On March 3, 2026, the opening ceremony of the 2026 International Student Exchange Program - Study Tour between the University of Da Nang (UD) and Konan University (Japan) was held at UD.

Overview of the Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Bac - Vice President of UD; Prof. Masahiro Abe - Faculty of Letters, Department of Sociology, Konan University; Ms. Tomoko Arii -Nishinomiya Campus Office, Konan University; Mr. Taiki Niimi - International Exchange Center, Konan University.

Also in attendance were representatives from UD’s relevant departments, including: Department of Science and International Cooperation; Student Affairs, Corporate Relations and CommunicationsDepartment. The event also welcomed 34 students from Konan University, alongside staff and students from UD.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Bac
Vice President of UD

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thanh Bac - Vice President of UD, warmly welcomed the faculty and students from Konan University to the Study Tour. He emphasized that this program is a highlight of the cooperation between the two universities, creating opportunities to attract international students and promote two-way exchange in the process of higher education internationalization.

The fact that the faculty and students of Konan University have joined forces for the second consecutive year to organize a series of experiential, academic, and cultural activities at UD is a vivid testament to the trusted, practical, and effective partnership between the two universities, aiming toward a long-term and sustainable future of cooperation.

Prof. Masahiro Abe - Faculty of Letters,
 Department of Sociology, Konan University

The leadership of UD expressed their desire for the leaders of member universities, departments, faculties, and affiliated centers of both institutions to continue leveraging their collaborative experience in organizing student and faculty exchange programs. Furthermore, they aimed to expand cooperation in training, scientific research, and international affairs, aligning with the potential and strengths of each party.

Welcoming the guests at the beginning of the year to UD, Vice President Le Thanh Bac expressed his hope that the program would provide each member of Konan University with unforgettable memories. He wished that whenever they think of UD or the beautiful and hospitable coastal city of Da Nang, they would consider it their second home.

The representatives of Konan University expressed their sincere gratitude and delight at the honor of returning to UD on this journey of knowledge discovery and cultural immersion.

Highly valuing the cooperative results achieved between the two sides -especially the student exchange program which provides students with opportunities to explore academic environments while broadening their cultural and social perspectives and connecting with global education - the partner representative noted that interdisciplinary connectivity is a hallmark of this year’s activities.

The delegates exchanged commemorative gifts

The participating students from Konan University represent a diverse range of faculties and programs, including: Faculty of Intelligence and Informatics; Hirao School of Management; Faculty of Letters;Faculty of Law; Global Accelerated Learning (GAKUBO) Program .

This academic diversity enriches and brings creativity to the cooperative exchange contents, showcasing the potential and identity of each university and unit. It provides participating members with fresh perspectives and fosters integration within a multicultural environment.

During the program, representative leaders of the Department of Science and International Cooperation-UD, shared an overview of the prominent highlights of UD. She emphasized that UD is not only a leading multidisciplinary regional university with a tradition spanning over 50 years from its member universities-ranking among the top in Vietnam but also plays a prominent role in its mission of education, scientific research, and contributing to the development of the region and the country.

Faculty and students engage in academic exchange

UD is increasingly asserting itself as a trusted destination, attracting domestic and international experts, scientists, lecturers, and students. It stands as a center for international education and dynamic student exchange within the region and the world.

According to the schedule, faculty and students from both universities will participate in a series of academic activities, including seminars and keynote presentations on:

- Sustainable Environmental Development Research (presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kieu Thi Kinh, UD-University of Science and Education);

- Heritage and Cultural Architecture (presented by Dr. Arch. Nguyen Ngoc Tung, Faculty of Architecture, UD-University of Science and Technology);

- Labor Policy in Vietnam (presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, UD-University of Economics), and more.

Create opportunities for students
 to exchange academic knowledge

Accompanied by UD, the Japanese faculty and students will have the opportunity for field trips and practical experiences at typical enterprises, such as Toyota Okayama Da Nang (a member of Okayama Toyopet Corporation, Japan). They will also explore local culture, cuisine, and visit the iconic landmarks and heritage sites of Da Nang.

This is an invaluable experience, not only for the Japanese students but also for Japanese Language majors like us. It provides a platform to exchange knowledge, learn from each other, and promote the image of a dynamically developing University of Da Nang to international friends, shared Le Hong Thanh Giang, a student from UD-University of Foreign Language Studies.

UD Media