quan affirmed that first and foremost, students need to clearly understand their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

More importantly, be honest with yourself, as you may sometimes be influenced by trends, others, or expectations that aren't your own, without realizing it. "If you don't truly understand yourself, be brave enough to experiment and accept trial and error. Student life is a valuable period for self-discovery, so you have the right to try, the right to make mistakes, and learn from them. Don't be afraid to make mistakes because those experiences will help you understand who you are and what suits you," Mr. Quan said.

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Trinh recounts that while studying in the US, she did a literature assignment about a young man of Indian descent who grew up in America. At home, he lived according to Indian culture and spoke the Indian language, but upon leaving, he immediately integrated into American life and made friends. This difference sometimes caused him to experience an identity crisis because he "didn't know if he was Indian or American!"

The young man realized that he could be both Indian and American, a unique individual with an identity shaped by cultural exchange. That is the beauty of the integration process. "When you learn a new language, you're not just learning the language, but also accessing a new culture. Each of those cultures will shape your personal values ​​as you integrate," Ms. Trinh said.

Having met many dynamic Vietnamese students at international conferences, Ms. Trinh observed that although they are very young, they proactively seek opportunities, participate in exchange programs, and are not afraid to step out of their comfort zones. Compared to the past, today's students have many more favorable conditions.

Some students worry that exposure to diverse cultures will cause them to lose their "Vietnamese identity." But in reality, it's a process of forming a unique identity. The common trait of students who integrate well is that they are not afraid of challenges, proactively seek opportunities, and are always learning and developing themselves.

"You can change over time, but no matter where you come from, you can still bring your Vietnamese identity to the world. To integrate well, students need to equip themselves with at least one foreign language, develop soft skills, and proactively connect with people," advised Ms. Phuong Trinh.

Diverse activities

The week features numerous city-level activities such as the "Youth Sustainminds Forum 2026", English Camp 2026, and English public speaking and debate competitions on sustainable development and the environment.

Students also received online English proficiency tests and access to promotional materials on foreign languages ​​in association work. Simultaneously, 100% of association branches organized activities such as forums, workshops, foreign language competitions, international exchanges, and digital transformation initiatives tailored to the specific needs of each unit.

LE HUY

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cung-sinh-vien-chu-dong-hoi-nhap-20260412091259198.htm