HUTECH Students Discover Multinational Cultures with Expert from the Philippines

The Talkshow “Students and International Integration”, held on October 30, was co-organized by the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management and the Faculty of Marketing and International Business at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH). The event provided students with valuable insights into cultural diversity in various aspects of life between Vietnam and the Philippines.

The talkshow featured Mr. Vladimir Mariano and Ms. Anthea Mariano, lecturers from Fulbright University Vietnam. As Filipino nationals who have lived in Vietnam for over 10 years, the two speakers shared their personal experiences and cultural observations, offering students meaningful perspectives on the differences between the two countries.

Mr. Vladimir Mariano shared that Vietnam and the Philippines share many similarities in social life, particularly in daily living habits and people’s behavior. Ms. Anthea Mariano also expressed her appreciation for the strong emphasis on family values in Vietnamese culture, which is reflected in the warm and friendly lifestyle of the people. Both countries place great importance on education, which serves as a significant common ground and creates valuable opportunities for exchange and learning among students from the two nations.

In addition to the similarities, Mr. Vladimir Mariano emphasized that Vietnamese cuisine stands out for its distinctive characteristics, particularly its healthier cooking style compared to that of the Philippines. Mr. and Ms. Mariano also pointed out differences in religion and festivals between the two countries. Moreover, they acknowledged the remarkable development of Vietnam’s internet infrastructure, which they considered a significant advantage for Vietnamese students in terms of connecting with international peers, expanding networks, and accessing diverse sources of information.

The speakers also encouraged students to travel and explore other countries as a way to broaden their knowledge. Travel not only allows young people to experience new cultures, but also offers valuable opportunities to practice international communication skills. With today’s technological advancements, students can begin by learning about the cultures and cuisines of other countries—or even experience living and working abroad—through social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or TikTok,... “If you don’t feel confident communicating yet, you can start by connecting online with international friends, joining groups or forums to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and gradually improve your communication skills,” the speaker advised.

Through the experts’ sharing, students not only recognized the importance of developing their skills and knowledge, but also gained a clearer view of the opportunities and challenges that come with global integration. Confidence, a spirit of learning, and adaptability are essential qualities that students need to equip themselves with in order to be well-prepared for their future journey toward international integration.