Top Singapore University Students Explore Vietnam at BUV Culture Immersion Programme
Nov 24, 2025
17:16:44
International exchange students from Singapore Management University (SMU) representing nine different nationalities visited Vietnam for their SMU Vietnam EdVentures trip, as part of the BUV Culture Immersion Programme.
The week-long journey offered a well-rounded exploration of Vietnam through interconnected dimensions, designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the country’s vibrant life and evolving identity.
Culture immersion lies at the heart of the programme. Students experienced Vietnam’s rich traditions through linguistic and culinary integration, gaining firsthand insight into local life. By engaging directly with the community, they practiced Vietnamese in real contexts, forming meaningful connections that transcended cultural barriers.
Their immersion was further enriched through hands-on workshops, where participants learned to make traditional mooncakes and lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of Vietnam’s most cherished celebrations.
Beyond modern culture, students also explored Vietnam’s historical depth. Visits to Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnam Military History Museum, and Temple of Literature offered valuable context into Vietnam’s past and its enduring resilience. The journey culminated in a ceramic-making workshop at Bat Trang pottery village, where students discovered the artistry behind one of Vietnam’s oldest craft traditions.
“I am really glad I participated in the program because I had such a great time in Vietnam, exploring Hanoi and meeting lovely people. It offered both cultural and historical insights, and the trip was very well organised and I felt very comfortable with the communication and planned schedule,” said Franka Speer.
In addition to cultural and historical learning, the programme incorporated a business field trip to one of Vietnam’s leading IT companies, providing students with valuable exposure to the country’s fast-growing business landscape.
This real-world experience helped bridge academic knowledge with practical insights, equipping participants with a holistic understanding of Vietnam’s economy. Many international students have previously gone on to secure internships or job offers in Vietnam, testament to the country’s expanding global opportunities.
What sets BUV’s Culture Immersion Programme apart is its commitment to sustainability. Students participated in workshops on “Sustainable Tourism & AI in Sustainability and Education” and engaged in a sustainability-focused field activity in Ha Long Bay, raising awareness about environmental protection and the shared responsibility of global citizens.
Each story shared by these SMU students adds a new thread to the growing tapestry of international exchange and understanding, making Vietnam not just a destination but a place to connect, learn, and belong.
“I feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent SMU and am thankful for the experiences we had in Vietnam. It was a learning journey for me and will definitely be added onto my repertoire!” shared Martin Adam Leismark.
With its vision to become the number one international university in Vietnam and the surrounding region, BUV continues to expand opportunities for cross-cultural engagement. Through programmes like Culture Immersion Programme, BUV aims to connect young international talents with Vietnam’s dynamic growth and diverse culture, fostering lasting global friendships and professional linkages.
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