The Vietnam-Israel Cultural and Culinary Exchange Program, held from January 6th to 17th at Dong A University, provided unforgettable experiences for students of the Tourism Department. The academic exchange activities, practical exercises, and field surveys helped students explore the cultural intersection between the two countries while also enhancing their personal skills.
Kicking off the series of international exchange activities for 2025 at Dong A University, the Vietnam–Israel Cultural and Culinary Exchange program provided valuable insights for students in the Tourism Department. The program, which took place from January 6th to 17th, featured various activities designed to enrich students' learning experiences.
Dong A University students participated in a specialized course on the social and cultural aspects of both Vietnam and Israel, taught by Professor Nir Avieli, a lecturer from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Ben-Gurion University. With his extensive knowledge and rich experience, Professor Nir helped students explore the similarities and differences between the two cultures, especially in the field of cuisine. The lectures not only helped students recognize cultural intersections but also analyzed the influence of Western culture on the cuisines of Vietnam and Israel, highlighting the value of Vietnamese cuisine in the context of global integration.
In addition to theoretical lessons, students from the Tourism Department also had the opportunity to participate in cooking activities, preparing Israeli dishes. They worked alongside their instructor to experience, taste, and analyze the culinary values of the dishes they had prepared themselves. These practical sessions created a warm and bonding atmosphere, especially during the pre-Tet season.
One of the most exciting activities of the program was the field trip to the ancient town of Hoi An on January 11th. Students had the opportunity to explore the unique cultural space of this UNESCO World Heritage site, discovering the fusion of cultures through architecture, cuisine, and the local lifestyle. Together, they enjoyed famous dishes like Mi Quang and Cao Lau, and learned how to guide others in experiencing food through multiple senses. This hands-on experience helped students gain a deeper understanding of the richness of Vietnamese culinary heritage.
The program not only provided academic value but also created an opportunity for Dong A University students to showcase their dynamism, enthusiasm, and hospitality, leaving a lasting impression on international friends. It was an excellent opportunity for students to develop soft skills, especially communication and teamwork, in a multicultural environment. These activities not only helped students broaden their understanding of global cultures but also contributed to promoting Vietnamese cultural values internationally.
Students of Dong A University were awarded certificates of participation upon completing the course after the program.
Additionally, the program served as an opportunity for Dong A University and Ben-Gurion University to strengthen their collaborative relationship, creating more learning and development opportunities for students.
It is also worth noting that in February, Dong A University will host the 2025 Global Project-Based Learning (gPBL) IoT-SICT program. This will be the fifth edition of the program, with participation from students from Dong A University, Shibaura University, Ming-Chi University, and others.