This May, Humber launched the Summer Study Abroad Collaborative Program with the National Economics University (Hanoi) and the University of Economics (Ho Chi Minh City) in Vietnam as part of the Humber Global Learning Hub project. For the first time at Humber, an overseas faculty-led trip was co-taught by faculty and staff at Humber and our partner universities. This trip was led by professors Candace Iron and Audrene Kerr-Brown from the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Innovative Learning.

Through this once-in-a-lifetime journey across Vietnam, Humber students had the opportunity to step outside the Canadian classroom to experience learning first-hand in another country and culture. This unique experience consisted of stimulating and engaging lectures led by Humber faculty and professors in the host cities, interactions with local people, visits to museums and villages, delectable Vietnamese meals and cooking classes, and so much more. This experience also challenged the participants to enhance their intercultural competencies and to thrive in a new and very different environment in terms of climate, culture and lifestyle.

Interacting with partner faculty, students and local people, our faculty and students immersed themselves in a cultural fabric that was an extraordinary mix of modernity and traditions and of regional and ethnic diversity. “My trip was filled with joy and a new found love for the Vietnamese”, recounted Nateka Miller, Humber student. “I now see Vietnam in a new light, despite a history of pain, and long suffering, the Vietnamese people are able to move forward, and everywhere you go you are greeted by cheerful smiles”. The program also became a learning experience for local students. Thao Nguyen, an NEU student, regarded this program as “a top-ranking and wonderful experience” where the participants learned to overcome differences in culture and language to learn, play, and discover the country together. During this short but memorable trip, true and long lasting friendships have been nurtured between Humber and partner university students.

The program also highlighted Humber’s Internationalization Strategy by creating a mutually rich exchange of culture, ideas and expertise. “This trip was truly enriching and rewarding”, emphasized Candace Iron. “Beyond gaining valuable knowledge and skills, we learned from and collaborated with local professors”.

Humber faculty and students participating in this Summer Program in Vietnam 2019 were exceptional ambassadors for Humber. Tung Dao, Director of the International Cooperation Department and also a NEU faculty in the program, was impressed with their “contagious enthusiasm and engagement”.

Shared Vera Beletzan, “By providing an immersive study abroad experience for our students and a professional development opportunity for faculty, and through learning and collaboration with our Vietnamese colleagues, this initiative is a great example of our internationalization goals in action”.

For more information on the Summer Program in Vietnam, visit here.