This activity is part of the annual international cooperation program "VNU-CMU Intercultural Exchange Program 2026," jointly implemented by the two units since 2023. This is not simply a field trip, but an in-depth internship module where classroom knowledge about regional studies, culture, and language is compared and directly applied to a local environment.
The 15-day journey officially begins with a tour of the Chiang Mai University (CMU) campus – one of the leading multidisciplinary higher education institutions and one of the most beautiful ecological landscapes in Northern Thailand.
The group of students took a commemorative photo at the gate of Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
To help Vietnamese students quickly adapt to the new environment, the organizers cleverly incorporated a Buddy Matching activity. Each USSH student was paired with a Thai student. This activity proved highly effective: language barriers and initial awkwardness were quickly overcome. The "buddies" not only acted as "guides," introducing the academic life at CMU, but also provided support to the internship group in communication, learning, and understanding the daily etiquette of the local people.
Thai and Vietnamese students get to know each other.
The focus of the internship is on hands-on learning sessions, where students directly participate in the creation and preservation of traditional cultural values of Northern Thailand:
At the Monfai Cultural Center, the student group experienced the cultural heritage of Thailand. Described as a living museum, Monfai offered the students a comprehensive view of the artistic life of the local people. Here, they could wear traditional costumes, paint patterns on characteristic paper fans with their own brushes, and immerse themselves in the sounds of traditional musical instruments.
Students experience traditional Thai culture at the Monfai Cultural Centre.
Not content with just observing, the group of students entered a real dance class to experience the renowned Fon Leb. A highlight of this art form is that the dancers wear long, curved brass fingernails. Students were guided through each graceful, slow, and elegant hand movement. In the local culture, Fon Leb is not only a performing art but also a ritual of hospitality, often appearing during major festivals or to welcome distinguished guests.
Students receive instruction in Fon Leb dance at Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
Students participated in making a special Thai handicraft called a Ta Laew – typically hexagonal or star-shaped. The Ta Laew holds deep spiritual significance. Locals believe it is a protective amulet, a kind of talisman capable of warding off bad luck, and is also used to mark the boundaries of sacred areas during religious ceremonies.
Students participate in making Ta Laew at Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
The internship group traveled to the Muen San Temple area to participate in a Suay Dok making class. Students honed their meticulousness by folding banana leaves into cone shapes and decorating them with fresh flowers. Suay Dok is an indispensable offering in Buddhist rituals, symbolizing reverence and purity. Simultaneously, the group also directly observed artisans at Muen San demonstrating their exquisite silver carving techniques – a traditional craft that is being actively preserved.
Students participate in a workshop on making Suay Dok and silversmithing at Muen San Temple.
The internship program is designed to strike a balance between learning about Thailand's ancient values and its modern development:
The group conducted field trips to key historical sites. Starting at Tha Phae Gate – a dark red brick wall, a historical testament to Chiang Mai's past as a fortified city. Next, students surveyed the architecture at Chedi Luang Temple (home to the remains of the city's tallest brick stupa) and Lok Moli Temple with its beautifully carved wooden architecture. The highlight of the religious journey was a trip up the mountain to visit Phra That Doi Suthep Temple – a sacred spiritual center, where students could experience Buddhist culture and enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Mai's development from above.
Internship group at Tha Phae Gate
Internship group at Chedi Luang Pagoda
Internship group at Lok Moli Temple
Internship group at Phra That Doi Suthep Temple
To provide a multifaceted perspective, the delegation visited the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). The remarkable development of scientific and astronomical infrastructure there helped students gain a clear understanding of a modern Thailand, learning how to balance preserving past heritage with investing heavily in future science.
The group of students visited the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT).
A highlight of the internship was the culinary exchange activity. The K68 Oriental Studies students not only served as recipients of knowledge but also became "cultural ambassadors" of Vietnam.
Students cook on the campus of Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
Right on the campus of Chiang Mai University, the delegation set up food stations, personally preparing ingredients and cooking two authentic Vietnamese street foods: savory fried cakes and mixed rice paper salad. The live cooking process and distinctive flavors attracted a large number of Thai students and faculty members to participate and enjoy. This activity created an open and warm cultural interaction space, leaving a deep impression on international friends about the skill and hospitality of young Vietnamese people.
On July 14, 2026, before officially concluding the program, the internship group took some time to stroll and reflect on their journey at Ang Kaew Lake – an artificial lake with a tranquil and picturesque landscape, considered an unmissable symbol when mentioning CMU.
Student group doing internship at Ang Kaew Lake
The closing ceremony of the program took place shortly afterwards in a happy and emotional atmosphere, with the special presence of the Vice Dean of the Department of Anthropology, Chiang Mai University. The ceremony was enlivened by cultural performances from students of the Department of Oriental Studies.
Representatives from various sectors took to the stage to perform cultural and artistic acts.
The most significant moment of the ceremony was when the representative of the Organizing Committee announced the names and presented the Certificates of Completion for the "VNU-CMU Intercultural Exchange Program 2026" to all 48 students.
Students of cohort K68 majoring in Thai Studies receive certificates.
Students of cohort K68 majoring in Southeast Asian Studies receive certificates.
The internship at Chiang Mai University has concluded, but the values it provided will last. Fifteen days immersed in an international environment helped K68 Thai Studies and K68 Southeast Asian Studies students not only strengthen their theoretical foundations but also cultivate essential soft skills: intercultural communication skills, teamwork abilities, and adaptability. The practical experience gained from this trip will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration and a solid foundation for them to continue their research and studies, confidently stepping out into the world in today's integrated context.
Author:Department of Oriental Studies
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