Fulbright University Vietnam (Fulbright) and Princeton University, New Jersey, USA recently signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of study, scientific and cultural exchanges.
According to this 3-year initial agreement, Fulbright students will be offered, come September, to enroll into and participate in a virtual learning experience “at” Princeton’s History Department, the Global History Lab (GHL). Capitalizing on new technologies and pedagogical practices, the series of courses is taught in conjunction with partner institutions around the world and through a vibrant program of workshops and conferences, and research projects.
The course situates the study of global history in a global classroom, encouraging students to learn from and through interactions with peers near and far. It aims to foster truly global conversations, not only among academics, but also among learners hailing from diverse backgrounds. Fulbright undergraduates enrolled in the course will have the opportunity to form connections and co-study with their peers at Princeton, benefitting from an international environment that already involves institutions in Paris, Madrid, Athens, Slemani, and Kiryiandongo.
International travel restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic have driven the need for virtual classroom environments to continue – or expand – the exchanging of ideas in academia. Fulbright and Princeton both consider that broader access for higher education, as well as closer relationships between students, professors, and institutions of higher education worldwide are critical to their missions. This formalized partnership further opens the door to closer collaboration between Fulbright and Princeton, such as through exchanges of scholars as part of joint research projects, guest lectures, seminars, and joint publications.
“Approaches that incorporate virtual classroom environments will be critical to navigating through the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic. It allows for continued international dialogue, and brings incredible opportunities for our students to connect with their American counterparts and world-class experts in the field. Digitally enabled co-learning environments, such as Princeton’s GHL or our connected courses with Dartmouth offer Fulbright students the chance to participate in the most forward-thinking pedagogical initiatives globally,” explained Dean of Fulbright Undergraduate School, Dr. Dinh Vu Trang Ngan.
Following the MOUs signed earlier with Harvard Kennedy School and Dartmouth College, this new MOU is inscribed in a broader effort on Fulbright’s part to solidify its place as a globally relevant educational institution through international partnerships with the leading academic institutions around the world, and to expand its offerings of quality courses for its undergraduate program.
About Princeton:
Chartered in 1746 as the College of New Jersey — the name by which it was known for 150 years — Princeton University was British North America’s fourth college.
As a not-for-profit, private educational institution, the University provides its students with academic, extracurricular and other resources — in a residential community committed to diversity — that prepare them for positions of leadership and lives of service in many fields of human endeavor.
Living up to its informal motto, “In the Nation’s Service and the Service of Humanity,” the University has educated thousands of individuals who have dedicated their lives to public service, including two U.S. presidents (James Madison and Woodrow Wilson); hundreds of U.S. and state legislators; and dozens of governors.
As a global research university, Princeton seeks to achieve the highest levels of distinction in the discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding. At the same time, Princeton is distinctive among research universities in its commitment to undergraduate teaching. Interdisciplinary work is vital to Princeton and is reflected in a full spectrum of academic programs.
About Fulbright University Vietnam:
Fulbright University Vietnam is Vietnam’s first independent, not-for-profit, liberal arts university. We are an expanding international team of educational innovators, with deep roots in Vietnam, strong political and financial backing, and connections to educational institutions around the world. We believe in the power of collaboration, transdisciplinary thinking, and risk-taking, and we understand that effective education requires putting students at its center. Globally integrated but deeply embedded in Vietnamese society, Fulbright is dedicated to providing a world-class education, utilizing the latest advancements in institutional design, teaching, learning, technology and other fields to create an institution that is both innovative and globally relevant. Importantly, Fulbright is committed to serving Vietnamese society through rigorous research and responsible civic engagement.
