This post is also available in: Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

On August 24, 2026, the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), Vietnam National University, Hanoi, held the opening ceremony for the 2026 Vietnamese Language and Vietnamese Cultural Experience Program for students from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and American Councils (USA).

The ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Le Kim Anh, Vice President of ULIS; representatives of the university’s departments and units; and student volunteers. Representing the partner organizations were Nolan Phan, Regional Director of the American Councils Vietnamese Language Program in Vietnam, and participating U.S. students.

In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Le Kim Anh emphasized that the program is a special one for ULIS in general and for the Faculty of Vietnamese Language and Culture and Southeast Asian Studies in particular. It is also the first course to be held following the university’s enrollment ceremony for the QH.2026 cohort, including students in the Vietnamese Language and Vietnamese Culture major (Vietnamese as a Foreign Language Teaching Program). Although it is a short-term course, the cultural experience component is expected to make a meaningful contribution to the development of the program.

At the ceremony, Dr. Tran Huu Tri, Dean of the Faculty of Vietnamese Language and Culture and Southeast Asian Studies, expressed his delight and honor at the U.S. students’ decision to choose ULIS as their learning destination. The university has also completed the selection of host families, giving international students an opportunity to experience everyday life in Vietnam firsthand. In addition, 11 ULIS students volunteered to support the program, serving as “bridges” between their U.S. peers and the Vietnamese community through academic activities and cultural exchange. Dr. Tran Huu Tri expressed his hope that this companionship would help Vietnamese and international students better understand one another, learn from each other, and grow together.

Continuing the program, Mr. Nolan Phan, Regional Director of the American Councils Vietnamese Language Program in Vietnam, expressed his confidence in ULIS’s teaching methods and training quality. He also thanked the university for its close cooperation, which has created meaningful opportunities for learning and cultural exchange for students from both sides.

At the ceremony, Antonio Mestanza, representing the participating students, shared his enthusiasm for the Vietnamese language, which he described as closely connected to Vietnam’s rich culture and welcoming people. Antonio expressed his gratitude for this valuable opportunity and his hope to have more opportunities to learn about Vietnamese culture and work in Vietnam in the future.

The ceremony concluded with a group photo session and the presentation of commemorative gifts.