UEF Welcomes Spanish Ambassador for Official Visit to Strengthen International Collaboration
With a focus on the internationalization of education, alongside developing collaborative training programs, extracurricular activities, and cultural exchanges, UEF consistently prioritizes fostering partnerships with international organizations and entities.
OCTOBER 11, the university hosted a visit from the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain - Ms. Carmen Cano De Lasala. During the event, UEF also established the Spanish Events Center. This initiative expands opportunities for students to engage with new cultural and educational experiences while strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The event was attended by Mr. Oscar Lopez Alegre from the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (SCCV). Representing UEF were Dr. Nhan Cam Tri - Vice President, and Dr. Do Huu Nguyen Loc, Vice President, along with numerous department leaders and a large group of students.
During the meeting, both sides expressed their views and aspirations for expanding cooperation and strengthening the relationship between the two countries across multiple areas. Among these, collaborative initiatives in culture and education were discussed to create opportunities for students to deepen their understanding between communities. This collaboration will make UEF students’ learning journey and international integration more diverse and enriching.
On behalf of the university, Dr. Nhan Cam Tri expressed his honor in welcoming the Ambassador. He shared his hope that through her visit, UEF would have the opportunity to connect with universities in Spain to initiate student and faculty exchange programmes, as well as build connections with Spanish businesses to expand learning and internship opportunities for students. "In recent times, UEF has organized many activities related to Spain, including cultural events, performances, language classes, and culinary introductions, with the participation of guests from Spain. These events have added a fresh international dimension to student activities at the university. Following today’s meeting, I hope this unique color in our university life will grow even richer," added the UEF Vice President.
Ms. Carmen Cano De Lasala also expressed her joy and appreciation for UEF’s warm welcome. She shared additional insights about Spain's geography, history, economy, education, and attractions. Spain, she highlighted, is renowned as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, with 50 UNESCO-recognized heritage sites (ranked 5th globally) and 25 intangible cultural heritage elements (ranked 4th). She emphasized that Spain is a global leader in higher education, with internationally recognized universities that serve as top destinations for students worldwide, facilitating learning and exchange opportunities. In terms of cuisine, Spain is the world’s largest exporter of olive oil and ranks third in wine production. Notably, Spain was the first European country to establish a strategic partnership with Vietnam in 2009. In 2027, Spain and Vietnam will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The Ambassador encouraged UEF students to be bold in building connections and integrating internationally, noting that this is now much easier for young people. Students today have many opportunities to explore the world around them and expand their perspectives. She believes cultural differences are a minor factor that students can quickly adapt to and embrace. In the future, she expressed a desire for more educational collaborations with UEF if opportunities arise.
“I think it’s essential for young people like you to learn other languages, as behind language lies not just words but also culture. This helps broaden your outlook and opens new worlds to you. Today’s world has changed greatly; travel and mobility are easier than ever, which is why we aim to promote exchange programmes for students, faculty, organizations, and other stakeholders. I think this is very important,” affirmed Ms. Carmen Cano De Lasala.
She also highlighted that the two countries hold great potential for bilateral relations, although they are currently in the phase of turning these potentials into reality to achieve concrete results. Some key areas of potential collaboration include tourism, infrastructure, and green transition.
On this occasion, the Spanish Events Center was also established. This center is designed as a space for activities and events related to Spain, aimed at foreigners or students with an interest in Spanish culture.
The center will be responsible for organizing diplomatic receptions, language and soft skills classes, workshops, forums, seminars, business networking events, exhibitions, displays, and volunteer activities.
The visit from the Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam provided a special opportunity for UEF to advance prospects for cultural, academic, and educational exchange with Spain. This visit has laid the groundwork for UEF to organize cultural exchange programmes, and Spanish cultural activities, and offer students a range of high-quality learning and experiential opportunities in the future.
