Everyone's youth can be preserved in many different ways: through memorable lessons, journeys that broaden horizons, and experiences that help people grow more mature with each passing day. For the QH20-22 student collective, the practical internship journey in South Korea is exactly such a beautiful mark - a journey not only of experience, but also of knowledge, connection, and growth.
The trip began on a night in March at Tan Son Nhat airport. Filled with excitement and anticipation, the group of students set off for Seoul, carrying the mindset of young people embarking on a new journey. It was not just a trip abroad, but also an opportunity to approach reality, broaden their understanding, and feel more clearly the things they had already learned in the lecture hall.
The group just landed at Incheon airport
On their very first day in South Korea, the group had the opportunity to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the typical structures of the Joseon dynasty. Here, the historical and cultural values of South Korea appear vividly through the architecture, space, and traditional marks that are still preserved intact. In Hanbok attire, members of the group not only had the chance to capture beautiful images but also to feel closer to the cultural depth of the land of kimchi.
The group visits Gyeongbokgung Palace
Continuing the journey, the group visited the National Folk Museum, which recreates the characteristic features of life, customs, and identity of the Korean people. Besides that, the group also stopped at the Blue House area, visited Namsan Hanok Village, and participated in a kimchi-making experience - an activity that helped students better understand the cultural life as well as the unique traditional values of South Korea. Those experiences brought about a very meaningful first day, contributing to the clear realization that this trip was not simply a sightseeing tour.
The second day of the program opened with a prominent academic mark at Seoul National University - one of the top prestigious universities in South Korea. Here, the group was able to listen to sharing, observe the modern educational environment, and directly feel the professional and dynamic academic space. For students majoring in International Relations, this was a precious opportunity to approach the advanced university model in practice, thereby further nurturing the motivation for learning, research, and international integration.
The group interacts at Seoul National University
Also on this day, the group visited the Embassy of Vietnam in South Korea. This was a special stop, carrying deep professional significance for the students. Through the sharing about Vietnam - South Korea relations, diplomatic work, and the role of connecting the two countries, students had the opportunity to see more clearly the practical nature of their field of study, while also understanding more deeply the responsibility and role of diplomacy in the current international context. In the evening, the group enjoyed the Hero Painter Show, a unique art program, through which they could feel one more vivid, creative, and modern slice of South Korean cultural life.
The group visits and works at the Embassy of Vietnam in South Korea
The third day of the journey continued to bring many rewarding experiences when the group visited Yonsei University. The academic space, filled with traditional marks yet still modern, of this university left many profound impressions. This was not only an occasion for students to learn more about a renowned educational institution, but also an opportunity to better visualize international academic standards, as well as the path for future knowledge and career development.
MOU signing ceremony between the Faculty of History & International Relations - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City with the Department of Political Science & International Studies -
College of Social Sciences, Yonsei University
Also on this day, the group visited the National Assembly Building of South Korea - a location with special significance regarding institutions and politics. For International Relations students, the tour became a vivid "field lesson" on state organization, legislative activities, political life, and the role of democratic institutions in national governance. Interspersed with academic activities and practical learning were lighter stops like Shilla Duty Free or South Korean ginseng shops, creating a harmonious balance between learning and cultural experience throughout the journey.
The fourth day continued to depict more clearly the image of a modern, creative, and highly influential South Korea. At the Korea Tourism Organization and HiKR Ground, the group was exposed to how South Korea builds and promotes its national image through technology, media, creative space, and innovative thinking. This was a valuable experience for students as it helped connect specialized knowledge with practical realities regarding national communication, cultural diplomacy, and soft power.
The group interacts and experiences at Korea Tourism Organization and HiKR Ground
In the afternoon of the same day, the group visited the Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) - a place that trains personnel for the Korean diplomatic sector. The visit gave students a more concrete vision of the professional training environment, policy orientation, and career requirements in the field of diplomacy. Afterwards, the group continued to visit the Starfield Library, a modern and impressive space of knowledge, before ending the day with moments of experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Myeongdong street.
A special highlight of the final day was the trip to the DMZ - the demilitarized zone between South Korea and North Korea. This is a location with profound significance regarding history, politics, and international security. For International Relations students, directly setting foot in this symbolic space helped many concepts that only appeared in lectures become more familiar and authentic. Through this, students had more opportunities to reflect on war, peace, division, conflict, and the value of dialogue in international relations.
Closing the journey, the group moved to Incheon airport to return to Vietnam. Some members even had the chance to visit the Incheon mural village, as a light highlight before finishing the trip. Each member brought back not only beautiful photos or souvenirs, but more importantly, precious practical experiences, lessons outside the lecture hall, and beautiful memories of a phase of youth they walked through together.
The practical internship journey in South Korea of the QH20-22 collective is therefore not just an extracurricular learning activity, but also a part of the memorable memories in student life. It was a journey of knowledge stepping out of the lecture hall to touch reality; it was a journey of meetings, observations, and experiences helping everyone grow more mature; at the same time, it was also a journey of nurturing team spirit, friendship, and the bond between members in the class.
In the future, when each person continues on their own separate path, many small details of the trip may gradually fade away. But for sure, those days in March in South Korea - the days of learning, discovering, and growing together - will remain as a beautiful chapter of youth.
QH20-22 has had a truly vibrant journey of youth - a journey of knowledge, experience, and unforgettable memories.
