On October 2nd, the Foreign Trade University organized International Day 2026. Through a series of cultural exchange activities, folk games, traditional costume performances, art, and cuisine from 18 countries, the program contributed to realizing the "Internationalization at Home" orientation, expanding opportunities for students to experience an international environment right on campus.
International Day 2026 was organized as a multicultural exchange space where Vietnamese and international students not only showcased the identities of their respective countries but also directly collaborated in building, organizing, and participating in activities. Through this, international experiences were integrated into students' daily academic lives in a close, vibrant, and highly interactive way.
Speaking at the event, Associate Professor Pham Thu Huong – Rector of the Foreign Trade University – extended a warm welcome to Vietnamese and international students attending International Day 2026 , and expressed her hope that each student could truly enjoy the experiences the program offered. The Rector shared that from cuisine, music , performances to the unique cultural features of many countries, each activity is an opportunity for students to explore, connect, and understand each other better; encouraging students to enjoy the program so that through diverse cultural experiences, everyone can feel a sense of closeness and familiarity, as if they were in their own home.
This message also reflects the spirit that International Day aims for: building a diverse, open, and inclusive learning community where students from different countries and cultures can meet, share, learn, and create common experiences together.
As part of the program, 14 traditional folk games were organized on campus, creating an interactive space between Vietnamese and international students. Through these games and experiential activities, students had the opportunity to learn about the unique characteristics of many countries' cultures in a direct and intimate way.
Another highlight of the program was the traditional costume show by international students. These costumes not only offered aesthetic value but also showcased stories about the history, customs, lifestyle, and identity of each country, thereby helping students engage with cultural diversity through visual and engaging means.
The international food area also attracted a large number of students. Dishes were selected, prepared, and presented at stalls by Vietnamese and international students. Through each dish, stories about the culture, customs, and life of each country were conveyed in a relatable way, transforming cultural knowledge from textbooks and classrooms into tangible experiences.
Notably, the majority of activities at International Day 2026 were jointly developed and implemented by Vietnamese and international students, from brainstorming ideas, preparing booths, selecting costumes, organizing games, to performing shows and showcasing cuisine.
Working collaboratively in multicultural teams allows students to enhance their foreign language skills, intercultural communication abilities, teamwork skills, and adaptability to different working styles. These are increasingly important competencies for students in the context of cross-border learning, work, and networking.
One interesting aspect of the program is the participation of international student MCs. The use of Vietnamese by foreign students on stage not only fosters a sense of closeness in interaction but also demonstrates a two-way integration process: Vietnamese students are exposed to other cultures, while international students actively learn about the Vietnamese language and culture during their studies at the university.
Building a multicultural environment within the university expands opportunities for international experiences for more students. From classrooms and academic activities to exchange programs like International Day , students have regular opportunities to interact with different languages, cultures, and work styles. The Foreign Trade University continues to strive to build a diverse and inclusive educational environment where Vietnamese and international students learn, experience, and develop together.
Photo: NTCC
Source: https://svvn.tienphong.vn/sinh-vien-ngoai-thuong-trai-nghiem-van-hoa-18-quoc-gia-tai-international-day-2026-post1881832.tpo
