British Ambassador to Vietnam: “BUV’s Culture Immersion Programme is a brilliant example of the UK–Vietnam partnership”

“Transnational education is a key priority for the UK, and BUV has a fantastic offer that really shows the quality, the focus on partnership and international collaboration, and the focus on the future,” emphasised H.E. Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam. 

This June, nearly 70 students from nine UK universities gathered at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Hanoi for a special reception, hosted by the British Embassy in Vietnam and British University Vietnam (BUV). Marking the fourth consecutive year of expansion for BUV’s Culture Immersion Programme, this year cohort reflects the growing momentum behind the UK–Vietnam education partnership.  

The reception brought together distinguished guests including H.E. Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam; Professor Rick Bennett, BUV Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President; BUV leadership and faculty; and representatives from leading UK partner universities and Vietnamese corporate partners.

Vietnam as a rising destination 

Throughout the Culture Immersion Programme, students immersed themselves in this year’s theme of Vietnamese cultural heritage and sustainable tourism. 

From exploring some of Vietnam’s most renowned cultural and historical landmarks: the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, etc. to experiencing the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay and delving into ethnic minority life, they discovered a country defined by both rich traditions and remarkable diversity. 

Beyond cultural experiences, the programme also introduced students to one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Through interactions with startups, multinational companies, and Vietnamese enterprises, they gained first-hand insights into the country’s evolving business landscape and the opportunities emerging for young international professionals. 

“It was fascinating to discover how beautiful this country is, from its culture to its people,” shared Marina Venturini, a visiting student from Bournemouth University. “One experience I’ll always remember was the coastal clean-up in Ha Long. While we were volunteering, others stopped and joined us in supporting the cause. It showed me how inspiration can spread from one person to another. And it even got me thinking about doing a Master’s degree here one day.”

Speaking at the reception, The British Ambassador to Vietnam – Mr. Iain Frew encouraged international students to embrace Vietnam with the curiosity and openness the country deserves. 

“Vietnam is an incredibly dynamic place, full of friendly faces, warm welcomes, and people who really want to get on and better their lives in ways connected to the rest of the world. I think young people coming to Vietnam should do so with a sense of curiosity, with open-mindedness, and with enthusiasm for everything this amazing country has to offer.” 

For Professor Rick Bennett, BUV Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, the value of sending students to a place like Vietnam runs deeper than any itinerary. Exposure to a new professional landscape and to the ambition of Vietnamese peers is, he argues, formative in a way that a classroom simply cannot replicate. 

“Seeing more international students choosing this country as a destination is something we’ve been working toward for a long time and a real validation of what we’ve built here,” shared Professor Rick Bennett. 

“Universities are no longer just about doing your degree. They must act as the bridge between where a student wants to study and where they end up in their careers. These are the experiences that build that bridge, shaping not just careers, but the kind of global citizens our industries are looking for.” 

Professor Bennett also expressed his hope to welcome more international students to Vietnam, believing that those who experience the country firsthand will go on to become future leaders who keep building bridges between Vietnam and the world. 

Comprehensive strategic partnership in action 

This year’s Culture Immersion Programme also arrives at a significant moment in the relationship between Vietnam and the UK, following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with education identified as one of its key pillars. 

As Vietnam pursues its ambition to become a regional education hub and the UK continues expanding its transnational education footprint, initiatives that bring students, institutions, and industries together are translating policy into meaningful action. 

“Welcoming this diverse cohort coming to BUV and Vietnam means moving beyond the language of partnership to practical action: exchanges of young people, people-to-people connections, and building shared ambitions for the future,” Ambassador Iain Frew said. “BUV really shows the quality, the focus on partnership and international collaboration, and the focus on the future. It’s a brilliant example of our partnership in practice.” 

Vietnam and the UK have long shared a strong educational relationship built on academic excellence, cultural exchange, and workforce development.  

Reflecting on BUV’s role within that partnership, Professor Bennett added: “At BUV, we are deepening that through growing partnerships with over 75 leading universities worldwide, rigorous academic standards, and a student experience that genuinely reflects both worlds. That is how we see our role: not just as a model for what transnational education can look like, but as an active contributor to Vietnam’s ambition.” 

With a vision to become the leading international university in Vietnam and the wider region, BUV continues to create opportunities for students to combine academic excellence with cultural experiences and industry engagement, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. 

For more information about BUV’s International Office: https://www.buv.edu.vn/international-office/