Vietnam: A new destination for international students.

An open education system coupled with the development of a dynamic Vietnam is transforming the country into an attractive new destination on the global education map. No longer just an option for short-term trips, an increasing number of international students are choosing Vietnamese universities as a springboard for their future.

As the cost of living and tuition fees in traditional Western countries become increasingly expensive, Vietnam is emerging as a destination with a "double advantage": affordable living costs and a quality of education that is increasingly approaching international standards. The academic life of international students in Vietnam is incredibly vibrant, painting a colorful picture of cultural exchange and intellectual aspirations.

Growing up surrounded by Vietnamese-Lao friendship.

At the Academy of Journalism and Communication, Mai Sehuengxai, a student from Laos, chose Vietnam as her study destination, pursuing a major in Party Building with the desire to systematically acquire knowledge about modern media, political theory, and ideological work so that she can contribute to building her homeland in the future. Sharing her decision, Mai said: “The close and loyal relationship between Vietnam and Laos over the years makes me feel close and familiar when studying here.”

Mai Sehuengxai (on the right) and her friends exchange knowledge after school. (Photo: Quang Minh)

The journey to realizing that dream was not without its difficulties. For Mai, the biggest challenge was the language barrier. Not only did he have to get used to Vietnamese in daily communication, but the male student also had to make a great effort to access the vast amount of specialized knowledge in politics and theory, which requires a high level of vocabulary and academic expression.

Overcoming initial obstacles, Mai gradually adapted to the new learning environment thanks to the enthusiastic support from his friends and teachers. Group study sessions, collaborative discussions of materials, and patient explanations after class helped the young man become more confident in his studies. Beyond classroom support, Vietnamese students also introduced Mai to the unique aspects of Vietnamese culinary culture through traditional dishes like pho and bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste). In the cozy atmosphere of the dormitory, Mai often prepared typical Lao dishes to share with his friends, fostering friendship and understanding between young people from the two neighboring countries.

Mai Sehuengxai's most memorable experience was the Bunpimay New Year, the traditional Lao New Year, celebrated right on the dormitory grounds of the Academy. In the festive atmosphere, the sight of Vietnamese teachers and students dressed in traditional Lao costumes, joining in the Lam Vong dance and performing the ritual of tying threads around their wrists to wish for good luck left a deep impression on Mai: “Seeing everyone participate in the cultural activities of my country, I was truly moved. It’s a memory I will always cherish.”

For Mai Sehuengxai, Vietnam is now not only a place to acquire knowledge but also a second home, where she feels the care, hospitality, and genuine friendship from those around her. These experiences motivate Mai to continue studying and accumulating knowledge before returning to contribute to the development of her homeland.

A "launchpad" for realizing dreams.

Driven by a desire to contribute to the community, Elyes Hamel, a student from France studying Chemistry at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, chose Vietnam as the starting point for her scientific research journey. With a wish to participate in the development of pharmaceuticals for the healthcare industry, Elyes not only studies in the classroom but also spends a significant amount of time in the university's modern laboratories to gain practical experience.

Elyes Hamel during class. (Photo: Quang Minh)

According to Elyes, the dual degree program in cooperation between Vietnam and France offers many outstanding advantages. Not only do students have access to modern facilities, but they also have the opportunity to expand their international academic network and enhance their competitiveness in the global job market.

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In the new learning environment in Vietnam, what left the deepest impression on Elyes was the dedication of the faculty. They not only imparted specialized knowledge but were also always ready to accompany, support, and respect students throughout their studies and research.

Besides his work in the laboratory, Elyes also spends time exploring daily life in Hanoi. As a vegetarian, he particularly enjoys the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. “I really like the vegetarian dishes here. Vietnamese people use many ingredients like mushrooms and tofu and prepare them into very appealing dishes. For me, it’s a truly enjoyable experience,” Elyes shared.

Growing stronger through adversity.

Continuing the story of her study abroad journey in Vietnam is Patience Adesominu, a 22-year-old female student from Nigeria, currently studying Nursing at VinUniversity. For Patience, the path to becoming an international nurse is not easy, as each day of study is intertwined with intense work and practical training.

Some days of the week, she has to wake up very early, around 4–5 a.m., to catch the bus to the clinical practice hospital, where she spends the entire day honing her professional skills. Returning to school late in the evening, Patience then attends Vietnamese language classes, filling her schedule almost completely.

Besides academic pressure, the Nigerian student also faced periods of loneliness and homesickness. In addition to studying her major subjects, Patience had to adapt to new cultural norms, etiquette, and social standards. “Back home, I knew exactly what I needed to do and how to behave. But here, I had to learn so much from scratch and gradually change my old habits,” Patience shared.

Instead of avoiding difficulties, Patience chose to confront them and transform those challenges into motivation for growth. The intense learning environment and multicultural experiences helped her develop many important skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication in an international setting.

Towards a green future

Also choosing VinUniversity as his study destination, Carmelo Emanuel Olit Echanez, a student from the Philippines, offers a perspective from the younger generation on the global trend of sustainable development: the journey towards green transformation.

Patience Adesominu (right) and Carmelo Emanuel Olit Echanez (left) each have their own reasons for choosing Vietnam as their destination. (Photo: Quang Minh)

Before coming to Vietnam, Carmelo studied at a university in his home country. However, the opportunity to receive a full scholarship became a turning point, leading him to decide to change his career path. His passion for Electrical Engineering, along with his specialization in renewable energy and sustainable engineering, led Carmelo to Vietnam, which he sees as one of the region's pioneering countries in green transition and clean energy development.

According to Carmelo, choosing Vietnam was not just a decision about studying, but also an opportunity to directly access technological trends that are shaping the future of the global energy industry.

However, that journey also came with its fair share of challenges. Leaving behind family, friends, and the familiar environment of the Philippines, Carmelo was forced to rebuild relationships from scratch in a completely new space.

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“Back home, whenever I faced pressure, I always had family and friends by my side. But here, sometimes my only support is my bed and pillow in the dorm,” Carmelo confided. To adapt, he proactively developed soft skills, expanded his social circle, and pursued personal hobbies like painting and singing, things he rarely had the opportunity to do before.

The training program in Vietnam, with Carmelo, does not focus solely on theory but is closely linked to practical engineering projects. This gives students the opportunity to access a real-world work environment, gain experience, and learn from international experts in the field.

Furthermore, the strong growth of technology and energy companies in Vietnam, such as VinFast and Green SM, has given Carmelo confidence in his future career prospects. The expansion of these models into the Philippine market further reinforces the expectation that the knowledge gained in Vietnam will become a significant competitive advantage in his career path.

From the stories of international students, it's clear that studying abroad in Vietnam is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about holistic personal growth. In a highly practical environment, international students face challenges while simultaneously asserting themselves and expanding their career opportunities in an increasingly globalized world.

The increasing presence of international students also reflects the growing appeal of Vietnamese higher education. Despite remaining challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences, with its integration-oriented approach, investment in quality education, and an increasingly improved learning environment, Vietnam is gradually becoming a reliable academic destination on the international education map, where knowledge, opportunities, and connections are sustainably nurtured.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/viet-nam-toa-do-moi-cho-lua-chon-cua-sinh-vien-quoc-te-401717.html