As part of its internationalization strategy for the 2026 – 2030 period and its long-term vision toward 2045, the Vietnam Women’s Academy (VWA) held a working meeting with representatives of Tzu Chi University (Taiwan) to explore opportunities for academic cooperation, student exchange, and international summer programs. The meeting reflects VWA’s commitment to expanding global learning opportunities and enhancing students’ international competencies in an increasingly interconnected higher education landscape.

Welcoming the delegation, Associate Professor Dr. Duong Kim Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam Women’s Academy, emphasized the significance of the meeting in the context of the Academy’s efforts to internationalize education, research, and community engagement. Strengthening partnerships with international higher education institutions, she noted, is a key strategy for improving academic quality, fostering intercultural learning, and supporting students’ holistic development.

During the meeting, VWA introduced its institutional profile, including undergraduate and postgraduate training programs and key research strengths in social work, gender and development, communication, and applied social sciences. The Academy highlighted that several VWA graduates have already received scholarships to pursue master’s degrees at Tzu Chi University, demonstrating the compatibility of academic orientations and the strong potential for further collaboration between the two institutions.

Representing Tzu Chi University, Mr. Lam Hien Quan expressed his appreciation for VWA’s academic strengths, particularly in the social sciences and gender-related fields. He shared that Tzu Chi University places strong emphasis on gender equality, social work, and sustainable development, and has been recognized by international organizations, including institutions in the United States and the United Nations, for its contributions to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). In Vietnam, Tzu Chi University has established a representative office in Hanoi and implemented various community and charitable initiatives, particularly those supporting children, which further align with VWA’s mission and values.

A key focus of the discussion was the introduction of international summer camps and cultural exchange programs organized by Tzu Chi University. These programs, which have been successfully implemented with several Vietnamese secondary schools and universities, combine academic coursework in the social sciences with cultural exchange, experiential learning, and field visits. The two-week program includes flexible course options tailored to students’ language proficiency, with instruction delivered in English, Chinese, or bilingual formats. The 2026 program is tentatively scheduled from June 29 to July 14, with participation costs ranging from USD 300 to 500, excluding airfare and visa fees. Accommodation is supported by charitable organizations affiliated with Tzu Chi University.

During the discussion, Dr. Hoang Huong Thuy, Head of the Office of International Cooperation and Scientific Management at VWA, requested further details regarding program content, schedules, costs, and experiential activities to support effective student outreach. In response, Tzu Chi University confirmed its willingness to provide institutional sponsorship for nominated VWA students and to assist with visa-related procedures. The university also highlighted its flexibility in program design, allowing customization to meet students’ learning needs, as well as opportunities to explore indigenous cultures through its on-campus cultural museum.

Concluding the meeting, both sides expressed strong commitment to advancing concrete and sustainable cooperation. VWA designated the Office of International Cooperation and Scientific Management as the focal point for continued coordination.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts, marking a meaningful step forward in strengthening international partnership and expanding global learning spaces for VWA students.