The practical learning journey of Archival Studies students at the Hoa Binh Provincial Historical Archives Center.

Touching time-worn documents and listening to the stories behind each archived file, the trip provided Archival Studies students with an opportunity to experience the realities of archival work, from management and preservation processes to exploiting the value of archival documents. This activity aligns with the training orientation that integrates theory and practice, helping students hone their professional skills and better identify career opportunities after graduation.

Faculty and students of the Department of Archival Studies and Office Management, along with leaders and staff of the Hoa Binh Provincial Historical Archives Center, pose for a commemorative photo.

Experience in managing and maximizing the value of archival documents.

During the field trip, the two sides jointly organized a seminar titled "Sharing experiences in managing and promoting the value of archival documents at the Hoa Binh Provincial Historical Archives Center". Here, students and lecturers had the opportunity to directly exchange experiences with the Center's leaders and staff, from collecting and organizing to preserving documents, thereby providing a clear and vivid perspective on the realities of archival work.

Associate Professor Dr. Dao Duc Thuan gave a speech and expressed his gratitude to the Hoa Binh Provincial Historical Archives Center.

Speaking at the seminar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Duc Thuan – Head of the Department of Administration, Document Management and Archival Studies, Faculty of Archival Studies and Office Management – ​​expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hoa Binh Provincial Historical Archives Center, and emphasized, “In the undergraduate program in Archival Studies, we always focus on combining theoretical training in the classroom with practical field trips and surveys. This is one of the meaningful activities organized by the Faculty of Archival Studies and Office Management this academic year.” 

Mr. Pham Ba Kien, Director of the Hoa Binh Provincial Historical Archives Center, shared the advantages and difficulties encountered in carrying out archival work at the Center.

Mr. Pham Ba Kien, Director of the Hoa Binh Provincial Historical Archives Center, shared: Currently, the Hoa Binh Provincial Historical Archives Center manages over 1,000 meters of archival materials, of which about 70% (equivalent to 700 meters) have been digitized to serve more efficient searching and exploitation. He also stated that there are currently 256 agencies and units in the province that submit archival documents to the Center. In the future, the Center will continue to promote the collection, preservation, and promotion of the value of archival materials, while strengthening the application of technology to better serve the needs of research, study, and administrative management.

The students actively asked questions and exchanged professional opinions during the seminar.

A panoramic view of the seminar.

Experience the world of storage – A close look at future careers.

Following the seminar, the faculty and students of the Department of Archival Studies and Office Management visited the archives of the Hoa Binh Provincial Historical Archives Center, learning about document preservation methods and the procedures for accessing and using archival materials at the Center.
 

Students not only get to observe the systematic archiving process firsthand, but also listen to authentic stories about the profession – where each page of archived documents is not simply a piece of paper, but also a memory, a history that needs to be preserved with both knowledge and dedication. From the challenges of preserving documents for many years under strict conditions to the journey of digitization to "revive" the value of documents in the technological age, every sharing provides students with a sharper insight into the profession they are pursuing.

Students visit the document archive.

Explore the local cultural and historical heritage.

Besides their professional studies, students also had the opportunity to visit the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant – an iconic project of Vietnam's electricity industry. Here, they experienced a journey through the tunnels leading to the underground power generators, visited the "Letter of the Century," and offered incense at the memorial to the 168 Soviet and Vietnamese officials, workers, and experts who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the project.

The delegation visited and offered incense to commemorate the 168 Soviet cadres, workers, and experts who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Lecturers and students take a commemorative photo at the Vietnam Ethnic Groups Cultural and Tourism Village.

More than just an extracurricular activity, the field trip to Hoa Binh truly became a valuable career experience, helping Archival Studies students become more confident in their choice and passion!

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