From the VNU-USSH lecture halls to the global dialogue space.

As a leading multidisciplinary training and research center in the country, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi) not only provides high-quality human resources but also gradually cultivates a generation of students with global thinking, integration capabilities, and readiness to participate in solving common problems of the nation, region, and the world. In this context, the learning and integration journey of Le Hoai Nam, from the Faculty of History, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-Hanoi, is a prime example, demonstrating the natural connection between academic knowledge and international practice.
From academic foundation to the ability to integrate
Currently, Le Hoai Nam is participating in the exchange program with the Indian National Cadet Corps and attending the 2026 Indian Independence Day celebration with the Vietnamese youth delegation. Prior to this, the second-year student from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities participated in numerous international student exchange programs, such as the Southeast Asia-Japan Youth Ship Program (SSEAYP) in 2024, the Vietnam-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Youth Exchange Program in 2024, and an international student internship at Airlangga University and Bali (Indonesia) in 2025. Notably, in the 2024-2025 academic year, Le Hoai Nam was honored with the title of "Outstanding Student" at the national level.   This diverse series of international experiences is not a collection of disconnected pieces, but is closely linked by the academic foundation and scientific thinking accumulated from the lectures at Vietnam National University, Hanoi. According to Hoai Nam, a prominent advantage for Vietnam National University, Hanoi students participating in international exchange programs is the opportunity to enhance their adaptability in a multicultural environment. In particular, the social sciences and humanities training environment helps students not view issues in isolation, but always place them within a specific historical, cultural, and social context.
“The learning environment at Vietnam National University, especially at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, helps students develop a deeper perspective on issues. Thanks to this, when participating in international programs, we not only acquire knowledge but can also confidently engage in dialogue, share, and contribute our viewpoints with a scientific basis,” Hoai Nam shared. This is what helps Hoai Nam avoid feeling overwhelmed when participating in discussions with international peers, especially on topics related to society, culture, and history – fields that require the ability to analyze, compare, and explain persuasively. From a broader perspective, Hoai Nam argues that knowledge of history, culture, and society helps people understand each other better, avoiding one-sided views or oversimplifications. In a world still fraught with differences and conflicts, the greatest contribution of social science is creating understanding, so that dialogue goes beyond mere "talking," and aims to find common ground.
Promoting the image of VNU students as knowledgeable, capable, and humane.
In international programs, Le Hoai Nam is always clearly aware that he is participating not only as an individual, but also as a representative of the image of VNU students. Spreading that image, according to Nam, doesn't come from formal declarations, but is demonstrated through a serious attitude towards learning, a sense of responsibility in group activities, and proactive participation in discussions and exchanges. Besides participating in professional activities, Hoai Nam spent a lot of time sharing with international friends about the learning environment, training methods, and student life at Vietnam National University, Hanoi. During his exchange program at Airlangga University (Indonesia), Nam had the opportunity to talk with local students about their personal research goals, as well as how the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi supports students in their studies and research.
"Through meticulous work, respectful behavior, and frank yet constructive exchanges, I hope to contribute to spreading the image of VNU students as confident, knowledgeable, and ready to integrate internationally," Hoai Nam said. What makes Hoai Nam most proud when introducing the students and learning environment of Vietnam National University, Hanoi is the quality of training linked to international integration and the intellectual prowess of the students. Nam recalls a memory from an exchange program with the Young Cadets in India, when many young Indian people and even some high-ranking military officers were surprised by the ability of a Vietnamese student to grasp Indian history and culture.
“At that time, I shared that students at Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) study in a leading academic environment that values ​​scientific thinking, respects dialogue, and connects knowledge with social responsibility,” Hoai Nam recounted. Such exchanges helped Nam realize that what is truly commendable lies not only in the accumulated knowledge but also in how VNU students learn, think, and behave when stepping out into the international arena.
Hoai Nam was also particularly impressed with the open yet disciplined approach to knowledge, the serious preparation before each discussion, and the spirit of frank debate based on mutual respect during exchanges with international students. His experience at the SSEAYP 2024 voyage, where delegates were almost "isolated" from the internet in the middle of the Pacific Ocean but still maintained professional discussion sessions, left him with much to reflect on regarding personal responsibility and adaptability in an international environment. Students of Vietnam National University, Hanoi – the core of a knowledge-based society and global citizens.
Based on practical experience, Le Hoai Nam believes that to become true global citizens, Vietnamese students need to possess many qualities: a solid knowledge base, strong foreign language skills, an open mind, and the ability to adapt to cultural differences. However, according to Nam, the most important thing is to maintain national identity and cultural integrity.
"A global citizen is not someone who blends into the world, but someone who understands who they are in order to participate in equal dialogue and act responsibly within the international community," Hoai Nam shared.