As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) and Chonnam National University (CNU), South Korea, on cooperation in education and training, scientific research, and student exchange, the 2026 short-term training program at Chonnam National University was successfully organized, with the participation of students from the Faculty of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agronomy, and Faculty of Food Science and Technology, VNUA.
The program was designed to provide students with opportunities to experience an international learning and research environment while enhancing their disciplinary knowledge, practical skills, and ability to adapt to a multicultural setting. The program consisted of two phases: In the first phase, students attended a two-month Korean language course at VNUA to acquire basic knowledge of the Korean language and culture. In the second phase, students participated in a one-month academic exchange program at CNU.
During their studies at CNU, the students received direct instruction from Professor Han Okso, Program Director, who delivered specialized sessions on Laboratory Safety and Organic Certification. Through these lectures, students learned about laboratory safety principles, research practices in accordance with international standards, and key aspects of organic agricultural product certification in South Korea.
Students attending a laboratory safety session with Professor Han Oksoo before beginning their practical training in the laboratories
In addition to theoretical instruction, students also participated in practical learning activities at CONU and Farm Cert. There, they learned about the processes of assessing, inspecting, and certifying agricultural products. Throughout the program, lecturers, staff, and personnel at these organizations provided enthusiastic guidance, answered students’ questions, and shared practical knowledge, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the role of agricultural product certification in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Students gaining hands-on experience in sample collection procedures for the assessment, inspection, and certification of organic agricultural products and antibiotic-free foods
In addition to supporting students in their academic and professional activities, the lecturers and staff at CONU and Farm Cert also provided opportunities for students to enjoy memorable cultural experiences by introducing them to traditional Korean dishes, exploring local traditional markets together, and learning more about the daily lives of Korean people. The friendliness and enthusiasm of the lecturers and staff left a lasting and positive impression on the participating students.
Cultural experience exploring and learning about traditional Korean culture with fellow students and lecturers
As part of the program, students were assigned to laboratories at CNU, where they directly participated in research activities under the guidance of professors and researchers at the university.
Two students, Nguyen Nhu Thanh and Doan Thu Thao from the Faculty of Biotechnology, undertook internships at the Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory under the supervision of Professor Kim Don Kyu. There, they participated in research on GFP cloning and viral expression and gained hands-on experience with a range of molecular biology techniques, including plasmid mini-prep, restriction enzyme digestion, ligation, PCR, cell culture, virus infection, mRNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative gene expression analysis using qPCR. Through their laboratory experience, the students became familiar with modern research procedures, enhanced their experimental skills, and gained a deeper understanding of the applications of molecular biology techniques in scientific research.
Experiment on animal cell proliferation and analysis of H1N1 virus gene expression following infection of animal cells using qPCR (quantitative PCR)
Alongside the students undertaking internships at the Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Nguyen Ngoc Anh Nhi (Faculty of Agronomy), Nguyen Khanh Linh and Dinh Mai Hue (Faculty of Biotechnology), and Vu Hong Nhung (Faculty of Food Science and Technology) also conducted research in the laboratories of the professors at CNU. During their internships, they were exposed to a range of research areas in modern biotechnology and agriculture and participated in experiments involving plant tissue culture and transformation into bacteria and model plants. They also gained hands-on experience with techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, SDS-PAGE, and gene sequencing under the guidance of the professors and researchers in the laboratories.
Dang Quynh Phuong, from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, had the opportunity to undertake an internship at the Veterinary Hospital of CNU and in the laboratory of Associate Professor Lee Jina. During the internship, she learned about animal examination, diagnosis, and treatment at the veterinary hospital, while also gaining further experience in molecular biology and immunology techniques. These practical experiences helped broaden her disciplinary knowledge and provided her with a more comprehensive understanding of modern veterinary medicine.
Nguyen Ngoc Anh Nhi, from the Faculty of Agronomy, shared that, “The short-term training program at CNU was a truly meaningful experience for me. The program gave me the opportunity to meet experienced professors and researchers, study in an international environment, and interact with friends from diverse cultural backgrounds. In addition to enhancing my professional knowledge and practical skills, I also improved my foreign language communication skills and gained a better understanding of Korean culture and the learning and research practices here. This valuable experience has given me greater motivation and a clearer direction for my future academic journey.”
Students conducting experiments in the laboratories
The 2026 short-term training program at CNU provided students from VNUA with valuable opportunities to study, conduct research, and gain practical experience in an international environment. The success of the program not only contributed to enhancing students’ professional competencies and cross-cultural skills but also further strengthened cooperation between CNU and VNUA in education, training, and scientific research.
VNUA students participating in the 2026 short-term training program at CNU, South Korea