University of Perpignan - a friendly bridge between French education and Vietnamese students

In the increasingly vibrant picture of international educational cooperation between France and Vietnam, the University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) has emerged as a potential destination for Vietnamese students. With its multidisciplinary academic environment, moderate size and strong international spirit, this school located on the Mediterranean coast is gradually becoming a friendly bridge between the two educational systems.

A delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy in France discussed with leaders and teachers of the University of Perpignan about cooperation in training Vietnamese students. Photo: Dao Dung/VNA correspondent in France

According to a VNA correspondent in France, Mr. Jocelyn Dupont - Vice President in charge of training and student life of the school - shared that every year UPVD welcomes a group of Vietnamese students to study at different levels, from bachelor, master to doctorate. Currently, there are about 10 Vietnamese students studying at the school, including 2 doctoral students.

“We are always delighted and honored to welcome you. Many students come on French language or international exchange programmes, such as Erasmus. They often have excellent academic performance, a serious spirit of learning and make positive contributions to the academic life of the school. We are always looking forward to you,” said a school representative.

He also shared that he had taught Vietnamese students and was always impressed by their progressive spirit, respectful learning attitude and adaptability: “It was a great experience. Some of them still keep in touch with me to this day. It is great to know that you can leave your mark on students who are progressive, have excellent working and adaptability. I am really happy to see them grow up in an international environment.”

A delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy in France visited the campus of the University of Perpignan. Photo: Dao Dung/VNA correspondent in France

When asked about the possibility of expanding cooperation with Vietnam, the UPVD representative affirmed: “I fully support this development direction. In a globalized world, we cannot act as if we are the only ones. Expanding international and intercontinental training cooperation programs brings a lot of value. The France-Vietnam friendship has a solid foundation, and we want to continue to maintain and develop it within the framework of higher education .”

The school's International Relations Department is currently promoting many joint projects with Vietnamese partners, including student and faculty exchanges, short-term courses and joint degree programs.

The University of Perpignan is a multidisciplinary university (except medicine), with about 10,000 students studying in 7 faculties and institutes. The two most prominent fields attracting Vietnamese students are technical sciences (physics, engineering) and tourism sciences - fields of study with a long tradition at UPVD, which are also the starting points for cooperation between the university and Vietnamese universities.

“Unlike many other large universities, UPVD is small in size, which allows us to personalize the process of welcoming and supporting international students. That is our great advantage, not to mention the warm and sunny Mediterranean climate,” Mr. Dupont emphasized.

Anne-Véronique Fabre, Academic Director of the University Centre for French Studies (CUEF), said the centre plays an important role in preparing international students, including many Vietnamese students, for their formal university studies. “We offer academic French courses to help students achieve the necessary language level, as well as general French courses and soon, professional French courses,” she said.

Perpignan University leaders introduce the school to Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang. Photo: Dao Dung/VNA reporter in France

During her recent trip to Vietnam, Ms. Fabre worked with Can Tho University, opening a new partnership. She expressed her hope that this link will soon be materialized in Perpignan, with the support of the French Embassy in Vietnam, to create a sustainable bridge between Vietnamese students and training programs at UPVD.

Assessing the abilities of Vietnamese students, Ms. Fabre said that they always make a strong impression on international friends, especially in their subtle grasp of French grammar. Although they sometimes encounter initial difficulties in integration or language, students are always supported through individual learning tutorials (tutorat pédagogique), conducted by French students majoring in linguistics within the framework of pedagogical internships. “Thanks to that, Vietnamese students not only overcome initial obstacles, but also create valuable cultural and academic bonds in the classroom,” she shared.

From its welcoming spirit, dedicated faculty to its language and academic support programs, the University of Perpignan is affirming its position as a friendly and quality destination for Vietnamese students wishing to study in France.

Against the backdrop of the bright Mediterranean sky, the Franco-Vietnamese exchange in Perpignan continues to be nurtured, not only through cooperation agreements, but also through the friendship, respect and thirst for knowledge of generations of students from Vietnam.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/giao-duc/dai-hoc-perpignan-cau-noi-than-thien-giua-giao-duc-phap-va-sinh-vien-viet-nam-20251031072542646.htm