International students successfully completed the YICMG Summer Camp Program 2019.

Fourteen teams that had previously won prizes at the 2019 Mekong River Basin Governance and Development Youth Innovation Competition participated in this summer camp. The camp aimed to provide an opportunity for members of the winning projects to present their initiatives to a panel of experts and international investors. In addition, the teams also had the chance to learn about the upstream Mekong River.

This year, two student groups from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities participated in the YICMG 2019 summer camp: Trinh Tung Lam (K59 International Studies), Tran Thi Hoang Phuc (K59 International Studies), Nguyen Thu Giang (K60 International Studies), who won The Most Valuable Issue Award with their project “Dragon Ball” (2018); and Bui Nhat Linh (K61 International Studies), Nguyen Thi Huong Giang (K61 International Studies), Bui Thi Minh Thuy (K60 International Studies), who won The Best Project for Incubation Team Award with their project “Shades of Banana” (2019).

From July 21st to July 22nd, 2019, Vietnamese student teams presented their projects to an international judging panel. The Shades of Banana team became the first to convince the panel to allow their project to become a reality. The project was reviewed by the international expert panel, who provided suggestions for improvement. As a result, the Shades of Banana team won third place in the competition.

The Vietnamese delegation at the Yushu Earthquake Museum

From July 23rd to July 28th, 2019, the Vietnamese student delegation had the opportunity to experience the fresh and cool atmosphere of Yushu. The delegation participated in enriching and meaningful activities such as visiting the Yushu Earthquake Museum, Thrangu Buddhist Monastery, and attending the Yushu International Horse Racing Festival.

Students and experts from six countries at the Yushu Earthquake Memorial Monument.

Bui Nhat Linh (K61 International Studies) shared: “From the very first day I set foot in Ngoc Thu, I felt the fresh and cool air here, a far cry from the heat of Hanoi. It turns out this place isn't as harsh and oxygen-deficient as people have described and as I've learned from my research. I was also amazed by the poetic and majestic natural scenery, yet still harmonious with modern life. Not only that, this city is very bustling and has great tourism potential.”

Among the nine delegates from Vietnam, including one team from the Diplomatic Academy, who participated in the summer camp, three members – Bui Nhat Linh, Nguyen Thi Huong Giang, and Tran Thi Hoang Phuc – were chosen to represent Vietnam and learn about the Upper Three Rivers region. The remaining six members participated in a camping trip at Sanjiangyuan National Park.

Vietnamese delegation at Tu Viet Buddhist Thrangu Ngoc Thu

Upstream, members perform indigenous rituals while wearing the traditional scarf.hādá– a traditional Tibetan scarf. Student Tran Thi Hoang Phuc shared: "This trip to the upper reaches of the Three Rivers was an amazing experience that I think I'd be incredibly lucky to have in my lifetime. My emotions truly 'traveled' through countless levels, and all of them were joyful and happy. From being overwhelmed and breathless by the majestic nature, by the winding mountain passes with their breathtaking scenery, to being moved and nostalgic when gazing at the headwaters of the three mother rivers, and the warmth and joy of the starry night on the plateau, filled with the friendship of friends from six countries... All of it will always be deeply imprinted in my mind, as the most beautiful and sparkling memories of my youth."

Students from six countries perform a water-drinking ritual at the upstream lake.

The trip to Qinghai and Yushu (China) left an indelible impression on every member of the Vietnamese delegation. It was especially thanks to the dedicated assistance of the lecturers from the Faculty of International Studies, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the volunteer team from Fudan University (China), and the organizing committee of the YICMG 2019 summer camp that the members were able to successfully complete this trip. We hope that in the future, more students from the Faculty of International Studies in particular, and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in general, will participate in this program and have such memorable experiences in their youth.

Students with the Vietnamese flag at the upstream lake.

Vietnamese students together with Chinese students

Vietnamese students on their way to the upstream area.