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Plus 3 - 2026: Pittsburgh Students Explore Buddhism and Discover Vietnamese History

05/19/2026

As part of the Plus 3 - 2026 program, students from the University of Pittsburgh (USA) participated in a series of academic and cultural activities on May 19, focusing on Buddhism and Vietnamese history. The activities provided international students with multidimensional perspectives on Vietnam’s spiritual life, cultural identity, and historical development.

Pittsburgh students got the chance to know more about the life, culture, and history of Vietnam

Exploring the Theory of Buddhism in Vietnam

At UEF, the Pittsburgh students attended a specialized lecture titled “Theory of Buddhism in Vietnam” conducted by Mr. Tran Dinh Tuan, lecturer from the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management. The session introduced the origins and development of Buddhism in Vietnam, from its arrival through Indian and Chinese trade routes to its integration with folk beliefs, Confucianism, and Taoism in Vietnamese cultural life.

International students have a more diverse perspective on Buddhism

Sinh viên quốc tế có thêm góc nhìn về Phật giáo tại Việt Nam qua lớp học lý thuyết

Through the lecture, students gained insights into core Buddhist concepts such as impermanence, non-self, karma, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path. They also learned about the distinctive “harmonious integration” of Vietnamese Buddhism, where religion is closely connected to daily life, compassion, harmony, and community values.

Following the class, the students visited the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most well-known temples. There, they observed the architecture, worship spaces, and symbolic elements commonly found in Vietnamese Buddhism. The visit helped students connect academic knowledge with real-life spiritual and cultural practices in Vietnam.

Pittsburgh students paid a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda

Đoàn sinh viên Pittsburgh tham quan chùa Ngọc Hoàng

Discovering Vietnamese history through field visits

In addition to learning about religion, the Pittsburgh delegation also explored Vietnamese history through visits to the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace. During the visits, students encountered documents, photographs, and artifacts reflecting the realities of war, its impact on people’s lives, and Vietnam’s journey toward peace.

Discovering Vietnamese history through field visits

Chuyến tham quan thực tế giúp sinh viên Pittsburgh tìm hiểu lịch sử Việt Nam

The field trips not only enriched students’ academic understanding but also offered them deeper historical perspectives on Vietnam’s development from past to present. Many students expressed strong interest in the stories and historical materials presented at the sites and appreciated the value of experiential learning activities within the Plus 3 - 2026 program.

Through this combination of academic learning and hands-on experiences, Pittsburgh students gained meaningful opportunities to explore the depth of Vietnamese culture and history while broadening their intercultural perspectives during their international study journey at UEF.

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