The Student Journey: A Cultural Kaleidoscope

19 Dec, 2024

To encourage cultural diversity and help students become more globally minded, the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) launched the "Cultural Connections: Student Life Exchange" cultural exchange program. Through interesting and entertaining activities, the event welcomed a group of American university students and honored the cultural beauty of both countries.

UEH Students with International Students

After an exciting icebreaker game, the event began with a minigame called "Price Tag." In this game, players had to guess the costs of common Vietnamese snacks that UEH students like, like smoothies, bubble tea, bánh mì, and spicy noodles. Each dish conveyed a distinct story about Vietnamese cuisine and student life.

The international students were shocked to know that these delicious snacks typically only cost $1 to $2.50, which is perfectly affordable for students. The game sparked lively debates and laughter as participants shared their guesses and discovered more about Vietnamese cuisine.

Breaking the ice with a Price Tag game, challenging participants to guess the prices of popular Vietnamese student snacks.

With a shared love of food paving the way for new friendships, the program moved on to a creative activity led by the American students. They challenged UEH students with a fun game that featured zoomed-in photos of famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Following the games, the American students shared their perspectives in an open and heartfelt discussion. UEH students were able to learn more about American culture during this session, especially the social and academic settings of American universities.

The next activity was a game to test participants' knowledge of famous landmarks and cultural symbols in the United States.

During the program's Q&A and group discussion, students from both sides shared an engrossing story about their academic pursuits, cultural backgrounds, and daily lives. Every query and response acted as a conduit, encouraging understanding between parties and the sharing of real-life experiences.

These interactive activities dissolved language barriers and cultural differences, bringing students closer together.

During the discussions, students explored cultural highlights such as Thanksgiving traditions, where families gather to express gratitude while enjoying classic dishes like turkey and pumpkin pie. In turn, American students eagerly learned about Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, which also emphasizes family reunions, ancestral respect, and memorable shared moments.

This interactive dialogue dissolved language barriers and cultural differences, bringing students closer together. The stories shared not only revealed unique traditions but also uncovered shared values, creating a warm and meaningful atmosphere throughout the event.

Adding to the experience, a Vietnamese-style tea break offered participants a taste of traditional desserts. The American students were especially fond of bánh da lợn, a simple yet iconic treat that embodies the essence of Vietnamese culture.

The program crescendoed with lively musical performances from both groups. Vibrant and energetic songs in both Vietnamese and English filled the room with laughter and joy, with students enthusiastically singing and dancing along. These shared moments created unforgettable memories and a sense of camaraderie.

Vibrant and energetic songs in both Vietnamese and English filled the room with laughter and joy

The “Cultural Connections: Student Life Exchange” wrapped up in a warm and cheerful atmosphere. Students from UEH and the American left with new friendships and invaluable cultural insights.

As part of the UEH English Zone Project, this cultural connections event encourages UEH students to become cultural ambassadors who showcase Vietnam’s beauty to the world. To join future English events, please follow UEH English Zone fanpage and stay updated on upcoming events. These are wonderful opportunities to make friends, explore new cultures, and create lasting memories!