IUH Welcomes French Students: Bridging Knowledge and Culture 08-07-2025
France and Vietnam have long shared a rich historical relationship, closely connected through both culture and education. Continuing that tradition, the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) was honored to host a cultural and academic exchange program featuring representatives from the French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as lecturers and students from several universities in France.
Culinary exchange session at the Faculty of Tourism and Commerce – IUH
From June 18 to 19, 2025, IUH had the pleasure of welcoming students from La Croix Rouge School and the University of Western Brittany (Université de Bretagne Occidentale – UBO), a renowned public university in the Brittany region of western France. This marks a significant milestone in IUH's international cooperation efforts, as it is the first time the university has hosted a group of European students for an in-person exchange.
The Vietnam–France exchange program took place in a lively and friendly atmosphere, featuring a range of meaningful activities. On the academic front, a notable highlight was a workshop on Sensor Signal Processing Circuit Design and IoT System Development for Mechatronics held at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The workshop drew the participation of around 30 IUH lecturers, graduate students, and undergraduates. It featured in-depth lectures from expert Claude Vo, a lecturer from UBO, and ran across both days, providing valuable academic opportunities for attendees.
Expert Claude Vo from UBO shares insights on IoT systems for mechatronics with IUH students and trainees
In addition to academic activities, cultural elements were creatively and vividly integrated. French students attended an introductory Vietnamese language class and explored traditional Vietnamese culture through local specialties, including bánh dày, xôi xéo, and Vietnamese coffee. They also joined IUH students in a 3D paper fashion design contest, performed folk songs, played shuttlecock kicking (đá cầu), and participated in other traditional games. A highlight was the cultural and culinary exchange lunch on June 18, which left a lasting impression through the fusion of Vietnamese traditional dishes and French cuisine – including wine brought from UBO.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đàm Sao Mai – IUH Vice President, Mr. Andrea Taglioni – Representative of the French Consulate in HCMC (center), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trịnh Ngọc Nam – Head of Science Management & International Cooperation Office, Mr. Claude Vo – UBO Lecturer
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đàm Sao Mai emphasized: "This is the first time the university has combined a student cultural exchange with a specialized academic workshop in the field of mechatronics. We hope this will serve as a foundation for future student exchange programs, internships, and joint research between IUH and international universities."
IUH and UBO have collaborated for nearly a decade through student exchanges, joint teaching, and research activities. Representatives from UBO expressed their appreciation for the warm and thoughtful hospitality from IUH. French students also shared their fondness for Vietnam and IUH – some, currently interning at the university, even jokingly said they "don't want to return to France" because they've grown so attached to the environment here.
The visit not only opened new opportunities for collaboration but also reaffirmed IUH's growing reputation as a dynamic and high-quality destination for international academic and cultural exchange in southern Vietnam.
Some photos from the series of activities:
