Foreign Student “Falls in Love” with Vietnamese Culture
BUV Daily

Foreign Student “Falls in Love” with Vietnamese Culture

Aug 14, 2024

Foreign Student “Falls in Love” with Vietnamese Culture 14:33:11

After a year on an international student exchange programme, a British student of Romanian descent has chosen to remain in Vietnam to immerse himself in the beauty of the country and its people. 

Vietnam is home to a significant number of international students worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the US, the UK, and Australia. However, the influx of foreign students into Vietnam remains quite modest. Breaking the trend, a British student of Romanian descent Mihaica Cezar-Alexandru (known as Alex) has chosen Vietnam as the destination for his academic journey. 

Alex is one of the few international students who has chosen Vietnam as his study destination. 

A Serendipitous Encounter with Vietnam 

“I’m a keen traveller. When the International Office at Staffordshire University announced the exchange programme in Vietnam, I jumped at the chance,” Alex reflects on his fortuitous journey to Vietnam. 

“During the programme, the International Office at British University Vietnam (BUV), where I’m studying, organised numerous visits. The highlights included a cultural immersion in Mai Chau, visiting an orphanage in Hanoi, and exploring the SOS Children’s Village in Hai Phong.” As a result, after a year of living and studying in the capital, Alex has become well-acquainted with and fond of life here, finding it “unthinkable” to leave Vietnam and return to the UK. 

The exchange activities at the university gave Alex a deeper insight into Vietnamese culture and cuisine. 

Similar to many foreigners who develop a fondness for Vietnam, Alex is particularly captivated by the country’s cuisine and the preservation of its cultural heritage. He also values the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people, which has contributed to his sense of being welcomed. Although he encountered some cultural challenges, Alex has adapted swiftly, finding that these differences enhance the richness and memorability of his cultural experience. 

Alex’s enthusiasm for cultural exploration and preservation.  

For Alex, deciding to remain in Vietnam was not a difficult choice, thanks to the support from both his family and British University Vietnam (BUV). Having been independent since his early years, following his move to the UK, Alex is well acquainted with living away from home. His family is pleased to witness his maturity and adaptability. 

Regarding his decision to transfer to BUV in Vietnam, Alex explains: “My main concern was securing financial support for the upcoming academic year. I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected for the scholarship awarded by Mr Christopher Jeffery, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International, Strategy & Engagement). This scholarship has enabled me to continue my studies at BUV in Vietnam.” 

A Journey of Growth in Vietnam 

The willingness to change and adapt to a new environment is a commendable effort. For Alex, his success has been even more significant, as he has achieved substantial milestones within a short time at BUV. 

“During the final exchange programme, I noticed significant personal growth. I completed my first book, Placebo: The Way of Life, within three months and hope it will be published soon. In terms of personal development, I have observed marked improvements in my emotional intelligence (EQ)—a vital skill in both professional and everyday contexts,” Alex enthusiastically shares. He highlights the Personal Development Programme (PSG), a course that has enabled him to see tangible changes in various aspects of his life. 

The exchange programme between Staffordshire University and BUV led to a significant decision for Alex (standing, fourth from the left). 

Finding a connection with Vietnam has opened up numerous opportunities for Alex. Studying economics, he aspires to become an entrepreneur in the future. The British student believes that business opportunities are abundant everywhere, and as a global citizen, Alex can start a venture anywhere, especially in Vietnam—often referred to as the “rising tiger” of Asia. 

Alex’s insights not only reveal the personal journey of a British student who travelled over 10,000 kilometres to Hanoi but also contribute to shifting public perceptions of the quality of education in Vietnam. His experience highlights that the academic programmes at domestic international universities are on par with those at institutions abroad.  

Alex affirms “The faculty at BUV are highly experienced and adept at delivering exceptional value to students, fostering the development of each learner. This is something I deeply appreciate, as the quality of education is always a priority for me.” 

Alex (on the left) has integrated seamlessly and become a full-fledged student at BUV. 

In Alex’s eyes, he has never been concerned about whether studying abroad is considered “going against the grain” or “going with the flow.” Just like business opportunities, high-quality educational programmes are available everywhere, not just in the UK. 

“I’m particularly fond of a quote by Neale Donald Walsch: ‘Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.’ For students considering studying abroad, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, and I’m sure you will never regret it.” 

