Many Laotian people who are now living and studying in Da Nang have always considered this beautiful seaside city to be their second home.

Vietnamese and Laotian students at the city’s University of Education

Ms Phonexay Thongthavivong, 32, is the oldest student in his classroom of the Faculty of Political Education at the city’s University of Education, a school member of the University of Da Nang (UDN). 

This mother- of- two was once a nurse at a Laotian military unit, but she decided to study in Da Nang to pursue her strong passion for grasping a deep insight into her favourite subject: Political Education. 

During their first days of stay in the city, the Laotian woman encountered some difficulties like the language barrier and different climates.  Thanks to the hospitality and great assistance from local residents, especially her courmates, Phonexay now can speak Vietnamese fluently, and is enjoying a comfortable and pleasant life in this city.  Chatting with friendly and kindhearted people here indeed helps the Laotian woman ease her homesickness in a foreign land.  In particular, amongst her favourite Vietnamese dishes are ‘Lau hai san’ (seafood hotpot) and fried frog. 

22-year-old Thonglatsamy Sommay, who is in the same class as Ms Phonexay, also pursues his dream of becoming a teacher of Political Education. 

The young Laotian man said he was very afraid of communicating with others during his first days in a new living environment here.  Soon after, he was enthusiastically inspired by his lecturers and courtmates at the university to become an energetic student and get on well with local residents. 

Thonglatsamy remarked that he and other Laotian students have always considered Viet Nam as their adopted home, and their unforgettable memories of living in this beautiful country will never fade.

According to the latest statistics from the UDN, a total of over 1,000 Laotian nationals have studied in UDN’s school members since 2002.  Most of these students come from Laos’ central and southern provinces, including Khammouane, Savannakhet, Saravan, Champasak, Attapeu and Sekong.  Most notably, the majority of the Laotian graduates are currently working for key national government agencies in their country after their graduation.

Every year, the city’s University of Education organises a home-stay programme entiled ‘Sharing Homes with Laos Students’.

Under such a meaningful programme, Laotian students studying at this university live with local families.  During their stay, these students have the opportunity to practice speaking Vietnamese, participate in daily activities with the Vietnamese families as well as get involved in various cultural exchange events with local residents.  This helps to deepen the long-lasting traditional friendship and solidarity between the people of Viet Nam and Laos. 

Moreover, many Laotian students have welcomed in the Tet festival and the Laotian New Year, known as the Bunpimay Festival, either at their halls of residence or at local families where they live.  During these occasions, Vietnamese and Lao students have enjoyed cozy get-togethers and fascinating musical performances in a pleasant environment.

Over recent years, the UDN and its school members have entered into numerous cooperation agreements with Laotian universities and colleges to enhance the quality of their training programmes.