UEH.ISB Honours College

As part of its ongoing efforts to expand international learning opportunities and provide students with meaningful global experiences, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) continues to facilitate students’ participation in academic and cultural exchange programs with international partner universities. From July 27 to August 2, 2026, Vietnamese students, including students from UEH, participated in the Taiwan Summer University Program in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The program was organized by National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), Taiwan, and Parami University, Myanmar, and hosted by NSYSU.

Under the theme “Uncertainties and Challenges in a Changing World,” the program provided students with opportunities to explore how societies respond to rapid changes and emerging challenges in an increasingly complex world. Through academic seminars, peer dialogue, workshops, field visits, and structured reflection sessions, the program created an engaging environment for students to exchange perspectives on social change, educational reform, technological disruption, cultural identity, youth engagement, and community resilience.

During their time at National Sun Yat-sen University, students explored a range of interdisciplinary topics addressing challenges faced by societies across the region. Sessions covered issues including AI in higher education and the future of work, educational reform and equity, indigenous knowledge, language and curriculum, youth- and community-led initiatives, and the relationship between identity, culture, and civic life.

A distinctive feature of the program was its focus on the experiences of Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Through lectures, discussions, and workshops, students had the opportunity to compare how different countries and communities respond to uncertainty and social change. These activities encouraged students to develop critical thinking, strengthen their ability to analyze complex issues, and engage confidently in academic discussions within an international environment.

One of the highlights of the program was the group project and final presentation. Working closely with peers from different countries and cultural backgrounds enabled students to strengthen their communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability skills. More importantly, the experience encouraged them to listen to diverse perspectives, collaborate across cultural differences, and develop and present ideas collectively in a multicultural setting. Beyond the classroom, the program provided students with opportunities to engage directly with local communities and experience the cultural context of Kaohsiung. A field visit to the Taivoan community in Sunlight Xiaolin offered valuable insights into efforts to preserve cultural identity, restore heritage, and rebuild the community following historical events and natural disasters.

Through this experience, students gained a deeper understanding of how local communities preserve their cultural values while adapting to social and environmental changes. First-hand stories and community experiences also highlighted the importance of identity, collective action, and community resilience in building a more sustainable and inclusive future. The journey also included visits to Kaohsiung Port and the Pier-2 Art Center, as well as opportunities to experience local life and the city after hours. These activities complemented the academic component of the program, creating a holistic learning experience in which classroom knowledge was connected with the culture, communities, and everyday realities of the host city. Taiwan Summer University 2026 offered students much more than a week of study at an international university. It created a space for them to learn from international peers, view familiar issues from new perspectives, and gain confidence in engaging with diverse cultural and academic environments. For UEH students, experiences like these form an important part of developing global competencies and an international mindset. Learning, discussing, and collaborating directly with students from different countries enables them to connect academic knowledge with real-world contexts while developing the skills needed for their future studies, careers, and roles as responsible global citizens.

Providing students with opportunities to participate in international programs such as Taiwan Summer University 2026 also reflects UEH’s continued commitment to expanding learning beyond the traditional classroom and connecting students with universities, communities, and cultures around the world. Through these initiatives, UEH continues to enrich its international learning ecosystem and create new opportunities for students to gain knowledge, skills, connections, and cross-cultural experiences. From exploring how societies navigate uncertainty and adapt to change to connecting with international peers and local communities, the journey in Kaohsiung offered students valuable and memorable learning experiences. More importantly, the program encouraged them to reflect on how sustainability, community engagement, inclusiveness, and social responsibility can contribute to the development of their own communities and countries.