BUV expands collaboration with top educational institutions in LaosRead more
BUV becomes the first and only university in Vietnam to join the UN University Global AI Network
BUV Daily

Mar 18, 2025

BUV becomes the first and only university in Vietnam to join the UN University Global AI Network

British University Vietnam (BUV) is proud to announce its membership in the UNU Global AI Network, becoming the first and only higher education institution in Vietnam to join a prestigious global platform led by the United Nations University (UNU) and its partners. This milestone underscores BUV’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable development, […]

International Experience Programme 2025: Stay Local – Go Global
BUV Daily

Mar 14, 2025

International Experience Programme 2025: Stay Local – Go Global

The BUV International Experience Programmes 2025 are now open for applications, offering students the opportunity to participate in short-term academic study trips to South Korea and the United Kingdom. Organized by the BUV International Office, the programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive international learning experience, integrating academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and professional […]

BUV expands collaboration with top educational institutions in Laos
BUV Daily

Mar 12, 2025

BUV expands collaboration with top educational institutions in Laos

British University Vietnam (BUV) has officially signed collaboration agreements with leading educational institutions in Laos, further strengthening its commitment to expanding high-quality, accredited British education across Southeast Asia. This initiative aligns with BUV’s long-term vision to be recognised as the leading international university in Vietnam and the surrounding regions.  BUV has recently signed a Memorandum […]

BUV Head of The Graduate School’s research expands the global perspective on voluntourism beyond the Western world 
BUV Daily

Mar 10, 2025

BUV Head of The Graduate School’s research expands the global perspective on voluntourism beyond the Western world 

Dr. Simon Kimber, Head of School, The Graduate School at BUV, and his colleagues have contributed to global tourism research with their latest publication in Current Issues in Tourism, a leading journal ranked in the 99%-97% Scopus quartile. Their paper, “Chinese voluntourist gaze: a self-reflective perspective,” published by Taylor & Francis, explores how young Chinese […]

Integration of RF Sensing and AI in Monitoring Bone Healing: A Potential Breakthrough in Medical Treatment Methods
BUV Daily

Mar 07, 2025

Integration of RF Sensing and AI in Monitoring Bone Healing: A Potential Breakthrough in Medical Treatment Methods

Dr. Ali Al-Dulaimi – Head of School, School of Computing & Innovative Technologies at BUV – and his research team are working to transform orthopaedic care with emerging technologies. Significant limitations of traditional methods   In the treatment of bone-related ailments, traditional methods such as X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have […]

British University Vietnam, Saigon Hi-Tech Park and the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City signed strategic cooperation agreement
BUV Daily

Feb 27, 2025

British University Vietnam, Saigon Hi-Tech Park and the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City signed strategic cooperation agreement

Hanoi, 26th February 2025 – The areas of cooperation focus on establishing a high-tech skills training centre that meets international standards, playing a key role in the long-term development strategy of the city and the nation. This aims to develop a highly skilled workforce to meet the needs of both domestic and international businesses, while […]

BUV welcomes first international student group from India for Cultural Immersion Programme
BUV Daily

Feb 21, 2025

BUV welcomes first international student group from India for Cultural Immersion Programme

This exchange marks a significant step in strengthening the partnership between BUV and Assam Down Town University, while also building the educational bridge between India and Vietnam.  As part of its commitment to fostering international collaboration and cross-cultural learning, British University Vietnam (BUV) had the honor of welcoming a delegation of 26 students from Assam […]

BUV’s Head of Business School Presents Research on Student-Centered Teaching Methods at ICFAA Conference
BUV Daily

Feb 03, 2025

BUV’s Head of Business School Presents Research on Student-Centered Teaching Methods at ICFAA Conference

Scientific conferences like ICFAA, featuring the participation of senior international experts, play a crucial role in providing updated trends and practical insights in the fields of accounting, auditing, and finance to professionals and universities in Vietnam.  Recently, the 7th International Conference on Accounting, Auditing, and Finance (ICFAA 2024) was jointly organized in Hanoi by the […]

BUV Selected by Hanoi Department of Education and Training as a Training Partner, Promoting the Spirit of Lifelong Learning
BUV Daily

Jan 21, 2025

BUV Selected by Hanoi Department of Education and Training as a Training Partner, Promoting the Spirit of Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning is not only a core value in education but also a key to enhancing leadership skills, innovating teaching methods, and driving the sustainable development of national education.  An Education Strategy for the Globalisation Era  In recent years, Vietnam’s education sector has undergone significant transformations, particularly emphasising fostering lifelong learning. More than just a […]

BUV launches the Tech Queens Scholarship – Empowering women to lead in tech
BUV Daily

Jan 16, 2025

BUV launches the Tech Queens Scholarship – Empowering women to lead in tech

Committed to empowering women to lead in technology and digital transformation, British University Vietnam (BUV), in collaboration with leading local and international organisations, unveil the Tech Queens Scholarship. This initiative is designed exclusively for talented female students with a passion for technology.  In a world where technology continues to redefine industries and reshape our daily […]

DMCA.com Protection Status