“Joint training program between Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (HUCE) and the University of Mississippi (UM, USA) brought a modern studying experience to young and talented students of HUCE, make them confident on the path to become global citizens”

The phrase “global citizen” is no longer strange to Vietnamese youths today in the context of the digital era, and of constant connection and integration. “Global citizenship” is also a fairly popular keyword and is searched with high frequency (Tuoi Tre Newspaper, 2019). However, the journey to becoming a global citizen requires young people not only to have professional competence, skills, and foreign language abilities, but also to have more diverse cultural and social experiences than what they study in the university.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, “Training to create quality human resources with global skills and knowledge is the first step to help Vietnam reach out to the world”. The promotion of joint training programs and cooperation in education with prestigious international partners is a preparation for Vietnamese youths/students on the path towards the goal of becoming “global citizens” (Nhan Dan Newspaper, 2020).

With the role of a university with various contributions in training high-quality human resources in the field of engineering and technology for the country, HUCE has taken advantage of existing conditions to expand international cooperation. In the field of training, The University has been active in promoting the development of international joint training programs with major partners in the world to improve training quality, thereby equipping Vietnamese students with knowledge and skills, as well as with necessary qualities in the period of integration to become “ASEAN citizens”, or “global citizens”.

Joint training programs between Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (HUCE) and UM in the fields of Civil Engineering and Computer Science were initiated since the Signing Ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two universities on May 10, 2018 at the campus of UM. At the signing ceremony, leaders of the two universities pledged to promote cooperation activities in various fields of training and scientific research, as well as to create opportunities for students to study and hone their knowledge and skills in the field of science and technology. The most advanced educational environment in the world of UM.

Rector of HUCE and Rector of UM in the Signing Ceremony of MOU

Leaders of two universities in the Signing Ceremony of MOU

It will be the dream of most Vietnamese students to study in and experience the professional educational environment of UM. Ranked 700 in the world (according to QS Ranking), UM is a public university with a history of nearly 200 years. UM is also the largest university in the state of Mississippi in the southern United States. UM possesses a green university campus (more than 900 hectares) with many parks, gardens and buildings with outstanding architectural styles over the period, modern facilities, as well as qualified and enthusiastic lecturers. These are the decisive factors for UM to have always been voted as most favorite university in the US for many consecutive years.

Delegation of HUCE takes souvenir photos in the campus of UM

The joint training programs between HUCE and UM were approved by the Ministry of Education and Training according to Decision No. 2260/QD-BGDDT dated 08/08/2019. The programs are structured in 2 stages: the first stage (2 years) at HUCE, and the second stage (2 years) at UM. Students participating in the program will have the opportunity to hone their knowledge, skills, study and communicate in English in a professional, international-quality educational environment. At the end of the course, students will receive a Bachelor degree from UM and have a priority opportunity to continue to study at higher levels such as Master, or PhD.

With the support of the Board of Rectors, lecturers, and staff of HUCE, together with the efforts and determination of the students themselves, in June 2021, the first batch of students completed their 2-year study at HUCE excellently, and received an invitation letter from UM to continue pursuing their majors in Civil Engineering and Computer Science. The partner university has supported with visa procedures, and enrollment instructions so that students can complete them quickly and promptly in the very special context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On the evening of August 13, 2021, the students reached the city of Oxford, Mississippi. Despite having spent more than 36 hours flying halfway around the world, the students of HUCE were still very happy and excited because of the kind and thoughtful welcome from the representative of the International Cooperation Department of UM right at Memphis Airport (Mississippi), and were taken to their new home.

A great start to the talented and willful students of HUCE, who are always eager to gain new knowledge, equip themselves with skills and cultural and social experiences to improve themselves to meet the challenges of international integration. Their journey to become “global citizens” will have many difficulties and obstacles ahead, but there will certainly be opportunities that will open up for them on the way to a bright future. They will be Vietnamese citizens with the qualities of “global citizens”, contributing to bringing Vietnam to the world.

Some photos of the students of HUCE when they arrived in Mississippi, starting their journey to study in the US to become “global citizens”

HUCE students are welcomed by Mr. Tan Ho – Vietnam coordinator of UM – at Memphis Airport, Mississippi, USA

Representative of the International Cooperation Department of UM welcomes HUCE students at Memphis Airport, Mississippi, USA

Students of the joint training programs are provided by UM with optimal transport to come to their new home at the city of Oxford, Mississippi, USA

Students take a souvenir photo at the university that they have been dreaming of, starting their journey towards becoming “global citizens”

(Source of photos: Faculty of International Education, HUCE)