The Vietnamese – UK Institute (VNUK), a unit under the University of Danang, carries a mission of internationalizing education. With a wide and high-quality network of international partners, VNUK provides students with valuable learning and career opportunities.
VNUK is not only an ideal place to gain practical, specialized knowledge, but it also serves as a gateway for students to reach the global stage and study in top educational countries. Student exchange programs have always been a pathway for VNUKers to achieve their dreams. Let’s explore what makes the international environment at VNUK so unique through the eyes of its students!
Growing Means Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Văn Đức Huy, a student of International Business and Management, had never flown before, yet he bravely chose South Korea as the destination for his first journey abroad. Huy participated in an exchange program at Yonsei University, one of Korea’s most prestigious universities.
From being unfamiliar with even buying a plane ticket, this short-term study abroad journey completely transformed him. Huy faced challenges in preparing his visa, living independently, and leaving behind the familiar environment of Da Nang and VNUK. Yet, all these challenges resulted in valuable experiences and personal growth.
Huy recalls his time at Yonsei:
“Firstly, the campus in Wonju offers a clean and spacious environment surrounded by mountains and fresh air, which brought a refreshing change and greatly improved my health and mood. Secondly, Korean people are very friendly and welcoming. Their kindness made me feel comfortable and helped me adapt quickly to a new culture.
Moreover, the academic standards at Yonsei were not much different from VNUK. All courses were taught in English, so there were no language barriers in learning. Living in the dormitory exposed me to a lively community, helping me develop independence and social skills. Finally, the professors at Yonsei were open-minded and encouraged ideas and class discussions. This environment fostered critical thinking and made learning more engaging.”
Overcoming Cultural and Language Barriers Is Easier Than You Think
“During my time in Kyoto, Japan, everyday communication was initially the biggest challenge. Most Japanese people have limited English skills, so interactions like shopping or asking for directions were mostly in Japanese. However, knowing basic sentence structures and common vocabulary was enough for daily communication,” shares Nguyễn Nghĩa Tuân, a 23rd cohort Computer Engineering student.
Tuân adapted quickly to the cultural environment. He explains:
“At first, I felt a bit overwhelmed because I had heard that Japanese people are very polite and disciplined. Japan is often said to have many unwritten social rules, but in reality, most Japanese people do not mind much. Basic courtesy, such as avoiding disturbance or noise in public, is enough.
Japanese people are especially helpful to international students. Staff at stores, train stations, and even passersby are willing to assist, despite language barriers.
Kyoto University offers plenty of social and recreational activities for international students. Activities like hiking, board games, and welcome parties help students socialize without language barriers. Visiting tourist attractions that I had only seen in movies, exploring temples, and local landmarks—some even with student discounts—was amazing!”
VNUK is proud to be a close partner of Kyoto University, one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Tuân had the invaluable opportunity to study in a country renowned for its educational excellence.
Getting Closer to Your Study Abroad Dream with VNUK
At VNUK, every semester provides students with opportunities to study at partner universities with cost-effective exchange programs. With partners across Asia (Japan, South Korea, Malaysia) and Europe (UK, Spain, etc.), VNUK proudly offers valuable opportunities for students to gain international exposure in a high-quality, multicultural learning environment.
For exchange students, the program is not only about studying in a high-quality environment but also about creating memorable experiences during their university years—and sometimes, for a lifetime.
VNUK sincerely thanks the students who shared their experiences. We believe that these seemingly short journeys in foreign countries will become invaluable assets for students’ future paths. We wish all students continued growth and success in both their studies and life!
