In recent years, universities throughout the world have recognized that establishing cooperative programs often results in many mutual benefits for participated institutions. Keeping the mutuality of cooperation in mind, Dong A University has made a commitment to look for partnerships and cooperative arrangements that will prove beneficial to the students and faculty at Dong A University by providing opportunities that promote the University’s vision and mission. The agreements range from establishing joint programs of study to faculty exchange or joint research projects.

The University has recognized that a variety of meaningful experiences will help the students to overcome challenges in the real world. The experiences will be magnified as domestic and international labor markets become smaller and labor supplies become greater, seeking job will be very difficult and competitive. Recognizing the importance of broadening the students’ cultural experiences, Dong A University has sought to establish cooperative relationships with institutions and partners from Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States.

Dong A University has had partnership with Humboldt State University, California. The memorandum of understanding states that both institutions will work to develop collaborative programs between departments, administration staffs, colleges/programs, through exchanges, sabbatical leave assignments, lectures, symposium, work practicum, internships, workshops, collaborative researches, joint projects with business and industry and professional development programs. Initially, Dong A University will focus on programs such as business administration, social sciences, computer systems English education and teacher education.

Partnership with Humboldt State University, California

Another benefit of this program is the development of dual degree programs that will allow students from both institutions to engage in exchange programs while pursuing their degrees. The institutions will pursue other areas of cooperation through continued dialogue and communication.

California State University, San Bernardino, USA has entered into an agreement to work cooperatively with Dong A University to explore opportunities in the areas of joint programs, faculty development, student exchange, joint research and program development. Technical assistance is also highlighted in this memorandum.

President Dao and Dr. Tatiana Karmanova, Dean, College of Extended Learning, CSUSB

East Los Angeles College is another partner in America. This agreement focuses on student exchange and developing the Dual Credit programs.

The Human Resource Institution from Japan offers a Japan Management Course at the Danang Campus. This program is designed to meet identified needs for executives in the Danang business and industrial community. Another Asian partner is CWG Consulting Pte. Ltd. from Singapore. Dong A University and CWG Consulting through a newly formed organization, ONTRACK International Vietnam Joint Stock Company, will work in partnership with both public and private organizations to develop a program that meet identified needs in organizational development and performance management needs.

HRI offers courses on soft skills

Kelkel Global Education and Training from Australia is also involved with Dong A in offering training courses in the areas of hospitality and tourism. This program is designed to broaden and expand cultural understanding among Dong A students.

Partners in Europe include the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, France and Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Germany. The memorandum of understanding with the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis focuses on developing joint degree program at both the graduate and undergraduate level as well as faculty and student exchange. The research programs have potential to grow and become part of this agreement.

The agreement with Kempten University of Applied Sciences is part of a three party relationship with Festo Didactic of Germany being the third party. Kempten and Dong A will work cooperatively to develop a program in Mechatronics. Festo Didactic, Kempten and Dong A will also provide training and informational sessions on Mechatronics to businesses and industry in the Central of Vietnam initially. The three will collaborate on a symposium on Mechatronics to be held in Danang in 2011.

Agreement signing with Kempten University of Applied Sciences

Another relationship with an European partner is with PUM Netherlands Senior Experts from the Netherlands. This program provides technical assistance to universities throughout the world. At Dong A university, a senior expert conducts workshops for students and faculty on topics such as work skill, study skill and time management. The expert also provides technical assistance and consults with department heads and other administrators on various topics.

In December 2010, Dong A University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pannasastra University of Cambodia. This agreement targets the development of joint educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, faculty and student exchange, cooperative research programs, joint seminars and program development activities.

The variety of activities and diversity of the partnerships clearly indicate that Dong A University is at the forefront in forging meaningful partnerships. These agreements are all action oriented and designed to offer Dong A University students and faculty opportunities to expand their educational and professional experiences. As Dong A University grows, the administration is committed to seeking out and providing an interactive environment for the students with a wider range of professionals, cultural experiences and further educational opportunities.