Continuing our collaboration with Silpakorn University (Thailand).

The meeting focused on the implementation of a 7+1 bachelor's degree program between Silpakorn University and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Under this program, students from the Faculty of Arts, Silpakorn University, will study for seven years in Thailand and one semester in Vietnam. The semester in Vietnam will last five months, starting in 2019 after the Thai students complete their fifth semester at Silpakorn University. The semester in Vietnam is expected to include six courses: three advanced Vietnamese language courses and three courses focusing on Vietnamese history, culture, and society. The program will be taught in both English and Vietnamese. This is the result of a cooperation agreement signed between the Faculty of Linguistics, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the Faculty of Arts, Silpakorn University.

On behalf of the leadership of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa affirmed that the University is a reputable institution in training and research in social sciences and humanities. The University has particularly extensive experience in training and research in the Vietnamese language, Vietnamese culture, and Vietnamese studies. The University's Thai Studies program is also quite developed, and every year the University sends students and lecturers for exchange programs and research at leading universities in Thailand. Therefore, the University is fully capable of providing Vietnamese language instruction and knowledge about Vietnam to Silpakorn University students.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa introduces the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Photo: Tran Minh)

Associate Professor Warangkana Nibhatsukit highly appreciated the warm welcome from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and hoped that both sides could soon implement the 7+1 training program. Initially, Silpakorn University will send Thai students to participate in a summer course organized by the University in June to improve their Vietnamese language skills and learn about Vietnamese culture. At the same time, Silpakorn University is ready to welcome lecturers and students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities to teach and study in Thailand.

Associate Professor Tran Thi Minh Hoa receives a commemorative gift from Associate Professor Warangkana Nibhatsukit (Photo: Tran Minh)

During the meeting, the two universities also agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding at the university level this year, aiming to move towards signing formal cooperation agreements between the Faculty of Arts Studies of Silpakorn University and relevant units of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Hoa poses for a commemorative photo with the delegates (Photo: Tran Minh)

Silpakorn University is a government-funded university in Bangkok, Thailand. It was founded in 1943 by an Italian art professor named Corrado Feroci, who adopted the Thai name Silpa Bhirasri upon becoming a Thai citizen. It is a leading university in Thailand for fine arts and archaeology, with approximately 7,000 students.