More than 130 students from six universities, including: Edinburgh (the UK), Amsterdam (the Netherlands), Sydney (Australia), Nanyang Technological (Singapore), National Management (Cambodia), and Duy Tan (Vietnam), participated in the INCiTE Summer School 2024 at DTU to explore cultures, share knowledge, and exchange experiences.
In addition to cultural exchanges among students, these activities also promote the building of collaborative networks among universities to support comprehensive development in education and exchange programs.
Specialized class for students to exchange and discuss creative ideas. Photo: DTU
After the opening ceremony, students studied and worked together to learn about Intercultural competency, Design thinking, Entrepreneurial skills, and local culture. This enabled them to contribute to solving global challenges in an international work environment.
Participants also built business models to address global issues and presents solutions to scholars, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and corporate sponsors. They participate in a multicultural student community from the UK, the Netherlands, Australia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Additionally, students took part in social and cultural activities specifically designed for participants of the INCiTE Summer School 2024. Specialized classes were designed to discuss and build ideas, find optimal solutions, and address societal issues.
Dao Duc Anh Hoang, a DTU student of the On-Site Study-Abroad program with Troy University (USA), shared that this was his first time participating in such a large-scale program with numerous international faculty and students like the INCiTE Summer School 2024. The program presented many academic, cultural, linguistic, and behavioral challenges. He had learned across various fields and applied the knowledge to solve global problems. after two weeks.
"DTU and INCiTE have provided knowledge, connections, and growth opportunities for me and my friends, both domestically and internationally," Hoang added.
As part of the program, participants visited the Military Zone 5 Museum and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. They also visited businesses to learn about the work environment, corporate culture, and operational methods. This helped them gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic market economy in Vietnam.
Students immersed themselves in the rhythm of life in Da Nang to explore Vietnamese culture. Photo: DTU
According to Ms. Isabell Majewsky Anderson, Head of Service, Study and Work Away (SWAY), the University of Edinburg, the institution and DTU shared a common belief and desire to bring students from different cultures and life experiences around the world closer together. The world was going through many upheavals, so becoming global citizens was very important. Through this program, students would face challenges such as cultural differences, norms, and work practices. This was part of the journey and helps young people understand the need to respect these differences.
"This journey helps develop personal abilities, explore cultures, step out of comfort zones, and come up with interesting proposals to address challenges," she added.
The Opening Ceremony of INCiTE Summer School 2024
Dr. Le Nguyen Tue Hang, DTU Vice - Provost, stated that the University always strived to create an environment encouraging innovation, critical thinking, as well as cultural understanding and exchange. The institution believed in "Education Beyond Education," meaning that the educational environment needed to move beyond traditional boundaries through international collaboration and idea exchange to achieve greater accomplishments together.
Through the INCiTE Summer School 2024, students gained a deeper understanding of culture and global issues, made meaningful connections, and created wonderful memories. On this learning journey, they should embrace diverse perspectives and viewpoints.
"For the faculty, this is an opportunity to build a sustainable spirit of collaboration, explore new research directions, and create inspiration with the goal of achieving greater accomplishments in education," she affirmed.
(Media Center)