From 2002 until now, the University of Da Nang (UDN) has enrolled around 750 Laotian students. During their stay and studying in the city, most of the Lao students have found it difficult in communicating Vietnamese language with local residents, and confidently integrating into Vietnamese culture.

Representatives from the Youth Union organisation and Party Committee of Thanh Khe District giving gifts to Lao students and their local host families

Since 2011, Da Nang has implemented a homestay programme for Lao students. The programme aims to arrange for Lao students to live with local hosts/ families during their studies in the city.

During their stay in local host families, these students have the opportunity to practice speaking Vietnamese, participate in daily activities with local hosts as well as get involved in various cultural exchange events with locals. This helps to deepen the long-lasting traditional friendship and solidarity between the people of Viet Nam and Laos. 

This year, a total of 100 Laotian students have been arranged to live with local host families in the districts of Hai Chau, Thanh Khe, Son Tra, Lien Chieu, and Ngu Hanh Son between 30 November and 14 December.

Ms Nguyen Hoang Thi Dieu, Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Thanh Khe District’s An Khe Ward, said that the Lao students have received 1 million VND each from the budget of their district accommodation for their participation in this programme.

“Apart from giving financial support for 19 Laotian students arranged to live with local hosts, the district authorities will organise cultural and cuisine exchange activities between Laos and Da Nang, and Viet Nam as a whole, in the locality for them” she added.

Lao Consul General Viengxay Phommachanh highlighted the significance of the homestay programme in helping Lao students gain a deeper insight into the culture of Vietnamese people, and in enhancing their Vietnamese language proficiency as well.

By NGOC HA - Translated by MAI DUNG