UEF held the Opening Ceremony for the International Bachelor’s programmes

SEPTEMBER 29, the UEF International Institute successfully held the Opening Ceremony for the academic year 2026–2027 of its International Bachelor’s programmes. The event marked a new beginning for the freshmen of the UEF joint programmes offered in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire (UK), Keuka College (USA), and CY Cergy Paris Université (France). 

The Opening Ceremony not only marked the beginning of a new academic year but also delivered a message to freshmen who are going to enter the international learning environment, reminding them that this is an opportunity to take initiatives, broaden their horizon, step out of their comfort zone to accept challenges, and gradually develop a better version of themselves.

The Opening Ceremony officially welcomed freshmen of the International Bachelor’s programmes to the new academic year

The ceremony welcomed Mr Vincent Drapeau, Attaché for Science and Higher Education Cooperation - French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

Also attending the ceremony, on the international partners’ side, were Dame Clare Marchant, Vice-Chancellor, and leaders of University of Gloucestershire; Ms Ruby Nguyễn Partnership Director, Vietnam Program of Keuka College, and representatives of domestic and international partner businesses and organisations.

Representing UEF were Dr Đỗ Hữu Nguyên Lộc, Vice President; Dr Ngô Minh Hải, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr Ngô Cao Cường, Director of Graduate Education, Science and Technology; Prof. Dr Eric Jose Olmedo Panal, Director of the UEF International Institute; and leaders as well as lecturers of UEF faculties and institutes.

Freshmen of the UEF international bachelor’s programmes began the new academic year in an exciting atmosphere

In the opening remarks, Dr Đỗ Hữu Nguyên Lộc, Vice President, warmly welcomed freshmen of the new cohort and emphasised the important role of UEF global cooperation network in bringing world-class education to Vietnamese students. Three meaningful messages were also addressed to the freshmen: dare to step up as a beginner, broaden their mind, and define their future self. Undergraduate studies do not require them to have all the correct answers. It is a journey where they learn to ask better questions and confidently leverage their Vietnamese identity, but at the same time, keep an open mind to absorb the quintessence of the world. It all begins with the smallest decisions, from keeping their promises to time management and independent thinking.

The University’s representative expects freshmen to preserve Vietnamese identity and keep an open mind for global integration

Resonating with that spirit, Dame Clare Marchant affirmed her pride in the partnership with UEF. In the world where technology is rapidly evolving, especially artificial intelligence, it is essential that students develop adaptability, persistence, and teamwork skills besides technical knowledge. For the representative of the University of Gloucestershire, during undergraduate study, students should actively raise questions, make connections, explore their capabilities, and embrace every opportunity to develop themselves. Those skills will not only assist them in academic life but also lay the foundation for their adaptation to the dynamic workplace.

Regarding France-Vietnam educational cooperation, Mr Vincent Drapeau thinks highly of the training quality of the UEF joint programmes and considers this an evidence of effective international academic cooperation, which provides students with professional and multicultural education.

Partner representatives advised that students should equip themselves with essential skills for global integration in the modern world

Representing the incoming cohort, Võ Trần Như Ý, a freshman in the International Business Management programme offered in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire, revealed that she chose the international programme not only for the modern and vibrant learning environment but also because she wants to enhance her English proficiency, communication skills, teamwork skills, and intercultural competence.

For Như Ý, what makes an international environment valuable is not simply using English in the classroom. It also includes developing a global mindset, communicating their ideas, remaining receptive to different perspectives, and embracing diversity. She delivered remarks to the K2026 cohort, encouraging her peers to step out of their comfort zone with the smallest steps, such as participating in a new activity, making a new friend, or contributing ideas to their lectures.

Freshmen expect themselves to thrive in the multicultural environment

Following the welcoming ceremony, the event honoured and awarded scholarships to students with remarkable achievements in studies, research, and community engagement in the academic year 2025-2026, as well as freshmen who got the Admission Valedictorian Awards and those with the High IELTS Achievement Awards.

Honouring students and freshmen with outstanding achievements

Honouring the Admission Valedictorians of each programme

Seeing their proactive and receptive mindset as “global citizens”, UEF believes that the incoming cohort of the International Bachelor’s programmes in the academic year 2026-2027 will optimise their learning resources and international connections to break their limits, prove their capabilities, and build the future.

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