The "International Student Exchange Program between the Faculty of Economics and Management, Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) and Aoyama Gakuin University, Japan" has officially concluded, leaving us with many special emotions and valuable lessons. Although it lasted only eight days, the program offered us profound experiences and opened up a journey of learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
During the first two days (March 3 and March 4, 2025), the opening ceremony and the academic atmosphere of the initial seminar provided us strong inspiration. We were introduced to topics related to agricultural economics and Vietnam’s administrative system, which laid a solid foundation for both Japanese and Vietnamese students to share knowledge and learn from one another.
Exchange students take a photo with lecturers from both universities in the program's opening ceremony
March 5 marked an unforgettable milestone as we had the opportunity to visit the JICA office in Hanoi and the Lien Ap Cooperative in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh province. There, we gained deeper insights into the role of Japan’s ODA projects in the development of Vietnamese agriculture and witnessed firsthand the process of clean agricultural production. The sincere stories shared by local farmers and our direct experience in the fields sparked a newfound appreciation for agriculture within us, as well as a desire to contribute to the sustainable development of this vital sector.
The exchange student group visits the JICA office in Hanoi.
The journey continued on March 6, taking us to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) office in Hanoi and the Canon factory in Dong Anh District, Hanoi. There, the exposure to advanced production technologies and insights into Japan’s investment trends broadened our perspectives on career opportunities and economic development between the two countries. The visits to both the JICA and JETRO offices were made even more meaningful thanks to the Japanese–Vietnamese interpretation support provided by Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Ha (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, VNUA) and Dr. Nguyen Thi Ly (Faculty of Economics and Management, VNUA).
Students visit the JETRO office.
Exchange students during their visit to the Canon factory in Dong Anh, Hanoi
On March 7, we had the opportunity to directly experience the safe vegetable production activities at the Yen Dung Cooperative in Yen Dung District and learn about the organic fertilizer production process at the Hoang Gia Cooperative in Bac Giang city, Bac Giang province. These practical experiences were incredibly valuable, helping us connect the theoretical knowledge we learned in the classroom with real-world production. Especially, the conversation with the farmers not only provided us with information but also left us with a deep sense of empathy and understanding of the hard work and resilience of those working in agriculture.
Students visit the production at Yen Dung Cooperative.
March 8, the International Women's Day, was a special and emotional day. The warm atmosphere spread as the male members of the group gave small, thoughtful gifts and meaningful wishes to the female members. That morning, the field trip to Ky Son Commune, Tu Ky District, Hai Duong Province, provided us with a deep insight into labor export, an opportunity-filled path but also full of challenges for rural people. The real-life stories shared by the local residents helped us understand more clearly the value of labor and the silent sacrifices made for the future.
Interviewing locals in Ky Son district, Hai Duong province
March 9 was a special day for us as we had the opportunity to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Standing before the Mausoleum, witnessing the resting place of the great leader, we were deeply moved and gained a greater appreciation for the values he dedicated to the Vietnamese people. Not only Vietnamese students, but also Japanese students expressed their admiration for such an outstanding figure, a symbol of peace and national independence. Continuing our journey, we arrived at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, a place that preserves the cultural features of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. Each artifact and each story vividly recreated through models and explanations, helping us gain a deeper understanding of the cultural diversity of Vietnam. The traditional costumes, the characteristic houses of each ethnic group, and the unique customs and practices opened our eyes to the harmonious connection between the various ethnicities in this S-shaped land. The visit was not just an exploration, but also a meaningful experience, making us more proud of our national identity and more appreciative of the enduring cultural values.
On the final day (March 10), the summary report session in Room 404, Bui Huy Dap Building, VNUA was a moment for us to reflect on the journey we had taken. The knowledge, emotions, and friendships shared through each summary slide and each story made the atmosphere of the presentation close and emotional. The farewell party in the evening was an opportunity for us to express our gratitude, exchange memorable gifts, and capture moments that would forever be a beautiful part of our student life memories.
The group of students present their report on the trip.
The farewell party with lecturers and students from both universities.
We were deeply grateful to VNUA and Aoyama Gakuin University for organizing such a meaningful program, not only for learning but also for connecting hearts. What we gained from the program was not just knowledge, but also friendship, respect for culture, and motivation to strive for the future.
We hoped that VNUA and the Faculty of Economics and Management would continue to create opportunities for more students to participate in such academic exchange programs – where knowledge and emotions go hand in hand, connect, and spread out.