On September 8, 2025, the first students from the Chinese Language Faculty of the School of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences (LHSS) at Duy Tan University officially departed to participate in a one-year study abroad program at Guangxi Normal University (China). This is a significant milestone, marking a new development in international cooperation activities and opening up numerous opportunities for learning and cultural experiences for students.

Established in 1932 and located in Guilin City – a region renowned for its poetic landscapes often dubbed “the finest under heaven” in China – Guangxi Normal University is a key university with diverse training majors. Over the years, Guangxi Normal University has become a destination for tens of thousands of students from around the world, thanks to its high-quality academic environment, experienced faculty, and diverse cultural space. The cooperation between Duy Tan University and Guangxi Normal University is expected to create novel and practical learning experiences for Vietnamese students.

Participating in this one-year study abroad program are five students from the K29 cohort: Pham Thi Thu Hien, Vo Thi Bich Hop, Bui Thi Ngoc Mai, Nguyen Sinh The, and Kpa H' Wy. The students will have the opportunity to:

• Enhance their Chinese proficiency through formal classes with native instructors.
• Access modern teaching methods that integrate language theory with practice in an authentic environment.
• Experience diverse Chinese culture through exchange activities, festivals, and visits to famous heritage sites.
• Expand their international network by studying and living alongside students from various countries.

Thu Hien shared: "At first, my friends and I were a bit anxious and nervous about adapting to a new environment. But after a few days of classes, we started to feel more accustomed. The teachers and lecturers here are also very patient in helping us understand. The other students in my class are also international students; I really like the current environment. We would like to thank the university for creating the conditions for us to have this opportunity to study here and improve our Chinese language skills."

In the context of deep integration, building and maintaining international student exchange programs is a strategic direction that the LHSS consistently emphasizes. Through these programs, students not only acquire knowledge from books but also "learn from life experiences," honing their abilities to observe, compare, acculturate, and develop a global mindset. Particularly for the Chinese Language major – one of the School's key training programs – sending students to study directly in a native environment is an ideal condition for them to comprehensively develop linguistic competence and cultural understanding. This also clearly demonstrates the University's investment and commitment to enhancing training quality to meet societal needs.

The journey has just begun, but with the University's support and the students' aspirations, the experiences in China will undoubtedly become valuable assets, helping them mature, become more confident, and be ready to contribute to the community and society upon their return.