DUE Goes Global (Part 2): At Tzu Chi University, learning from a different world

Nine students from the University of Economics - The University of Danang are taking part in an exchange programme at Tzu Chi University under the Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP). The programme provides students with opportunities to experience an international educational environment, different learning approaches and a multicultural social setting, giving practical expression to DUE’s internationalisation strategy in education.

Nguyen Phan Lan Linh at Tzu Chi University

Stepping beyond familiar boundaries

For DUE students, choosing Tzu Chi University began with a desire to apply what they had learned in the classroom to a broader context.

Le Anh Phuong Huyen (Class 51K25-P, Faculty of Business Administration) wanted to observe first-hand how developed economies operate rather than learning about them solely through textbooks. Meanwhile, Nguyen Phan Lan Linh (Class 51K01.2, Faculty of Tourism and International Business) was looking for highly practical courses closely aligned with her major. For Le Xuan Mai (Class 50K31-E, Faculty of E-commerce, Marketing and Digital Technology), the multinational environment provided an opportunity to test and broaden her way of thinking by working with people from different cultural backgrounds and examining approaches developed during her studies in Vietnam.

Le Anh Phuong Huyen enjoys the learning environment at Tzu Chi University

The decision to take part in an exchange programme also raised questions about academic progress and personal plans.

Phan Nhu Quynh (Class 49K25.3, Business Administration) was initially concerned that the trip could affect her study plan. However, with academic and training-management support from the University’s relevant units, Nhu Quynh was able to participate proactively in the programme and gain access to an international academic environment.

Phan Nhu Quynh quickly adapts to a proactive and multicultural learning environment.

Learning from a different ecosystem

During their first weeks in the new environment, students faced a range of new demands: using a different language in academic settings, organising their own travel, managing their time and adapting to a more self-directed approach to learning.

Nguyen Ha My (Class 51K34-P, Faculty of Finance and Banking) said the initial period presented a number of challenges. Studying alongside international lecturers and students helped her gradually adapt to the new environment.

Le Thao Nguyen (Class 51K25-P, Faculty of Business Administration) observed that environmental protection in Taiwan is reflected in many everyday practices, from using personal water bottles to waste sorting at schools.

Le Thao Nguyen takes every opportunity to learn about and experience local culture

Ha Thi Thu Ha (Class 49K31.2, Faculty of E-commerce, Marketing and Digital Technology) said she was also impressed by the organisation of public spaces and urban infrastructure in the local community.

These observations have broadened the scope of the students’ learning experience. Their living environment has become another “classroom”, where they can see the links between education, management, public policy and community behaviour in areas such as transport, the environment and the use of public spaces.

Through their exchange experience at Tzu Chi University, students hope to bring home more than just professional knowledge.

Le Xuan Mai said the international experience had encouraged her to become more open-minded and confident when entering new environments. Phan Ngoc Tuong Vy (Class 49K01.3, Faculty of Tourism and International Business) highlighted observations from local daily life, including queuing culture and the calm manner in which people interact in public spaces.

The University of Economics is continuing to expand its academic horizons while shifting its focus from the transmission of specialised knowledge towards developing students’ capacity to adapt and integrate into an increasingly international environment.