7-DAY WORK IMMERSION (UNIGO) OF UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA STUDENTS IN THE ADVANCED EDUCATION PROGRAM AT THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

Beginning their journey of learning and experience on January 15, 2024, the delegation of the University of Tasmania, Australia (UTAS) students not only had the opportunity to participate in specialized knowledge exchange seminars but also engaged in exciting activities and field trips. The delegation concluded their exchange study at Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF) and the Advanced Education Program (AEP) on January 21, 2024, returning home to continue their academic and professional endeavors with cherished memories of remarkable experiences from this trip.

Let's reminisce about the memorable moments of the University of Tasmania students together!

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN VIETNAM

The Advanced Education Program at TUAF warmly welcomed the University of Tasmania student delegation at Meeting Room A4, Central Building. During the ceremony, these students not only had the chance to learn about the Work Immersion program and some information about TUAF but also engaged in cultural exchange with students from The Bridgewater School, Philippines. Following this, guided by AEP volunteer students, the delegation embarked on a Campus Tour to explore TUAF and participated in a welcome dinner to mingle with everyone and prepare for upcoming activities.

DAY 2: EXPLORING THAI NGUYEN CITY

The delegation dedicated a day to sightseeing some famous and distinctive landmarks of Thai Nguyen City. The experiential journey began at Vo Nguyen Giap Square and Thai Market, where everyone could feel the vibrant and unique local life. Then, the students visited the Museum of Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures, where they admired and delved deeply into the diverse cultural heritage of Vietnamese ethnic groups. Phu Lien Pagoda and Danko Urban Area were the next destinations, where everyone marveled at impressive architecture and indulged in unique culinary experiences.

DAY 3: ATTENDING SEMINAR AND PRACTICING BAKING

In the morning, the UTAS students participated in an in-depth seminar focusing on various fields such as food, indigenous knowledge, agricultural systems, urban and rural planning, forest management, and climate change. With the diversity in the fields of UTAS students, they actively contributed opinions, engaged in discussions, and asked questions about related areas, contributing to building understanding and insights into the topics and indigenous knowledge. The seminar was lively and successful.

Everyone had a small practical session in the afternoon - experiencing cream puffs baking. Throughout the process, the students attentively absorbed each step of the teacher's instructions and enthusiastically engaged in making cream puffs that were not only delicious but also visually appealing.

DAY 4: SEMINAR AND PRACTICING VIETNAMESE CUISINE WITH STUDENTS FROM SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

UTAS students had the chance to participate in a workshop exchanging ideas on the topics of BIO ECONOMY, CIRCULAR ECONOMY, AND GREEN ECONOMY with students from San Antonio College, Philippines. With the shared content from master's students in Environmental Science, the seminar attracted interest and active participation from the students. The discussion groups brought diverse opinions and contributed to creating a lively atmosphere. This workshop was not only an opportunity for students from both schools to exchange ideas but also a platform to encourage interest in environmental issues.

In the afternoon, they engaged in preparing and cooking traditional Vietnamese dishes, including Spring Rolls and Rolled Pho. This activity was an opportunity to learn cooking techniques and to share and understand the unique cultural values of Vietnam through its cuisine.

DAY 5: VISITING VIET CUONG GLASS NOODLE COMPANY, HAO DAT TEA FARM, THAI HAI VILLAGE

Continuing the journey with the students from the Philippines, UTAS students had a small excursion to visit Viet Cuong Glass Noodle Company, Hao Dat Tea Plantation, and Thai Hai Village. They not only had the opportunity to learn more about the glass noodle production process at Viet Cuong and tea at Hao Dat but also got to taste these foods and drinks. Additionally, the students gained deeper insights into the culture and customs of the Nung and Tay ethnic groups in Thai Nguyen City when paying a visit to Thai Hai Village.

DAY 6: TRIP TO NUI COC LAKE - A FAMOUS TOURIST DESTINATION IN THAI NGUYEN

Nui Coc Lake is renowned not only for the majestic beauty of its mountains but also as an ideal destination for those who want to explore the pristine natural beauty and enjoy the fresh mountain air. On this trip, UTAS students had the opportunity to explore the system of artificial caves, botanical gardens, and small islands within the lake area, as well as participate in the amusement park with venture games. Additionally, they interacted with the locals, learned about the ethnic culture, and savored the local specialties. All of these experiences were unforgettable.

DAY 7: CONCLUSION OF THE WORK IMMERSION JOURNEY AT AEP, TUAF - TRIP TO CAT BA, HAI PHONG

The delegation of students from the University of Tasmania, Australia concluded their exchange journey at the Advanced Program of Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry with a trip to Cat Ba - one of the famous tourist destinations in Vietnam. Hopefully, through the short-term Work Immersion program at the Advanced Education Program, the students have gained more knowledge and understanding of their respective fields as well as the local culture. We hope to continue welcoming other delegations from the University of Tasmania, Australia to Vietnam, especially to Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry to experience the Work Immersion program. Farewell and hope to see you again!