After one month of academic study, teaching practicum, and cultural immersion at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCM-UTE, formerly Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education), on the afternoon of June 26, 2026, a delegation comprising lecturers and 12 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) students from Mindanao State University – General Santos (MSU-GSC), Philippines, officially completed Phase 2 of the 2026 Southeast Asia Peer Learning Program. The program concluded with many memorable achievements in academic exchange, cultural understanding, and the strengthening of friendship between students from Vietnam and the Philippines.
The Southeast Asia Peer Learning Program was conducted from April 28 to July 25, 2026, and consisted of three phases. Phase 1 (April 28–May 30) was held online, allowing students from both universities to become acquainted and prepare academically before the exchange. Phase 2 (June 1–27) took place in person at HCM-UTE, featuring teaching practicum activities, academic exchanges, and cultural experiences. Phase 3 (June 28–July 25) continues online, providing opportunities for participants to reflect on their learning, share outcomes, and maintain the connections established during their time together in Vietnam.
The program officially commenced on June 1, 2026, with an opening ceremony held at HCM-UTE, marking another milestone in the partnership between the two universities to promote academic exchange, professional development, and stronger student connections across Southeast Asia. Hosting the faculty members and students from the Philippines not only reflects HCM-UTE's expanding international partnership network but also brings a multicultural learning environment closer to its students.
MSU-GSC students and HCM-UTE representatives at the Opening Ceremony of the Southeast Asia Peer Learning Program
Throughout the program, MSU-GSC students participated in teaching practicums under the guidance of HCM-UTE faculty members while actively engaging in academic and cultural exchanges with HCM-UTE students. These interactions provided HCM-UTE students with valuable opportunities to communicate directly with international peers, improve their English proficiency in authentic settings, strengthen intercultural communication skills, and broaden their perspectives on education, culture, and daily life within the ASEAN region.
Beyond academic activities, the program also created meaningful opportunities for multicultural engagement through events such as Random Bus Stop, Global Beats & Moves, and The Kindness Wall workshop. These activities encouraged HCM-UTE and MSU-GSC students to learn from one another, share their cultures, build lasting international friendships, and develop essential soft skills needed in today's globalized world.
HCM-UTE and MSU-GSC students participating in cultural exchange activities
More importantly, the program has contributed to HCM-UTE's vision of internationalizing education by allowing students to experience an international learning environment without leaving campus. Rather than limiting their learning to classroom instruction, HCM-UTE students were able to collaborate directly with international students through academic, cultural, and social activities, enhancing their global competence, adaptability, and confidence in preparing for future international exchange programs and careers in multicultural workplaces.
On June 26, 2026, HCM-UTE and MSU-GSC held the program's closing ceremony. During the event, representatives from both universities reviewed the program's achievements, shared implementation experiences, and discussed future directions for collaboration. A highlight of the ceremony was the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), marking a new chapter in the educational partnership between HCM-UTE and MSU-GSC. This strengthened cooperation is expected to create additional opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, and future international academic programs for HCM-UTE students.
MSU-GSC students at the Closing Ceremony of the Southeast Asia Peer Learning Program
The success of the Southeast Asia Peer Learning Program not only strengthened mutual understanding and friendship between students from Vietnam and the Philippines but also demonstrated HCM-UTE's ongoing commitment to educational internationalization. By continuously expanding partnerships with universities across the region and around the world, HCM-UTE is steadily building a modern, dynamic, and globally connected learning environment where students gain not only professional knowledge but also global competencies, intercultural communication skills, and an international mindset. These qualities provide a strong foundation for HCM-UTE graduates to enhance their competitiveness and thrive in both regional and global labor markets.