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| The bilateral exchange programme between Hai Ba Trung High School and Kanto International Senior High School (Japan) |
On the campus of Hai Ba Trung High School, Japanese and Vietnamese students could be seen attending the flag-raising ceremony together, taking part in STEM lessons, learning to make traditional Thanh Tien paper flowers and decorating shirts as gifts for orphaned children at Duc Son Pagoda, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange.
More than simply a series of experiential activities, the Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange programme has provided students from both countries with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s languages, cultures and people. Through every lesson, group activity and informal conversation, the students have forged closer bonds, built friendships and cultivated shared humanitarian values.
A charity visit to Duc Son Pagoda proved particularly moving, as Vietnamese and Japanese students joined together to present gifts, play and talk with orphaned children. Laughter, clasped hands and genuine acts of sharing helped eliminate linguistic and cultural barriers. Such moments gave students a deeper appreciation of compassion and their responsibility towards the wider community.
Teachers and students from Hai Ba Trung High School also took part in an exchange visit to Kanto International Senior High School. During the cultural exchange activities, Vietnam’s traditional ao-dai, musical performances and Vietnamese-language presentations left a strong impression on Japanese teachers and students. The Vietnamese students also taught their international peers basic Vietnamese expressions, helping to promote a positive image of Vietnam and its people.
One of the most memorable highlights of the journey was the homestay programme with local Japanese families. Shared meals, everyday routines and conversations in Japanese and Vietnamese offered students from Hue an authentic glimpse into Japanese culture and daily life. Many students shared that the farewells on their final day became memories they would never forget.
Alongside cultural exchange, Hai Ba Trung High School has placed strong emphasis on expanding international academic cooperation. The school works with educational organisations and universities in Vietnam and abroad to offer scholarship counselling, overseas study guidance and connections with the Institute of International Education (IIE), giving students greater access to international education opportunities. Its students also actively participate in international standardised tests such as IELTS and TOEFL, achieving encouraging results.
The school regularly welcomes native Japanese-speaking teachers and organises online classes with partner schools in Japan and Southeast Asia, enabling students to develop their foreign language skills through authentic communication. Many students also participate in forums, Japanese-language competitions and international exchange activities, through which they develop practical skills and broaden their horizons.
For Hai Ba Trung High School, international integration is not merely about improving foreign language proficiency; it is also a process of nurturing open-mindedness, adaptability and confidence among the younger generation. Looking ahead, the school plans to further expand cooperation with universities, educational institutions and organisations in Vietnam and abroad while continuing its cultural exchange programs to create more opportunities for teachers and students to learn and gain meaningful experiences.
The bridges of friendship between Vietnamese and Japanese students continue to grow stronger. Through these efforts, Hai Ba Trung High School is reaffirming its identity as an educational institution rich in tradition yet dynamic in international integration, a place that nurtures knowledgeable global citizens who cherish and value Vietnamese culture.