Experiencing Vietnam: Australian students dive into local culture with Nguyen Tat Thanh University

In an era where tourism has evolved into a cross-cultural economy, Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NTTU) has materialized its internationalization strategy by welcoming Australian students under the New Colombo Plan. From December 11 to 20, international students engaged in a comprehensive experiential journey, directly immersing themselves in local life beyond traditional lectures. This serves as clear evidence of NTTU’s open and practice-oriented academic environment, affirming its leading position in high-quality tourism training.

From Classrooms to Local Life Immersion

The journey begins with a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s geography, history, and its diverse tourism landscape. Contemporary themes such as green tourism, community-based tourism, and ESG challenges are discussed from an academic perspective closely integrated with practical reality. A key highlight is the basic Vietnamese communication class, which empowers Australian students to confidently connect with locals through simple greetings and body language.

Moving beyond traditional aspects, talk shows featuring music, fashion, and social media provide international students with a sense of a young, dynamic Vietnam that is transforming rapidly in the digital era.

Immersing in Vietnamese culture and traditions within a modern, open, and multicultural academic environment at NTTU

Cuisine, Music, and Ao Dai: A “Living Curriculum”

At NTTU’s training facilities, Australian students get hands-on experience preparing traditional folk dishes while exploring the philosophy of Vietnamese cuisine. Simultaneously, activities introducing the Ao Dai, wedding customs, and traditional festivals (such as Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival), alongside traditional musical performances, transform abstract cultural concepts into tangible and emotional experiences.

NTTU Faculty of Tourism: Fostering Vietnam-Australia exchange and promoting global, sustainable tourism education.

Field Practice at Historical Landmarks

Guided tours of Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic landmarks—including Independence Palace, the Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral—offer NTTU Tourism students a valuable opportunity to practice their roles as tour guides. This activity not only helps international friends gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history and urban development but also highlights the vital link between tourism, heritage conservation, and sustainable development.

NTTU: A Premier Destination for Tourism Training in the Integration Era

With a team of experienced faculty, state-of-the-art practice facilities, and an expanding international network, the Faculty of Tourism at NTTU affirms its position as a training provider deeply aligned with social needs and global trends.

The continuous implementation of international cooperation programs—such as the project for Australian students—demonstrates NTTU’s long-term vision and commitment to developing a workforce with solid expertise, integration skills, and social responsibility. At NTTU, students do not just learn a profession; they are trained to become future “cultural ambassadors.”

Choose Tourism – Choose Integration – Choose a Secure Career Future. This is the path that Nguyen Tat Thanh University is persistently paving for the younger generation in a flat world.

By: Cam Thach

Photos: Media

Translated by: International Relations