On December 5, 2025, the University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi (ULIS-VNU) held the Closing Ceremony of the Vietnamese Language and Vietnamese Cultural Experience Course for students from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the American Councils for International Education. The event took place on the first floor of the Sunwah Building in a warm and formal atmosphere, marking the conclusion of a 15-week journey of language learning and cultural exploration for international students at ULIS.

Attending the ceremony from ULIS-VNU were: Dr. Hoa Ngoc Son – Vice President of ULIS; Dr. Duong Quynh Hoa – Head of the Office of University Governance; Dr. Luu Manh Kien – Deputy Head of the Office for Science & Technology and Development Cooperation.

Representatives from the Faculty of Vietnamese Language & Culture and Southeast Asia Studies included: Dr. Tran Huu Tri – Dean of the Faculty; Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Chi – Vice Dean; together with lecturers and students of the Faculty.

From the American Councils, Mr. Brendan Ryan, Regional Director of the Vietnamese Language Program in Vietnam, attended the ceremony.

In his remarks, Vice President Hoa Ngoc Son highly appreciated the students’ diligence and strong commitment throughout the course. He emphasized that their academic activities, field trips, and daily experiences in Hanoi not only helped them improve their Vietnamese proficiency but also enabled them to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture. He shared that their hard work, openness, and willingness to integrate had helped them “become a part of Hanoi during their stay.” He expressed his hope that the valuable memories made in Vietnam would continue to nurture their affection for the country, its people, and ULIS after they return home.

Following his speech, Dr. Tran Huu Tri, Dean of the Faculty, noted that although the course was relatively short, the students had shown remarkable progress in language skills and confidence in communicating with Vietnamese people. He commended their adaptability and willingness to challenge themselves—from preparing cultural performances within a short time, to trying new dishes and engaging in cultural activities they had never experienced before. He believed these simple but meaningful moments would remain unforgettable memories when they think about Vietnam.

Representing the American Councils, Mr. Brendan Ryan expressed his gratitude to ULIS and the Faculty of Vietnamese Language & Culture and Southeast Asia Studies for providing a supportive and professional learning environment that helped students make clear progress in just a few months. He acknowledged the dedication of the teachers and especially the “language partners,” who assisted students in practicing conversation, understanding Vietnamese culture, and navigating everyday situations. He reminded the students that learning Vietnamese is a long-term journey that requires perseverance, but the experience-rich environment at ULIS makes that journey much more enjoyable. He encouraged them, saying: “With just a little practice each day, Vietnamese will become more natural to you, and Vietnamese culture will feel closer.”

Student representatives also shared their reflections on the course. They said that classroom activities, study sessions at coffee shops, field trips to Quang Binh and Phong Nha – Ke Bang, and family meals at their homestays deepened their appreciation for the warmth, openness, and subtlety of Vietnamese culture. They expressed that the care shown by teachers, language partners, and homestay families was the most valuable thing they had gained during the course.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of Certificates of Completion and souvenirs to the international students. The closing ceremony did not end a journey, but rather opened new and promising pathways ahead for each student.

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Trần Thị Ngọc Thuý/ĐSTT