On March 26, USSH-VNUHCM welcomed Ms. Nasly Isabel Bernal Prado, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chile to Viet Nam, for an official visit and working session at the Stateroom, Sai Gon Campus.
Attending the meeting, on behalf of the University were Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President; Dr. Hoang Thi Trang, Deputy Head of the Office of External Relations and Scientific Research Management; Dr. Phan Ngoc Son, Vice Dean of the Faculty of European Languages and Cultures; MSc. Do Huyen Thanh, Head of the Spanish Language Program; along with lecturers from the Faculty. The Chilean delegation included Ambassador Nasly Isabel Bernal Prado and Ms. Rosaura Campusano, Agricultural Attaché and First Secretary of the Embassy of Chile in Viet Nam.
Overview of the meeting – Photo: Ly Nguyen
Affirming Training Orientation and Viet Nam–Chile Cooperation
In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan highlighted the growing importance of relations between Viet Nam and Spanish-speaking countries, noting that the University has proactively developed training programs to support cooperation in this area.
Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan at the meeting – Photo: Ly Nguyen
n recent years, the University has hosted high-level diplomatic delegations from countries such as Spain, Mexico, and Colombia, contributing to expanded international partnerships and creating practical learning environments for students. Spanish-major students have gradually developed the ability to communicate effectively within the broader international community.
She emphasized that while Vietnamese students studying Spanish demonstrate strong potential, many have limited opportunities to experience native-speaking environments. Therefore, expanding exchange programs and scholarships is essential to enhancing training quality.
Chilean Embassy Proposes Expanding Academic and International Exchang
In response, Ambassador Nasly Isabel Bernal Prado expressed appreciation for the University’s training orientation and its potential for collaboration, particularly in Spanish language and cultural studies.
Ambassador Nasly Isabel Bernal Prado highlights the University’s strengths in Spanish language and cultural training – Photo: Ly Nguyen
The Embassy noted that it is actively promoting cooperation initiatives in Viet Nam, with education, training, and academic exchange identified as priority areas. On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Viet Nam–Chile diplomatic relations, the Embassy aims to expand activities in Ho Chi Minh City, including cultural exchange programs, exhibitions, and academic networking events involving higher education institutions.
The Chilean side also proposed the development of scholarship and student exchange programs, particularly for qualified Spanish-major students. Both sides discussed opportunities to broaden cooperation into scientific research, interdisciplinary projects, academic publishing, and joint participation in international events such as World Book and Copyright Day (April 23).
The Embassy affirmed its readiness to support connections and facilitate the implementation of collaborative initiatives, aiming to develop practical and effective programs in the near future.
The discussions moved beyond general orientations to outline initial concrete areas of cooperation, spanning training, student exchange, research, and cultural exchange. Continued implementation of these proposals is expected to enhance training quality and further expand the University’s international collaboration network.
Some highlights from the meeting:
NGUYEN QUYEN
(Translated by Hoang Oanh Nguyen)
