Faculty of English UEFers as Global Travellers through English Culture Day 4.0

In the context of increasingly deep integration, foreign languages are no longer limited to serving as tools for communication; they have become the key that helps young people expand their knowledge, explore the world, and assert themselves. With the goal of creating a rich, experience-based learning environment so that students can approach English in a lively and close-to-life way, the Faculty of English at UEF organized English Culture Day 4.0 with the theme “Celebrating Unity in Diversity” on the morning of April 10. This annual event offers a harmonious blend of academic learning, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Annual academic learning spaces and cultural exchange help UEFers enhance their language abilities

The program had the participation of Dr. Nhan Cam Tri – Vice Rector, Mr./ThS. Bui Quang Dong – Head of the Office of Student Affairs, Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Loan – Vice Director of the Center for Enterprise Cooperation, Dr. Nguyen Phuoc Lan – Vice Director of the Center for Information Technology – Foreign Languages, along with the leadership of the Faculty of English and representatives from partner enterprises.

Opening Global Thinking with International Guests

The opening ceremony took place in an exciting atmosphere, marking the beginning of a meaningful series of activities and also showing the proactive integration spirit of UEF students. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Huy Cuong – Head of the Faculty of English – said:
“English Culture Day 4.0 is not only a cultural festival, but also demonstrates UEF’s commitment to building an internationally standardized learning environment—accompanying students on their journey to develop global competencies. In a world that is becoming increasingly connected, improving cultural understanding is an important factor that helps learners confidently integrate, broaden their perspectives, and be ready to adapt to a multinational workplace environment.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Huy Cuong highlights the role of culture in global connection

The series of activities at the festival aims to help students better understand how to apply English in global contexts - from the classroom to professional environments. Accordingly, the workshop “Voices of the English-Speaking World” offered practical perspectives on language and culture.
Speaker Charles Price, Founder of IELTS with Charles British Academy Vietnam, emphasized an important change in the way English learning is approached today. It is not about sounding like a native speaker, but about clarity, confidence, and the ability to communicate effectively.
“English is an international connection language, and most of its users are not native speakers, so you don’t need to feel self-conscious about your accent,” the guest encouraged.
From his personal experience, he encouraged students to be bold in practice, persist in developing listening and speaking skills, and preserve their own identity. According to this international expert, it is confidence and cultural identity that will help each person become different and shine on their integration journey.

International speaker inspires students with confident English communication

From another perspective, Speaker Nguyen Dang Viet Chuong – Channel Management Director, ETS TOEFL SEA, shared relatable insights from his journey moving between academic and corporate environments. He believes that the biggest difference lies in communication objectives:
“In the classroom, we often focus on correct grammar and correct vocabulary. But in the workplace, what matters more is the ability to communicate clearly, interact effectively, and adapt flexibly.”

The speaker shares real-life experiences about transitioning from academia to business

From there, he emphasized that English is not only a language skill, but also a tool for presenting ideas, collaborating, and demonstrating professional capability in a multinational environment. Supporting this view, the ETS representative also pointed out that adaptability and specific evidence of competence will be factors that help students feel confident as they enter the global job market.

On behalf of the school, the Faculty of English expresses gratitude to partner organizations and speakers

A Multicolored Cultural Space at UEF Campus

Alongside that, the program also created a distinctive mark through a diverse experience series with vivid and inspiring cultural spaces. The booths were carefully prepared, recreating the characteristics of many countries, giving students the chance to “travel” through different cultures right within the school campus.
The poster and model exhibition with 13 contest entries demonstrated students’ creativity as well as their ability to research and apply English to real life. The program became even more exciting with the competition “Golden Bell Challenge: Cultural Knowledge Quest.” Contestants competed through engaging questions about global culture.

Students present posters and models of the English-speaking countries they love

One contest entry was a poster featuring Rangoli art from India. Mr./Ms. Pham Kieu Han, a student majoring in International Relations, shared that participating in the program not only helps her spread appreciation for cultural beauty, but also broadens connections—giving her the opportunity to get to know many friends from other faculties. She also practiced English in real contexts and discovered how this language is used in many countries.

Pham Kieu Han and her research poster on Indian Rangoli art

From the perspective of participants, the program left UEFers with many deep impressions. Vo Thanh Thuy, a first-year student majoring in International Business, said this was her first time joining a large-scale event and she clearly felt the Faculty of English’s investment in creating a cultural experience environment. She expressed her desire for more similar activities so she can learn even more.

UEFers learn and have fun through the “Golden Bell” challenge

 For Nguyen Xuan Nhi, a student majoring in Hotel Administration and Management, this was her second time participating in major events at the school. She realized that activities like these provide many opportunities to practice skills, increase confidence, and develop oneself—especially English communication abilities in a multicultural environment.

Award winners from the English Culture Day 4.0 activity series

With the attraction and scale of the events, English Culture Day 4.0 continues to affirm itself as one of the leading academic and cultural events of the Faculty of English in particular and the school in general. The program has become a source of inspiration for students to nurture their passion for foreign languages, broaden their perspectives, and integrate with confidence. Through multi-dimensional experiences, students are equipped with knowledge and develop comprehensively the skills and character needed to be ready to seize opportunities in a global environment.