On the morning of November 27, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), welcomed Ms. Camila María Polo Flórez, Ambassador of Colombia to Vietnam, for a visit and working meeting. The meeting opened up a range of practical cooperation opportunities in education, academic exchange, and cultural interaction between Vietnam and Colombia.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Le Hoang Dung, Vice President of USSH-VNUHCM, expressed his honor at receiving the delegation from the Embassy of Colombia and underscored the significance of language and cultural cooperation in the context of Vietnam’s deepening international integration. He highlighted the strong potential for collaboration between the two sides, noting that “this partnership represents a valuable opportunity for students to directly engage with Latin American culture and gain deeper insights into Colombia—a country rich in cultural identity and regional influence.”
Dr. Le Hoang Dung, Vice President of USSH-VNUHCM, expressed his honor at receiving the delegation from the Embassy of Colombia - Photo: Khanh Bang
In response, Ambassador Camila María Polo Flórez reaffirmed her commitment to promoting deeper and more substantive cooperation, creating expanded opportunities for academic collaboration and cultural exchange between the two countries. She noted that Colombia places a strong emphasis on language education, particularly English and Spanish, and considered Vietnam as one of the most dynamic and promising partners in Asia. “Strengthening cooperation with Vietnamese universities, including USSH-VNUHCM, will contribute to closer mutual understanding and stronger ties between our two nations in the years ahead,” she said.
Ambassador Camila María Polo Flórez affirmed her commitment to promoting bilateral cooperation in academic exchange and cultural engagement between the two countries - Photo: Minh Khoi
During the discussion, Ambassador Camila María Polo Flórez outlined plans to launch English and Spanish teacher exchange programs, tentatively scheduled to begin in 2026. Colombia expressed its readiness to welcome Vietnamese lecturers and students for language study and internships, while also supporting the deployment of Colombian experts and educators to Vietnam to jointly develop teaching activities and skills training programs. She emphasized that such cooperation would open a “gateway” for Vietnamese students to experience Latin American education and culture in a vivid and practical manner.
Beyond academic collaboration, the Ambassador proposed a range of cultural exchange initiatives, including thematic seminars on Latin American culture and economy, engagement activities with the Colombian community living in Ho Chi Minh City, and exhibitions showcasing traditional Colombian handicrafts.
Ambassador Camila María Polo Flórez outlined plans to launch teacher exchange programs and cultural cooperation in 2026 - Photo: Minh Khoi
Continuing the dialogue, Dr. Le Hong Phuoc, Dean of the Faculty of European Languages and Cultures, expressed his desire to expand cooperative programs between USSH-VNUHCM and Colombian partners, particularly in Spanish language training, faculty and student exchanges, and the organization of academic exchange activities. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering a multilingual learning environment that enables students to access and appreciate diverse cultures around the world.
Dr. Le Hong Phuoc expressed his desire to expand cooperative programs between USSH-VNUHCM and Colombian universities - Photo: Khanh Bang
Ms. Do Huyen Thanh, MA, Head of the Spanish Language Program at the Faculty of European Languages and Cultures, also voiced her hope for expanded cooperation with the Embassy of Colombia and other Spanish-speaking partners. She noted that such initiatives would help broaden academic programs, promote student exchanges, enhance teaching quality, and deliver tangible benefits to students as they prepare for international integration.
Ms. Do Huyen Thanh outlined plans to enhance teaching quality and expand international cooperation with Colombia - Photo: Minh Khoi
Representatives of USSH-VNUHCM acknowledged and highly appreciated the Ambassador’s suggestions, affirming their readiness to work closely with relevant partners to develop concrete cooperation plans aligned with the university’s academic programs and internationalization strategy. Conducted in a formal yet cordial atmosphere, the meeting opened up practical opportunities for students in foreign language learning, cultural exchange, and international exposure, while reaffirming USSH-VNUHCM’s strong commitment to international cooperation.
MINH KHOI - KHANH BANG
Translation by Khanh Linh
