The friendship between Vietnam and Laos is an invaluable asset that generations of leaders and people of both countries have diligently cultivated throughout history. Building on this precious tradition, Vietnamese students and Laotian students studying at universities and colleges in Son La province have become increasingly close and bonded during their studies and training.
Vietnam-Laos Youth Friendship Exchange Program at Son La College.
Currently, there are over 670 Lao students studying at the following institutions: Northwest University; Son La College; and Son La Medical College. Regular cultural and sports exchange activities are organized, bringing not only joy but also opportunities for students from both countries to understand each other better, share experiences, and strengthen bonds.
To help Lao students integrate better, the Vietnamese Student Association at Son La College has implemented the "Vietnamese-Lao Friendship" model, where each Lao student has at least one Vietnamese student accompanying and guiding them in their studies and daily lives; guiding Lao students in learning and singing Vietnamese songs. This is an effective and enjoyable way to learn the language, helping Lao students to love the Vietnamese language even more; or forming support groups to tutor Lao students in Vietnamese to improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while also allowing Lao students to introduce the unique culture of their country.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Trang, President of the association, said: The "Vietnam-Laos Friendship" model aims to strengthen cultural and sports exchanges to create a healthy playground, helping Lao students integrate into the community. In addition, the association also organizes a wall newspaper design competition on the theme of the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos; participates in the Bunpimay festival organized by the school... These activities help to strengthen and foster solidarity and friendship, while also creating opportunities for students from both countries to share and understand each other.
Ms. Saymanyvong Tamee, a student in class K23B, Training Department, Son La College, shared: "Initially, when we came to Son La, we were unfamiliar with the new environment. We received a lot of support from the teachers and fellow students in Son La, helping us to get used to the life and culture here. I feel very happy to participate in exchanges with students in Son La. I have learned many songs about the brotherly relationship between Vietnam and Laos, helping students from both countries to bond more closely and strengthen solidarity."
At Northwest University, there are over 300 Lao students. Besides education, the university also promotes cultural, artistic, and sports exchanges to help students from both countries gain a deeper understanding of each other's traditions and customs. The university's student union has organized exchange activities, creating opportunities for students from both countries to learn about each other's cultures, such as the Bunpimay Festival; Vietnamese-Lao cultural exchanges; and the Vietnamese-Lao Cultural Day. Furthermore, Lao students actively participate in volunteer and social activities with Vietnamese students; assisting in disaster relief and flood recovery; participating in blood donation; and engaging in sports and cultural activities.
Lo Van Vinh, a third-year student in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology at Tay Bac University, shared: "Participating in group activities, we found the Lao students very friendly and approachable, and learned a lot from them. We are not only classmates but also close friends, thus building a strong international friendship."
Through practical activities, Vietnamese students and Lao students studying in Son La have become "young ambassadors," contributing to deepening the special and close relationship between Vietnam and Laos in general, and between Son La province and the provinces of Laos in particular.