On December 7, Fulbright University Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ben Tre Province’s Cultural Heritage Association and Hai Van Educational and Ecotourism Co.,Ltd. This memorandum establishes a framework for research, education, experiential learning, practical training, cultural exchange, and heritage preservation activities.
The MoU outlines the roles and objectives of each party for the next five years. Fulbright will organize annual internship-fieldwork trips and cultural education programs in Ben Tre Province. Hai Van Educational and Ecotourism Co., Ltd will design and deliver these educational tourism programs to enhance student experiences. Meanwhile, Ben Tre Province’s Cultural Heritage Association will provide expert consultation and support for Fulbright’s local initiatives.
Over the past five years, Fulbright University—particularly its Vietnam Studies major—has conducted numerous field trips to Ben Tre. Dr. Nguyen Nam, Director of the Vietnam Studies Center at Fulbright, remarked: “Vietnam is on its development path, and Ben Tre Province embodies all the elements that illustrate the country’s remarkable local-level growth. Here, students can explore development across multiple fields including history, culture, religion, environment, and economics.” This reflects Fulbright’s Liberal Arts model of interdisciplinary learning through local engagement.
Dr. Nguyen Nam, Director of the Vietnam Studies Center at Fulbright, at the MoU ceremony.
Ms. Doan Thi My Nhu, Director of Hai Van Educational and Ecotourism Co., Ltd, expressed her enthusiasm: “As a native of Ben Tre, I am honored to collaborate with Fulbright University Vietnam in creating learning opportunities and in-depth research experiences for the university’s faculty, students, and affiliated educational organizations.”
Ms. Doan Thi My Nhu, Director of Hai Van Educational and Ecotourism Co., Ltd.
Dr. Pham Van Luan, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Cultural and Arts Management, Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture and Standing Member of Ben Tre Cultural Heritage Association alongside Dr. Edward Miller, Associate Professor of History at Dartmouth College, USA, attended the signing ceremony. Both emphasized the significance of this partnership in connecting academic activities with dynamic local development. This collaboration sets a model for educational institutions, both nationally and internationally.
Students from both Fulbright and Dartmouth witnessed the signing ceremony as part of their Developing Vietnam course. This annual joint class provides transnational and interdisciplinary learning opportunities focused on Vietnam. Earlier in October, Fulbright students visited the United States, while Dartmouth students are currently on a three-week study tour in Vietnam.
