Plus 3 - Celebrating 12-year study abroad program and its remarkable milestones
During two weeks, Pitt and UEF students were provided with beneficial knowledge through various classes, such as “Planning and Developing Rural Areas of the Mekong Delta River, Vietnamese Language, Vietnam’s History and Cultures, the Role of Green Transformation and Sustainable Economy in Vietnam, Vietnamese Buddhism, etc.
Over the past 15 years, with 12 successful iterations, Plus 3 has become a high-quality, connective, and meaningful program in UEF’s strategy of internationalization.
Dr. Do Huu Nguyen Loc - Vice President, responsible for the program, shared: “According to the Wall Street Journal College Rankings in 2021, the University of Pittsburgh was awarded as the best public university in the Northeastern United States. This is an ancient and prestigious university. Students from both universities will have the opportunity to study and do research together, enabling UEF’s students to develop both their mindsets and skills. This activity strengthens the relationship between both universities, which share a common focus on international activities in education.”
In 2024, the Plus 3 Study Abroad Program was organized by the University of Pittsburgh on a global scale, spreading to 7 nations including Korea, Argentina, Netherlands, Ecuador, Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Cyprus. In Vietnam, UEF stands out as the only university in Southeast Asia in this program.
Plus 3 contributed to enhancing UEF’s international identity through numerous academic exchange activities and by hosting students from various nations like England, Singapore, Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, France, etc.
“One of the main reasons I chose Vietnam is its historical journey. Besides discovering the history and cultures of Vietnam, I am interested in visiting many enterprises and tourist destinations during the journey. I feel very excited about making friends with Vietnamese students and gaining wonderful experiences from this trip,” shared Ms. Sydney Rosenberg.
Starting from being unfamiliar with the “UEF world” during the initial days, Pitt’s students then enjoyed the journey of exchanging ideas, discovering new perspectives, and making meaningful friendships. Plus 3 is the most diverse international program where students can immerse themselves in Vietnamese cultures, history, languages, economics and tourism.
Additionally, the Plus 3 program also organized numerous visits and field trips to UEF enterprise partners such as TTT Corporation, VCF, GreenViet, Saigon Hi-tech Park, PECC2, Saigon Newport Corporation, etc. The students learned more about Vietnam’s business environment and workflow.
Students from both universities also explored a wealth of knowledge related to the relics and heritage of Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City, such as Cu Chi Tunnel, Tao Phung Mountain, The Jade Emperor Pagoda, War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh market, the intangible cultural heritage of Southern amateur music, etc.
The Plus 3 journey marked a strong international friendship between students from UEF and the University of Pittsburgh
Ms. Luu Ngoc Minh, a Plus 3 - 2024 volunteer, expressed: “Besides the main activities, we also have regular exchanges and activities together. The Pittsburgh students are open-hearted and friendly. Through the program, I want to share Vietnamese culture and history with international friends, as well as learn many new things from them and practice my English communication skills. I feel lucky to be a Plus 3 volunteer, and I will register for joining the program next year.”
Plus 3 – 2024 journey has successfully concluded, leaving many unforgettable experiences and fostering the beautiful international friendship between UEF and the University of Pittsburgh. Possessing enduring values, Plus 3 promises an exciting return and impactful experiences for students from both universities.
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