Vietnam – Japan Youth Exchange Program VJYE 2026: From Global Vision to Practical Action

22 Aug, 2026

In August 2026, the Vietnam – Japan Youth Exchange 2026 (VJYE 2026), featuring students from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and Tokyo Keizai University (TKU), concluded with many meaningful experiences. Through a series of academic activities, language exchanges, corporate visits, and cultural and local explorations, the program continued to foster a collaborative platform for students from both nations to learn from one another, expand their global perspectives, and build lasting friendships that transcend language and cultural barriers.

Learning and connecting through the first experiences

One of the first activities of VJYE 2026 was the Vietnamese - Japanese Language Exchange Workshop. Students from UEH and TKU learned basic conversational patterns together, practised pronunciation, exchanged directly with one another and took part in group activities. Through these interactions, students not only improved their language skills but also gained a deeper understanding of each other’s communication styles and cultures. Students from both universities also worked together on a group poster design activity, creating opportunities to exercise creativity, coordination and teamwork in a multicultural environment.

UEH and TKU students learn each other’s languages at the Vietnamese - Japanese Language Exchange Workshop

The programme continued with a company tour at AIA Vietnam. There, students learned about the company’s development, operating model and corporate culture, while listening to first-hand insights into the international working environment, career orientation and the skills needed in a globalised context.

Students from both universities and Professor Akinori Seki take part in the Company Tour at AIA Vietnam

Exploring Vietnamese history and culture

During their experience in Ho Chi Minh City, TKU and UEH students visited the Cu Chi Tunnels together, learning more about the history and resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people. Students from both universities also joined the Conical Hat Decoration Workshop, creating their own distinctive hats by hand. The activity not only introduced a familiar traditional craft but also created a relaxed space for exchange where participants could share ideas and experiences.

UEH and TKU students explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and decorate conical hats together

Another highlight was Ganh Show - the story of Saigon told through dance and live music. Through music, dance and performance art, the show recreates Saigon’s journey from its earliest days of settlement to the rhythm of modern urban life, giving international students a vivid perspective on the city’s history, culture and development.

TKU students experience Ganh Show

Experiencing the Mekong through academia, culture and local life

In Vinh Long, the programme featured two main activities at UEH Mekong and SOMO FARM Cuu Long.

At UEH Mekong, lecturers gave presentations on the economy and characteristics of the Mekong region, helping TKU students better understand the Mekong Delta from both academic and practical perspectives. A music programme and interactive games between UEH and TKU students then created a lively, welcoming atmosphere and strengthened the bond among participants.

At SOMO FARM Cuu Long, the student group toured the brick kiln, longan orchard and grounds of SOMO; learned about the wine production process; tried their hand at making jackfruit leaf cakes; and took part in team-building activities. Through these hands-on experiences, students had the chance to gain a fuller sense of the life, culture and distinctive character of Vietnam’s southwestern region.

Students from both universities experience the culture of the Mekong Delta at SOMO FARM Cuu Long

Culture Day - A Vietnamese - Japanese cultural exchange festival

Culture Day was once again one of the standout activities of VJYE 2026. At the cultural booths, UEH and TKU students introduced the distinctive features of Vietnam and Japan through games, interactive activities and hands-on experiences.

The Culture Day Performance brought a vibrant artistic space with performances and Vietnamese - Japanese cultural exchange. Music, dance and the interaction between performers and audience created a shared stage where differences in language and culture became opportunities for students from the two countries to understand and connect with one another more deeply.

UEH and TKU students at the Culture Day Performance

From language sessions and academic activities to company visits and cultural and local experiences, VJYE 2026 created many opportunities for UEH and TKU students to learn, understand and connect with one another. The programme not only left behind memorable moments but also continued to nurture a spirit of integration, the ability to adapt in a multicultural environment, and friendship between Vietnamese and Japanese students.