On the afternoon of January 21, 2022, Ho Chi Minh City Open University held the opening ceremony of Course 04 of the affiliate program for bachelor’s degree in International Trade between HCMCOU and University of Rouen Normandie (France). For this academic year, 25 French students are provided with opportunities to come to Viet Nam and study alongside 19 Vietnamese seniors to complete their final year program (3rd year) which makes a great contribution to creating a multicultural learning environment at Ho Chi Minh City Open University. Home students in affiliate programs are required to complete a 3-year program in Vietnam and will be granted a degree that conforms to the international standards by the University of Rouen Normandie (France).

The ceremony was honored to welcome Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha - President of HCMCOU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh - Dean of Faculty of Business Administration; Mr. Nguyen Hoang Thinh – Head of Office of Administration; Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh - Head of Student Affairs Department with lecturers of the two Universities, along with parents and students.

The International Trade bachelor's program provides the foundation for students to gain professionalism. Thus, this program has been highly appreciated in France as well as in Europe for its career orientation and good integration in the current competitive and globalized economy - Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha shared.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thuy Anh added: Although the degree conforms to the international standards, with French government and 2 universities subsidizing higher education, its cost for students is relatively low with training duration’s optimal length. This affiliate program provides advanced teaching methods which mainly focus on students, 70% of subjects require practice, especially students are offered various opportunities to gain real-world experience in enterprises or community projects at home and abroad. Notably, 40% of the lecturers in the program are international lecturers with expertise, modern teaching methods and experience in business consulting activities. Studying in this affiliate program is also a great way to learn about a new culture as well as meet lifelong friends and have more potential opportunities to earn scholarships.

The opening ceremony took place successfully and opened a new school year with the expectation of extensive international integration contributing to a better professional human resource training./.