Intercultural Day 2026: Where HSU and ITE College West Students Connect Across Cultures

Intercultural Day 2026 was an international cultural exchange program organized by the Institute of International Education and Global Engagement in collaboration with the Faculty of Hospitality Management at Hoa Sen University, bringing together a delegation of lecturers and students from ITE College West (Singapore) for a cross-cultural learning experience. Under the theme “Embrace Diversity – Foster Connections”, the exchange brought students from both institutions together to learn, collaborate, and celebrate cultural diversity through a series of immersive, hands-on activities.
With higher education increasingly focused on international integration, multicultural exchange programs have become essential in helping students expand their knowledge while developing communication skills, global thinking, and adaptability in diverse environments. Intercultural Day brings this vision to life, where each experience fosters connection and deepens respect for cultural diversity.

A heartfelt welcome to our friends from Singapore

Recently, Intercultural Day 2026 at Hoa Sen University (HSU) welcomed a delegation from ITE College West, creating a vibrant space for cross-cultural learning and connection.
Set in a friendly and open atmosphere, the exchange began with musical performances by HSU students. Through youthful melodies and vibrant expressions of Vietnamese identity, the performances showcased the dynamic spirit of the HSU students while warmly welcoming the visiting delegation from Singapore.

Through an introductory video showcasing, ITE College West students explored the HSU’s history, educational philosophy, modern campus environment, and internationalization direction. It also featured remarks from representatives of both institutions, underscoring the value of academic and cultural exchange in advancing international educational collaboration.

Cross-cultural connection through interactive experiences

Designed with students at its core, Intercultural Day 2026 transformed every activity into an opportunity for interaction, collaboration, and shared learning. A series of English-language games encouraged participants to communicate naturally, helping them quickly overcome initial hesitations and connect across cultures.

In the Rope Handcuff Game, participants collaborated to overcome challenges that tested their logical reasoning, observation skills, and teamwork. At the same time, the Pass the Ball Game united students from HSU and ITE College West in mixed teams, fostering the development of strategies and effective coordination to achieve common objectives.

While the activities were designed as friendly competitions, they also became opportunities for students to appreciate different communication styles, teamwork dynamics, and ways of thinking. Laughter, spontaneous conversations in English, and moments of encouragement transformed simple games into meaningful cross-cultural connections.

Exploring HSU’s dynamic learning environment

The cultural exchange continued with a campus tour, offering students from ITE College West an opportunity to experience the learning environment at HSU.

From modern classrooms and open study spaces to facilities supporting international programs, the visit highlighted HSU’s commitment to creating an inspiring and globally oriented learning environment. Moreover, the delegation explored the specialized practice facilities of the Faculty of Hospitality Management, where students learn through hands-on experiences in industry-simulated environments.

The visit enabled the Singaporean students to gain a deeper understanding of HSU’s experiential learning model and its focus on developing professional skills, practical competence, and global readiness.

Exploring Vietnamese culture through culinary arts

The Vietnamese culinary experience, organized by the Faculty of Hospitality Management, was among the program’s most engaging activities.

Conducted in the faculty’s professional training kitchen, the workshop provided students from both institutions with hands-on experience in preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes and beverages, including Spring Rolls and Drip Coffee.

Rather than simply observing, students directly participated in every stage of the culinary experience, from ingredient preparation and cooking to presentation and tasting. Through these hands-on activities, international participants discovered the distinctive qualities of Vietnamese cuisine, from its harmonious flavors to the cultural meaning embedded in each dish.

Meanwhile, students of HSU strengthened their communication skills, teamwork abilities, and confidence in introducing Vietnamese culture to an international audience.

Fostering borderless connections

Intercultural Day 2026 highlights HSU’s internationalization orientation, emphasizing learning experiences that combine practical engagement with global connection.

Through cooperation between the Institute of International Education and Global Engagement and the Faculty of Hospitality Management, the Intercultural Day offers students opportunities to strengthen intercultural communication skills, broaden their worldview, and form lasting connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

Each conversation, interaction, and cultural encounter becomes a memorable milestone in the learner’s journey of growth. At HSU, internationalization is not limited to partnerships or exchange programs, but is brought to life through practical experiences that empower students to step confidently into a global environment, where differences are respected, cultures are shared, and meaningful connections continue to grow.