Academic Exchange between Students of Vietnam National University of Agriculture and South Dakota State University, USA

On May 13, 2026, students of Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) participated in an exchange program with a delegation of students from South Dakota State University (SDSU), USA, led by Prof. Bob Thaler, Head of the Department of Animal Science. The exchange program was attended by students from the Faculty of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of Food Technology, and Faculty of Tourism and Foreign Languages. The participating students were also members of VNUA student clubs, including the VNUA English Club and the VNUA Tourism Club. This annual activity has been organized continuously between the two universities since 2022.

Students from South Dakota State University, USA, and students from VNUA at the exchange program

At the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Long, Director of the International Cooperation Office, on behalf of VNUA’s leadership, expressed his pleasure in welcoming the delegation of faculty members and students from SDSU, USA, to the exchange program with VNUA’s students. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Long also extended special thanks to Prof. Bob Thaler, Department of Animal Science, SDSU; Prof. Russell Daly, Department of Veterinary Science, SDSU; and Prof. Dr. Vu Dinh Ton, Faculty of Animal Science, VNUA, who laid the foundation for the partnership, maintained the cooperative relationship, and helped organize this highly meaningful exchange activity for students of both universities. “This is a very valuable opportunity for students from both universities. Through international exchange and interaction programs, many VNUA students have become more confident and motivated. Participation in programs like this is also an important preparation step for joining short-term exchange programs or pursuing postgraduate scholarship opportunities abroad,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Long shared.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Long, Director of the International Cooperation Office, VNUA, delivers a welcome speech to the delegation from SDSU

Prof. Bob Thaler expressed his sincere appreciation to VNUA for thoughtfully organizing the student exchange program and warmly welcoming the delegation. He encouraged the students to actively, openly, and enthusiastically participate in the exchange activities, emphasizing that each trip not only brought meaningful experiences but also provided valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and broadening perspectives in an international environment.

Prof. Bob Thaler, Head of the Department of Animal Science, together with SDSU faculty members, takes a photo with VNUA staff members.

At the exchange program, student representatives from the two universities introduced their institutions and shared information about their histories, academic programs, and especially student activities such as volunteer programs and student club activities.

The SDSU student delegation also toured VNUA’s facilities, lecture halls, and key areas of the campus, including the Four Lakes area, the student square, and research laboratories, before participating in games organized by the VNUA English Club and the VNUA Tourism Club. The exchange activities helped students from both universities bridge cultural differences and overcome the initial unfamiliarity of meeting one another for the first time.

The student delegation in front of the Central Building	Taking an electric shuttle tour around VNUA campus together.
Visiting the Plant Research Laboratory at the Center of Excellence Research and Innovation and being introduced to the lab by Dr. Clark Bart Chancelor, an American lecturer from the Faculty of Agronomy.

Students from the two universities participate in exchange games and take photos together.

The exchange program between students of VNUA and SDSU was not only an opportunity for connection, sharing, and mutual learning, but also helped inspire and nurture students’ aspirations for study, experience, and international integration. The activity also aimed to spread the message of the program “Learn together - Grow together - Lead together.”