The International Student Exchange Program 2024 between students of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and students of Swinburne University of Technology, Australia: “Summer Study Tour Program 2024”

29 Jul, 2024

Summer Study Tour Program 2024

Opening Ceremony: Igniting Knowledge - Connecting Cultural Essence

The opening ceremony of the Summer Study Tour Program 2024 officially marked the beginning of a promising journey for students from UEH and Swinburne University of Technology (Australia).

The Swinburne University students were present at UEH Campus B

The program provided a detailed overview, highlighting important aspects such as safety guidelines in Ho Chi Minh City, famous culinary spots, transportation methods and introductions to the School of Law, as well as the School of Economics, Law and Government (CELG) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH).

The students were gathered in lecture hall B1.205

In lecture hall B1.205, UEH students and international students had the opportunity to interact and were introduced to the culture and history of Vietnam, as well as the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the Law program that UEH offers.

Dr. Lu Lam Uyen delivered the opening speech for the program

Dr. Lu Lam Uyen, Director of the Bachelor's Program in International Business Law, delivered the opening speech for the program. She expressed her hope for the program's success and emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange between students from Swinburne University of Technology and students from the School of Economics, Law and Government (CELG). She highlighted the opportunities that the program provides for cultural and academic development, fostering a deeper understanding and promoting strong future cooperation.

Mr. Mai Nguyen Dung delivered an orientation speech about the upcoming seminars

Additionally, Mr. Mai Nguyen Dung introduced the students to the detailed program of upcoming activities and seminars:

+ Seminar 1: Overview of the Vietnamese Legal System;

+ Seminar 2: Vietnamese Law from a Historical Perspective;

+ Seminar 3: Digital Transformation in Vietnam: Achievements and Challenges;

+ Seminar 4: Climate Change in Vietnam: Perspectives from the Mekong Delta;

+ Seminar 5: Labor Commitments in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Signed by Vietnam;

+ Seminar 6: Legal Issues Related to Cryptocurrency in Vietnam.

Opening Ceremony of the Summer Study Tour Program 2024

The Vietnamese Legal Framework: A Foundation for Comprehensiveness and Effectiveness

As part of the seminar series, students had the opportunity to participate in in-depth sessions on practical and contemporary topics such as legal culture in Vietnam, digital transformation, history and law. Speakers included faculty members from the School of Law, CELG, who directly shared their knowledge and experience, providing students with a comprehensive and profound understanding of the Vietnamese legal system.

Students participated in various seminars and workshops

Through academic exchanges, students gained practical experience, refined their specialized knowledge and enhanced their critical thinking skills, contributing to a solid foundation for future development.

Teamwork activities in the seminars and workshops

Students presented on discussion topics

Vietnamese Sidewalks: A Cultural Charm or a Legal “Gray Area”

Australian students explored the vibrant street culture in major Vietnamese cities. These sidewalks are not only spaces for vehicle movement but also vivid reflections of daily life. However, beneath the bustling exterior, sidewalks also harbor legal conflicts and thought-provoking cultural stories.

Local authorities play a crucial role in managing sidewalks through measures such as installing signage, regulating traffic flow and conducting inspections and penalties for violations. Despite these efforts, the problem of sidewalk encroachment persists and remains a chronic issue.

Students during the thematic discussion session

The thematic discussion session led by Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Tram Anh and Mr. Mai Nguyen Dung provided an opportunity to explore the issue in depth, focusing on the interplay between law and practice, while also assessing the effectiveness of current management measures.

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Tram Anh took a commemorative photo with UEH and Swinburne University (Australia) students

Aura of Viet Nam 2024

Besides the academic program, the students also had the opportunity to explore the unique culture of Vietnam through the workshop “Aura of Viet Nam 2024: Understanding and Experiencing Vietnamese Culture.”

Each region of Vietnam, shaped like an "S," boasts its own distinct cultural beauty, contributing to a rich and colorful cultural tapestry. Aura of Viet Nam 2024 was a unique cultural experience where students immersed themselves in the distinctive cuisine, traditional music and long-standing cultural and artistic values of Vietnam.

Workshop on cultural exploration and exchange “Aura of Viet Nam 2024”

This is a golden opportunity for the “UEH ambassadors” to engage in cultural and musical exchange and showcase the image of Vietnam’s land and people to international friends, contributing to the building of friendship and international cooperation. As part of the program, international students had the chance to participate in various game booths such as chopstick balancing, conical hat decoration, bamboo dancing and trying on traditional Vietnamese attire (Nhat Binh).

Students experienced decorating conical hats with stickers

Experience trying on and taking photos in traditional Vietnamese attire

Participate in the traditional folk game: bamboo dancing

Students from Swinburne University visited Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers

During the itinerary, the students from Swinburne University of Technology had a field trip to Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers and the Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC) – partners of UEH-CELG.

Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers is one of the leading law firms in Vietnam, providing professional legal consultancy services to numerous multinational and domestic clients. The visit offered students a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of legal practice and the legal labor market in Vietnam.

A representative from VIAC delivered a speech during the exchange session

VIAC is a non-governmental organization specializing in resolving commercial and investment disputes through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as arbitration and mediation. With a team of experienced and reputable arbitrators, VIAC is a top choice for individuals and organizations both domestically and internationally seeking quick, effective and cost-efficient dispute resolution.

VIAC representatives, including Lawyer Huynh Dang Hieu and Mr. Le Xuan Tien, thoroughly discussed the superior benefits of ADR, such as flexibility, confidentiality, time and cost savings and its role in preserving relationships post-dispute. The visit provided students with valuable insights into ADR and the crucial role of VIAC in promoting these methods in Vietnam.

The student group visited the Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC)

The 15-day journey of the Summer Study Tour Program 2024 was not only an opportunity for academic exchange, training and cultural engagement between Vietnam and Australia but also a bridge of friendship, contributing to strengthening international cooperation between the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and Swinburne University, Australia. Through the program, UEH and Swinburne have jointly opened new doors for cooperation in the academic field, laying a solid foundation for mutual development in education and research in the future.

The Summer Study Tour Program 2024 has officially concluded. Each student gained valuable experiences through the program, leaving behind many impressions and beautiful memories. They have fostered and will continue to nurture meaningful relationships.