News & Events

Welcome Tour for International Learners - Love Day 2024

Date: (18/12/2024)

On November 30, 2024, Ho Chi Minh City Open University organized the "Love Day 2024" trip to welcome new international learners. The trip attracted the participation of learners from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Ghana. They had an incredibly fun experience exploring the unique historical, religious, and culinary values of Vietnam.


Learners checked in for the trip.

The trip took the group to four iconic destinations, each with its own fascinating stories and deep cultural and historical values:

The Tomb of General Le Van Duyet

The first stop was the Tomb of General Le Van Duyet, located in the Gia Dinh region of the past, now part of Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. This is the resting place of General Le Van Duyet—one of the most talented generals of the Nguyen Dynasty, who made significant contributions to the defense and development of Southern Vietnam.

The tomb features unique architecture, harmoniously blending tradition and solemnity, showcasing the essence of Vietnamese culture. Here, international learners learned about the life, career, and major contributions of General Le Van Duyet through an engaging narration by the tour guide.


The learners paid close attention to the explanation.

Phủ Dầy Mother Goddess Temple

The next destination was Phủ Dầy Mother Goddess Temple, dedicated to Mother Liễu Hạnh—one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese folk beliefs. international learners were excited to hear about the worship of the Mother Goddess, a unique cultural practice that honors the image of women in Vietnamese spiritual life. Additionally, the temple commemorates the contributions of the heroic Trưng Sisters—two iconic figures symbolizing the strength of Vietnamese women. The stories of faith and history shared at Phu Day Temple left a lasting impression on the international learners.

International learners are excited to hear about the beliefs at the Phu Day Mother Goddess Temple.

Châu Đốc 3 Lady Temple

At Châu Đốc 3 Lady Temple, learners enjoyed a boat ride, immersing themselves in the tranquil waters of the Southwest region. Built in 1965 under the Northern Buddhist tradition, this temple offers a serene, green space and has long been a sacred pilgrimage site for visitors.

international learners enjoyed the peaceful experience of boat rides.

Áo Dài Museum

The highlight of the journey was the Áo Dài Museum, a place that celebrates the beauty of ao dai—the iconic traditional Vietnamese dress. The museum not only preserves collections of ao dai spanning various eras but also provides a space for visitors to explore the history, development, and cultural significance of the ao dai in Vietnamese life.

International learners toured the Áo Dài Museum.

The group took commemorative photos at the Ao Dai Museum.

 

At the museum, international learners participated in an exciting activity—making bánh xèo, a signature Southern Vietnamese dish. To prepare it, they mixed rice flour, turmeric powder, and coconut milk for the batter, which was poured into a hot pan and topped with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. Once crispy, the pancake was folded in half and served with fresh herbs and a sweet, sour dipping sauce. It was eaten by wrapping the crispy pancake in lettuce leaves, offering a perfect balance of flavors. They then enjoyed a Vietnamese-style lunch together. This activity not only helped them explore Vietnamese cuisine but also created opportunities for bonding, sharing joy, and interesting stories.

Mohammed Mudasir Yahuza, a learner from Ghana, shared: "I'm very happy to have the opportunity to make and eat bánh xèo for the first time. It’s really delicious, and I hope to have more opportunities to try making other Vietnamese dishes in the future."


 

Mohammed Mudasir Yahuza, a Ghanaian learner, gave his thoughts on the hands-on bánh xèo experience.

 International learners were excited to make bánh xèo for the first time.

In addition, the museum visit also provided an opportunity for international learners to understand the profound meaning of the áo dài, from being a symbol of Vietnamese women to its role in promoting Vietnamese culture to the world.

Learners joyfully take photos together at the Ao Dai Museum.

Love Day 2024 concluded with many lingering emotions in the hearts of each participant. Ho Chi Minh City Open University hopes that events like this will continue to be a bridge to bring international learners closer to Vietnamese culture and spread the spirit of unity and love within the community.


 
 
HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY
35-37 Ho Hao Hon Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: (84-028) 38364748
Fax: (84-028) 39207639 hoặc (84-028)-39207640
Email: ou@ou.edu.vn
Website: http://www.ou.edu.vn