Students from 5 countries attend summer course at University of Social Sciences and Humanities

The course was attended by students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi, University of Zurich (Switzerland), Gadjah Mada University (Indonesia), Royal University of Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Mandalay University (Myanmar), Chiang Mai University (Thailand). The theme of the course is “urban change”, which describes the transformation and development in Southeast Asia in the context of rapid urbanization. The aim of the course is to create an interdisciplinary, international discussion forum, combining theory and practice to clarify “urban change” in Vietnam in general and Southeast Asia in particular. At the same time, the course helps students get acquainted with field research, arouse interest in ethnographic research, and practice the ability to discuss academic topics in English in a multilingual environment.

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) sent a warm welcome to domestic and international students participating in this course. At the same time, the Rector gave a presentation introducing the historical, political, economic, cultural and social characteristics of Vietnam. Thereby, he presented views and perspectives on the identity and image of Vietnam in the eyes of international friends.

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh presents

Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh presented souvenirs to two lecturers of the University of Zurich, Dr. Esther Horat and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Annuska Derks.

The course will last three weeks starting from July 2. In the first week, students will learn about the process of urban change in Vietnam, major theories of urban change, and qualitative research methods. Specifically, through lectures from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the University of Zurich, students will be introduced to historical and current perspectives on urban change, rural-urban migration, and the development of peri-urban areas. In the second and third weeks, students will practice their ethnographic research skills through field surveys in areas around Hanoi and group exercises. Finally, in a two-day workshop, students will present the results of their fieldwork on urban change in Vietnam and make comparisons with their own country.