Student Exchange between South Dakota State University and Vietnam National University of Agriculture

On May 14, 2025, a delegation of faculty and students from South Dakota State University (SDSU), USA, led by Professor Bob Thaler, Dean of the Department of Animal Science, visited Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA). Welcoming the delegation were representatives from the International Cooperation Office, the Faculty of Animal Science, VNUA Student Union, as well as students from various faculties in the university.

The delegation, consisting of faculty members and nearly 30 SDSU students, participate in the welcome meeting

This visit marked the third consecutive year of student exchange collaboration between VNUA and SDSU. On behalf of the university leadership, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Long, Directir of the International Cooperation Office, expressed his delight and warmly welcomed the SDSU delegation. He extended special thanks to Prof. Bob Thaler (Department of Animal Science, SDSU), Prof. Russell Daly (Department of Veterinary Medicine, SDSU), and Prof. Dr. Vu Dinh Ton (Faculty of Animal Science, VNUA) for their continued support and cooperation in organizing such meaningful exchange program.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Long, Director of the International Cooperation Office, delivered a welcome speech to the delegation

Prof. Bob Thaler expressed his sincere thanks to VNUA for the warm and thoughtful reception, emphasizing the university’s genuine interest in strengthening the collaboration between the two institutions. He expressed his hope to welcome VNUA’s faculty and students to SDSU in the future and affirmed his desire to further develop bilateral cooperation through faculty and student exchange programs, joint research projects, and other collaborative initiatives. Prof. Thaler highlighted that the student exchange event should not end with this visit alone. He encouraged students to be open, exchange contact information, and build networking and collaboration, just as previous generations of professors have done to establish and maintain strong academic relationships between the two universities.

He also shares his joy in leading a student delegation to VNUA for the third time

During the exchange session, student representatives from both universities introduced their institutions, sharing insights into their history, training programs, and especially student activities such as volunteering and student club initiatives.

Following the meeting in the main hall, SDSU students enjoyed immersing themselves in VNUA’s green campus environment. They were excited to explore the university by electric shuttle, visiting main locations including the lecture hall, student square, dormitory complex, and the central Four-Lake Area, etc.

Campus tour by electric shuttle

The SDSU students were also thrilled to visit the VNUA 2025 Flower and Ornamental Plant Exhibition, a major event celebrating Vietnam Science and Technology Day on May 18.

Visit the VNUA 2025 Flower and Ornamental Plant Exhibition

An open and engaging exchange program featuring interactive games designed and organized by VNUA students themselves helped bridge cultural differences and ease the initial unfamiliarity between students of the two universities.

Get to know each other through games

Small gifts were exchanged, and joy was shared in the thrill of winning a game

Students come together to capture and cherish unforgettable memories

The student exchange between VNUA and SDSU served as a bridge, connecting students and inspiring dreams of studying, connecting, and learning with international peers.

Such international exchange activities undoubtedly open new doors for VNUA students, empowering them to grow, gain global perspectives, and confidently pursue their academic aspirations.

Written by ICO, VNUA