British Ambassador to Vietnam: “BUV’s Cultural Immersion Programme lays foundation for future growth in the UK – Vietnam relationship”

“BUV has been a crucial partner in establishing educational connections between the UK and Vietnam. From schools to universities, and research to innovation across all educational sectors, BUV stands as a cornerstone in shaping and strengthening this relationship both now and in the future,” emphasised the British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew. 

As a part of the Cultural Immersion Programme 2024’s activities, the British Embassy in Vietnam, in collaboration with British University Vietnam (BUV), hosted a Reception for nearly 40 students and faculty members from nine top-tier UK institutions. This event was held at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Hanoi, highlighting BUV’s commitment to fostering global connections and enhancing educational experiences through its various student mobility programmes. 

A Cultural Bridge  

This special reception featured distinguished guests, including the British Ambassador to Vietnam – Mr. Iain Frew, and BUV Vice-Chancellor and President – Professor Raymon Gordon, along with students and faculty from the University of Sussex, Arts University Bournemouth, Bournemouth University, University of Salford, Staffordshire University, Nottingham Trent University, and the University of Huddersfield.  

They are participants in BUV’s Cultural Immersion Programme, which brings international students closer to the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture while offering BUV students many opportunities to diversify their international experience. These experiences allow them to gain valuable insights into Vietnam’s dynamic economy and rich cultural heritage. Additionally, the programme fosters intercultural understanding and lasting friendships, equipping students with the skills and networks needed to thrive in a globalized world.  

The British Ambassador to Vietnam – Mr. Iain Frew expressed his pleasure at witnessing the connections being forged through educational exchanges, stating, “It is really a pleasure, a delight to have this group here who I think represent in some ways connections we’re building for the future between the UK and Vietnam. The connections that are being made now between students who are on exchange programmes are really creating the grounds for the future, building UK and Vietnam relationships.”  

Mr. Iain Frew, the British Ambassador to Vietnam, at the reception

In the event, Professor Raymon Gordon – BUV Vice-Chancellor and President, emphasised: “At BUV, internationalisation is a key strategic focus, and we are committed to fostering global connections and cultural exchanges with Vietnam and especially our students. Vietnam, with its emerging economy, is recognised as the jewel of Asia, and the focus for contemporary and future commercial and social opportunities. By integrating international perspectives into our curriculum and providing platforms for cross-cultural interactions, we prepare our students to thrive in a globalised world.”   

Professor Raymond Gordon, Vice-Chancellor and President of BUV, delivering his speech at the reception

In the summer of 2024, the BUV Cultural Immersion Programme proudly welcomed over 20 international students from five prestigious British universities. Throughout the programme, more than 50 activities and workshops were conducted, offering international students a comprehensive understanding of Vietnamese culture and a multitude of diverse experiences. Language learning, traditional food making and tasting, sightseeing, field trips to various businesses across different sectors, social activities, etc. are parts of this amazing adventure that the students have immersed in this summer, together with the local students at BUV.   

Beyond workshops and excursions, students also had the opportunity to participate in impactful activities like charity trips to SOS Village Hai Phong and trash collection in Ha Long Bay. These experiences broaden their understanding of local challenges, foster sustainable development, and enhance their cultural immersion, allowing them to make a positive impact on the communities.   

Ms. Claire McIntyre – Head of International Arts University Bournemouth, congratulated the success of the BUV Cultural Immersion Programme, “This is our inaugural year running this program, made possible through our new partnership with BUV. The success of this year’s program is just the beginning, and we are excited about the potential for future initiatives that will benefit both our institutions and our students. We eagerly anticipate exploring future opportunities ahead.”   

Mr. Geoffry Evans – Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance at Salford Business School, University of Salford added: “Our students have had the chance to make lifelong friends, both among themselves and within BUV, whether with their buddies, the employees they meet, or even the staff. It is a really rewarding experience. These top-performing students from Salford Business School have fully engaged and immersed themselves in this experience. It is wonderful to see the partnership and collaboration between the two universities.” 

Strengthen UK – Vietnam Educational Partnership 

BUV’s summer mobility programmes are funded under the Turing Scheme – the UK government’s initiative to promote global student mobility and support UK students who want to reach out and have an international experience.   

Naming after the world-renowned and pioneering British mathematician, Alan Turing, this scheme is envisioned towards the aim of enabling UK students from schools, vocational and education training providers, and higher education institutions to go abroad to study across the world.  

British Ambassador to Vietnam: “BUV’s Cultural Immersion Programme lays foundation for future growth in the UK – Vietnam relationship”

Mr. Iain Frew addressed the gathering, highlighting the strong partnership between UK and Vietnam in the field of education through initiatives like the Turing Scheme, “BUV has been a crucial partner in establishing educational connections between the UK and Vietnam. From schools to universities, and from research to innovation across all educational sectors, BUV stands as a cornerstone in shaping and strengthening this relationship both now and in the future.”  

The Ambassador also expressed his desire to see more British students coming to Vietnam to study, believing that these students would return as ambassadors for the thriving partnership between the UK and Vietnam, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.   

The Reception for International Visiting Students at BUV marked the resounding success of the Cultural Immersion Programme 2024, celebrating the spirit of global education and cultural exchange. The event fosters cultural immersion, personal growth, and networking opportunities, planting seeds for future businessmen that connect the two countries.