Like cactus branches

This is the first international thesis defense of the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies and Language, although the Faculty has produced many foreign bachelors in Vietnamese language and culture for decades. Ten Vietnamese students and three students from other countries presented to the council the results of their research after a long period of serious work under the guidance of lecturers inside and outside the faculty. This year, the research focused on urgent practical issues such as aspects of life interacting with socio-economic and cultural changes and sustainable development, and transnational communities... Not only many theses of domestic students, but also the research of foreign students surprised with their novelty and scientific content. The reports all attracted many lively and open discussions, helping students to perfect their research, while supporting the orientation for the next generation of students.

For full-time students, the general policy of the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies and Language is both strict and dedicated and supportive. During the learning process, students are closely monitored and encouraged to share their difficulties and problems so that teachers can help them find solutions. During the thesis defense, all contributions and efforts of students are highly appreciated and respected. Because it is the first product crystallized from their acquisition and concerns over a long period of time, with many difficulties in the lecture hall.

Student life is a time of great joy and happiness, but also full of hardships. Not only do students have to overcome dozens of subjects and stressful exams, they also have to face many difficulties and obstacles of living independently away from home. Many students have to work hard with very little pay to make ends meet. However, most students are still proactive in improving themselves, from knowledge to life skills. Many students have not yet received their degrees but have found jobs in large companies. Many students have been well prepared for their next academic path. For the Faculty and lecturers, that is the greatest reward.

Lao students congratulate you on successfully defending your thesis.

After the ceremony, to show their gratitude to their teachers, K57 students presented a special gift of small cactus vases to place on their desks to “protect against UV rays from computers”. A teacher looked at the tiny potted plant and said, “Students are like cactus branches. They do not succumb to any difficulties. If they fall, they will eventually take root, grow deep into the soil, and become a new cactus.” This was both an affirmation and a wish for the future, which is wide open with many new opportunities and difficulties, from the Faculty for the K57 Vietnamese Studies bachelors who are about to receive their degrees.