SUMMER SCHOOL 2023 WITH INNSBRUCK UNIVERSITY, AUSTRIA
, 05/09/2023 12:09From August 24 – 31, 2023, the Center for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies welcomed students from the University of Innsbruck, Austria to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH - VNUHCM) as part of the annual Summer School program. The 2023 Summer School marks the 20th Anniversary since the first Summer School was organized in 2002.
After a one-week visit to the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the students of Innsbruck University arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. During their stay in the city, the students had the opportunity to gain insights into many aspects of Vietnam. At USSH-HCM, six lectures were given on the topics of People’s Livelihood, Economy. Vietnam War, Journalism, Religion, and Architecture.
The first lecture, “Livelihood of Vietnamese People,” was presented by the president of USSH-HCM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan. The students were introduced to many facets of Vietnamese society, including the traditional customs, cultural practices, and socioeconomic conditions that shape the lives of the Vietnamese people.
The second lecture, “Economy of Vietnam,” was presented by Dr. Tran Dinh Lam, Director of International Cooperation Program of the Center for Vietnam and Southeast Asian Studies. The lecture painted an overview of the Vietnamese economy, its growth, and the various sectors that contribute to its development. The lecturer discussed the economic reforms that Vietnam has undergone in recent decades, highlighting the country's transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one. In addition, the lecture welcomed Mr. Dietmar Schwank, Commercial Counselor of Austria in Ho Chi Minh City, who contributed valuable insights into the Vietnam – Austria economic relation.
The third lecture, “Vietnam War,” was presented by the former president of USSH-HCM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Sen. The lecture delved into the historical context, causes, and consequences of the Vietnam War. The students gained a deeper understanding of the conflict, its impact on the Vietnamese people, and its significance in shaping the country's history.
The fourth lecture, “Journalism in Vietnam,” was presented by Mr. Pham Quynh Trung, Head of International News Desk, Tuoi Tre Newspaper. The lecture familiarized the students with the state of journalism in Vietnam, including its challenges, achievements, and the role of media in the country's development.
The fifth lecture, “Religions in Vietnam,” was presented by Dr. Duong Ngoc Dung, Vice Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences Law, Hoa Sen University. The lecture explored the religious landscape of Vietnam, including the major religions practiced in the country and their influence on Vietnamese culture and society. The students gained insights into the beliefs, rituals, and traditions associated with Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, etc. in Vietnam.
The sixth and final lecture, "Architecture in Vietnam," was presented by Architect Dr. Le Thi Hong Na. The lecture introduced the students to the rich architectural heritage of Vietnam, spanning different historical periods and regions.
The 2023 Summer School marks the 20th anniversary since the first Summer School was organized in 2002. For 20 years, Summer School has provided the students from the University of Innsbruck, Austria, with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of Vietnamese society and culture. The program has not only enriched the students’ knowledge but also fostered cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the students and the host country.

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