The course: 1 Credit.
Time: 06-19/7/2025
Venue: VNUHCM Campus, Linh Xuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to global student exchange programs, focusing on the impact of cultural diversity, sustainability, and technological advancements in international education. Students will explore key aspects of academic mobility, intercultural competence, and sustainable collaboration within higher education institutions.
The course integrates theoretical foundations with hands-on experiences, allowing students to engage in real-world projects, case studies, and collaborative activities. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability in multicultural environments. Additionally, the role of emerging technologies, such as AI and digital learning platforms, in enhancing student exchange experiences will be examined.
By the end of the course, students will develop practical skills and strategic insights to actively participate in international exchange initiatives, contribute to global academic communities, and prepare for future opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of international student exchange programs, including their structure, policies, and global impact. It fosters intercultural communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through experiential learning. Students will explore sustainable mobility models, integrating green development and the circular economy. The course also examines emerging technologies like AI in enhancing academic collaboration. Additionally, it equips students with strategic insights to design effective exchange initiatives while promoting a systemic approach to connecting technology, policy, and community for sustainable global mobility.
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to achieve the following learning objectives:
Active participation in both classroom discussions and out-of-class activities is expected. There is no required textbook for this class. All reading materials will be provided by the lecturers.
Grades will be based on the following breakdown:
Assessment | Percentage |
Attendance | 10% |
Essay (Each student will prepare a 4-pages report) | 60% |
Field trip | 10% |
Poster presentation for each group (group) | 20% |
Students are expected to attend all class meetings (> 85% of sessions). In the case of medical related absences, a hospital or a doctor’s note is needed. Make-up assignments will be determined on a case-to-case basis.
The discussion/summary report of the knowledge gained from the course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to gather peer perspectives and offer input on concepts or viewpoints related to the subjects covered in class. Additionally, essays will be assigned to articulate the students’ stances and thoughts regarding climate change and its impacts.
Students will write and submit a reflection from the excursion at the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve and Mỹ Hòa Hưng island, An Giang province. The reflection should briefly mention the characteristics and importance of the Can Gio Mangrove Forest Biosphere Reserve and Mỹ Hòa Hưng island, compared with similar areas in the world.
Students will work in groups on a poster exploring the multifaceted dimensions of climate change, its impacts on the environment and society and activities during the course. Groups will be randomly assigned.
The course spans two weeks, comprising five lectures delivered by experts. Each group of students, consisting of ten students per group, will conduct a poster with the support of instructors throughout the course.
Date | Proposed activities/ topics | Location |
One | Arrival and check-in | VNUHCM -Dormitory B |
Two | Opening ceremony and program regulation | VNUHCM Administration building |
Two | Overview of climate change, Climate change science
| VNUHCM Administration building |
Two | Climate change impacts and perspectives in Southeast Asia | VNUHCM Administration building |
Three | Climate change impacts on water resources | VNUHCM-University of Science |
Three | AI Applications in Learning and Work | VNUHCM-University of Science |
Three | Group meeting between Students and Instructors | VNUHCM-University of Science |
Four | The role of modelling in climate policy analysis | VNUHCM-International University |
Four | Visiting VNUHCM-Center for National Defense Education | VNUHCM-Center for National Defense Education |
Four | Group meeting between Students and Instructors Topic of discussion: 1. Lecturer questions: Review and address any questions posed by the lecturers 2. Guidance and support for 8 groups on the poster 3. Progress updates on the poster | VNUHCM-International University |
Five | Interacting with students from the University of Economics and Law (UEL) – HCMC National University | VNUHCM-Unversity of Economics and Law (UEL) |
Five | Group meeting between Students and Instructors Topic of discussion: 1. Lecturer Questions: Review and address any questions posed by the lecturers 2. Support for 8 groups on the Poster 3. Progress update on the Poster 4. Preliminary information about Can Gio and the Mekong Delta for field trip preparation | VNUHCM-Dormitory B |
Six | Visiting the VNUHCM campus and interacting with students from the Faculty of Oriental Studies and of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (HCMUSSH) – HCMC National University | VNUHCM campus and University of Social Sciences and Humanities- VNUHCM |
Six | Preparing for cultural exchange activities | VNUHCM-Dormitory B |
Six | Cutural Night | VNUHCM-University of Information Technology |
Seven | Can Gio excursion tour: Introduction of activities to protect mangrove forests and local biodiversity | Can Gio mangrove biosphere reserve |
Eight | Free exchange of sports and activities | VNUHCM-Dormitory B |
Nine | Travelling to An Giang University and visiting Mỹ Hòa Hưng, an island commune situated in the middle of the Hau River, northeast of Long Xuyen city, An Giang province. This area is renowned for its floating islands and is the homeland of former President Ton Duc Thang. Legends about tigers have earned it the name “Mr. Tiger Island” or “Cù lao ông Hổ.” Points of interest include culturally significant features such as a village specializing in repairing wooden boats, floating gardens, erosion areas, ancient houses adapted to climate change, and floating markets. | VNUHCM – An Giang University |
Ten | Climate change and nature-based solutions: climate change rice varieties, floating season rice | VNUHCM – An Giang University |
Ten | Self-study | VNUHCM – An Giang University |
Ten | Group meeting between Students and Instructors Topic of discussion: | VNUHCM – An Giang University |
Ten | Deadline for Personal Assignment Submisssion | VNUHCM-An Giang University |
Ten | Buffet dinner | VNUHCM-An Giang University |
Eleven | University tour (Visit the university, classrooms, working buildings, library, laboratories) | VNUHCM – An Giang University |
Eleven | Back to Ho Chi Minh City | |
Twelve | Green economy and circular economy: solutions to mitigate climate change | VNUHCM – University of Technology |
Twelve | Student community project: “LOGIOT model for organic waste recycling forward to circular economic” | VNUHCM – University of Technology |
Twelve | Youth-Driven Sustainability: Innovations for a Greener Future | VNUHCM – University of Technology |
Twelve | Check the progress of essay and poster | VNUHCM – University of Technology |
Thirteen | Poster presentation for each group | VNUHCM Administration building |
Thirteen | Poster presentation for audience | VNUHCM Administration building |
Closing ceremony. | VNUHCM Administration building |