SHORT-TERM STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

AT AIRLANGGA UNIVERSITY, INDONESIA

21/05/2023-27/05/2023

Short-term student exchange programs play a pivotal role in elevating the standard of education, broadening perspectives, and offering comprehensive developmental opportunities for students. The School of Economics (CSE) – Can Tho University took the initiative to organize a short-term study exchange program at Airlangga University in Indonesia. The program was scheduled to run for one week from 21/05/2023 to 27/05/2023. The delegation included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Dut – Dean of the Faculty of International Business, Ms. Tran Viet Thanh Truc – Lecturer from the Faculty of Finance - Banking, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Ngan – Lecturer from the Faculty of Economics. Alongside these lecturers, 19 students from various academic disciplines, who well met the selection criteria in terms of outstanding academic performance and English proficiency, took part in this exchange trip.

The exchange trip served as a valuable opportunity for students to immerse themselves in an international learning environment, enabling them to gain firsthand experience and expand their knowledge. Furthermore, this mutually beneficial collaboration strengthened the bond between the School of Economics at Can Tho University in Vietnam and the Faculty of Economics and Business at Airlangga University in Indonesia and contributed positively to ongoing partnership and growth.

Airport welcome to Vietnamese delegation by Indonesian students

Academic exchange played a vital role in the short-term exchange program held at Airlangga University. Students participated in a wide range of themed classes, delving into topics like the challenges and opportunities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia, the development of Asia, and the economic growth prospects of African and Asian nations and actively engaged in discussions at one of the top five universities in Indonesia. This immersive academic experience not only exposed students to a wealth of new knowledge but also offered them invaluable opportunities to enhance crucial soft skills such as international communication, English presentations, collaboration in multinational teams, and adapting to diverse academic environments. Working alongside peers from different cultural backgrounds, they learned the significance of cooperation, the art of expressing opinions, and the importance of respecting diverse perspectives.

A lecture by Professor Jean Claude Maswana from Japan

A lecture about the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship

A lecture about Sustainable Development Goals in Indonesia (SDGs) 

Beyond the confines of classroom learning, students had the unique privilege of engaging in real-world business activities during their exchange program. They embarked on a visit to Kampung Kue, a renowned cake village, and had the chance to explore the operations there. Additionally, they had an enlightening experience visiting Rohani, a flourishing family business in Malang, Indonesia. During this visit, both Vietnamese and Indonesian students had the opportunity to listen to the owner of Rohani, who shared insights about the challenges of establishing a business and navigating competition in the market. To further enrich their experience, students were able to witness the captivating process of creating Tempe Chips and actively participate in packaging these products. As a delightful memento, they were able to take these packaged products home as gifts, symbolizing the fruitful learning and cultural exchange that took place during their visit.

Students taking photos with local residents in the Kampung Kue village

Professors and students at the Rohani enterprise

Practice in some stages of the Tempe chip production process

 Apart from the academic exchange, the delegation from the School of Economics had the wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in Indonesian culture through two captivating activities: learning the Saman dance and painting Batik. The Saman dance holds great significance among the local people, demanding dedicated practice, exceptional memorization skills, and precise hand movements to deliver a flawless performance. Furthermore, the School of Economics delegation paid a visit to the Jokotole Collection Batik Tulis Madura, a renowned facility for Batik fabric production. Apart from the informative tour and shopping experience, the delegation had the unique chance to engage in the practical process of painting Batik on fabric. Crafting a Batik painting involves intricate steps that demand skill and focused concentration. Through this immersive Batik painting activity, the students from the School of Economics gained insights into the meticulous process of creating handcrafted patterns on fabric and learned about the dyeing techniques employed to produce exceptional Batik products.

Students practicing the basic movements of the Saman dance

Students experiencing Batik painting

During the fifth day of their eventful 6-day trip to Indonesia, the joint delegation from the School of Economics and Airlangga University embarked on a delightful visit to Selecta Amusement Park in Batu. Renowned as one of the seven largest flower parks in Indonesia, this picturesque park sits at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level, offering a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere. Both Vietnamese and Indonesian students were provided with the perfect opportunity to strengthen their bonds, engage in lively conversations, and create joyful memories together through extreme activities such as Flying Fox, Sky Cycling, and Super Speed Roller Coaster.

Students visiting Selecta Amusement Park 

The closing day began with a cultural exchange performance by students from both universities. Airlangga University students started with the traditional Saman dance, which is part of the unique cultural heritage of Indonesia, and the School of Economics students performed the song "Viet Nam Oi" with great pride.

Indonesian and Vietnamese student performance 

Under the witness of lecturers and students from the School of Economics - Can Tho University and the Faculty of Economics and Business - Airlangga University, the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of agreement (MoA) took place with the aim of strengthening the relationship between the two universities. This expansion of cooperation promises to bring more learning and research opportunities for students and faculty members, and to accelerate the development of both universities in the future.

Representatives from both schools signing the MoA

Concluding the enriching 6-day journey of students from both universities was a heartfelt sharing session, brimming with emotions, warm embraces, and bittersweet tears of farewell. Despite the relatively short duration of their time spent studying and engaging in cultural exchange, the students from both universities forged deep connections and crafted unforgettable memories. As they bid each other farewell, the students carried with them the promise that while the journey may have come to an end, the knowledge gained, experiences cherished, and friendships formed would endure. This pledge serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the exchange program and the profound bond that was nurtured between the School of Economics at Can Tho University and the esteemed Faculty of Economics and Business at Airlangga University.

Closing image of the short-term student exchange program at Airlangga University, Indonesia (21/05/2023-27/05/2023)