Axel Brosset, Salomé Goujon, and Rose Djedidi from the University of Angers have chosen the DTU Hospitality & Tourism Institute (HTi) to participate in an Exchange Semester from January 1 to June 30.
In addition to engaging with the academic curriculum, they have opportunities to experience and explore Vietnamese culture, people, and daily life.
Axel Brosset hoped to immerse himself in a culture rich in identity while learning more about the history, people, and dynamic learning environment of a country that is actively integrating into the global community.
Salomé Goujon, Axel Brosset, and Rose Djedidi (from left to right), pose for a photo with Dr. Bui Kim Luan,
Acting Rector of the DTU Hospitality & Tourism Institute. Photo by DTU
Majoring in Tourism at the University of Angers, Axel was particularly interested in the learning environment of the Exchange Program in Da Nang. Upon arriving at DTU, he quickly explored the campus facilities that support tourism education.
He shared that tourism is closely linked to practical training, and having standardized, well-equipped facilities plays an important role in helping students quickly enhance their professional skills. At DTU, he was pleasantly surprised by the practice spaces designed to resemble a luxury hotel - modern, clean, and highly professional.
“This is truly an ideal environment for Tourism and Hospitality training to international standards. It helps international students feel comfortable and confident throughout their studies. Another thing that deeply impressed me was the friendly smiles and hospitality found everywhere. The constant willingness of Vietnamese students to support and assist international students made me feel genuinely warm and welcomed,” Axel shared.
Axel was impressed by the friendliness of DTU students. Photo by Axel.
Beyond classroom learning, the multicultural environment at DTU has provided Axel with numerous opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and broaden his perspectives. Studying alongside students from many different countries has made it easy for him to compare viewpoints, explore new ways of thinking, and enrich his personal learning experience.
Outside of class, Axel has also spent time exploring Da Nang’s most notable destinations, such as the Marble Mountains, a limestone mountain complex located in the heart of the city that combines natural beauty with rich cultural and spiritual significance. According to the French student, studying Tourism in Da Nang offers a significant advantage, as students are able to engage directly with real-world practice while also developing the ability to adapt to an international environment. With a dream of becoming a tour guide, Axel believes that the experiences gained during his Exchange Semester will serve as invaluable preparation for his future career.
“For international students who are considering exchange programs, I believe DTU is a destination well worth exploring and choosing for their studies,” he emphasized.
Like Axel, Salomé chose Vietnam as her study-abroad destination and was equally impressed by the friendliness she experienced.
“Before coming to Vietnam, I proactively learned about the teaching methods and approaches to avoid feeling overwhelmed. However, my actual experience at DTU still brought many pleasant surprises, thanks to its well-organized structure and open academic environment. From professors and administrative staff to fellow students, everyone has been incredibly supportive and welcoming, helping me quickly feel at home and confident in my new academic journey,” Salomé shared.
Driven by her curiosity about Eastern culture and a desire to broaden her global perspective, Salomé Goujon chose Vietnam - and Duy Tan University -as the next destination in her international academic journey, where she continues to grow both academically and personally.
Salomé Goujon explored Eastern culture and decided to choose Vietnam as her next destination. Photo by Salomé Goujon
Salomé was quickly captivated by Vietnamese culture and cuisine. After nearly two weeks living in Da Nang, she had the opportunity to explore many of the distinctive features of this vibrant coastal city, from its beaches and local markets to nearby cultural and historical sites. Vietnamese cuisine, in particular, left a strong impression on her thanks to its diversity, freshness, and harmonious flavors, experienced through well-known dishes such as pho, banh mi, and bo ne. She also shared her excitement about trying durian, a fruit with a uniquely bold flavor that is quite unfamiliar to many people from France.
According to Salomé, studying Tourism and Hospitality in a region with rich cultural traditions and diverse landscapes like Da Nang offers invaluable hands-on learning opportunities. Students not only engage with real-world examples drawn from cultural heritage and local products, but also gain deeper insight into how the tourism industry develops and sustains itself in a practical, real-world context.
Salomé said: “As soon as I return home, I will share my wonderful experiences in Da Nang and help introduce the impressive international learning environment at DTU to students in France. What I have gained here is truly invaluable.”
Rose Djedidi also chose Vietnam as her new study destination upon learning about the close partnership between the University of Angers and DTU, along with the Exchange Semester program.
Rose shared that at first, she felt quite anxious, believing that the academic environment in Vietnam might be very different and demanding. However, her actual experience at the DTU Hospitality & Tourism Institute brought her great joy thanks to a learning atmosphere that is relaxed and friendly while still maintaining high academic standards.
“This environment helped me adapt quickly and appreciate the valuable balance between academic discipline and a flexible, student-centered approach,” she emphasized.
Rose Djedidi. Photo by Rose Djedidi.
During her time at DTU, Rose also gained many valuable lessons beyond the classroom, especially in adapting to the climate, daily lifestyle, local language, and studying entirely in English within an Asian educational setting. Each small challenge has helped her grow more mature and confident in the path she has chosen.
She aspires to pursue a career in International Business. Therefore, her experience studying and living in Vietnam, particularly at DTU, has become invaluable preparation, helping her gain deeper insights into the Asian market and better equip herself for her future career.
As one of the first students from the University of Angers to study at DTU, Rose sees herself not only as an exchange student, but also as a cultural bridge connecting students from different parts of the world.
“I believe that these hands-on experiences not only help broaden our understanding but also inspire a passion for research and exploration of new educational approaches. At the same time, they reaffirm the value of academic and cultural exchange in shaping a global mindset,” Rose added.
(Media Center)