The Situation
Between 2015 and 2023, global academic institutions sought to deepen cross-cultural learning and practical exposure in areas such as sustainability, agriculture, and community development. In this context, I contributed significantly to organizing international student exchange programs, academic conferences, and applied research initiatives connecting Vietnam with global partners including the Netherlands, the United States, Germany, and Japan.
My Roles
As a member of the organizing committee and an academic program coordinator, my responsibilities included:
Advancing Global Academic Collaboration and Experiential Learning
Coordinating student exchange programs between University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) from 2015 to 2019.
Bridging Academia and Community Through International Engagement
Planning and executing international conferences with academic partners from the US, Germany, Japan, and other countries.
Cultivating Global Perspectives Through Education and Research
Designing and supervising field trips focused on sustainability, environmental protection, and agricultural tourism from 2019 to 2023.
Fostering International Exchange, Research, and Sustainable Learning
Supporting applied research projects and workshops involving students, faculty, and community stakeholders.
How I Supported and Solved Problems
Exchange Program Management
For four consecutive years, I co-managed the logistics, academic alignment, and intercultural training for bilateral student visits. I ensured seamless travel planning, coordinated with both universities on curriculum matching, and created cultural immersion activities to enrich the learning experience
Crisis Adaptation
When the exchange program was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022), I helped maintain the international partnerships through online academic forums and virtual collaboration, keeping momentum for future resumption.
International Conference Coordination
I played a key role in organizing and moderating international academic conferences—handling speaker invitations, agenda design, and logistical setup. These events fostered dialogue on pressing topics such as sustainable development, education innovation, and rural transformation.
Field-Based Learning & Applied Research
From 2019 to 2023, I organized and facilitated thematic field trips across rural Vietnam, helping students engage with real-world sustainability practices, agricultural tourism models, and community-based environmental efforts. These experiences often fed into research projects and policy discussions.
This long-term engagement led to
Proceeds from product sales contribute to planting and maintaining mangrove and nipa palm forests, boosting coastal protection against climate change.
Developing Future-Ready, Socially-Conscious Global Citizens
Over 50 women and vulnerable individuals have gained stable jobs, skills, and increased income.
Driving Collaborative Impact Through Knowledge Exchange
Cù Lao Dung’s eco-friendly products now have a platform to reach conscious consumers across Europe, creating a model for other marginalized communities.
Positioning Institutions as Global Leaders in Applied Education
Enhanced reputation of the host institutions as leaders in applied international education and research.
“We wouldn’t have gotten to where we are today without Mekong Link Amsterdam. The Mekong Link Amsterdam spent time with us to better understand our processes and where our bottlenecks were.”
