06/11/2026
The delegation included Ms. Alexandra Iansa Greig-Duarte, Foreign Service Officer, and Ms. Tran Thi Hai Yen, Regional English Language Office (RELO) Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. Representing Hong Duc University were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuc, Vice President, and representatives of relevant departments and units.
An overview of the meeting
At the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuc highly appreciated the effective cooperation between Hong Duc University and the U.S. Embassy's affiliated organizations in Vietnam, particularly in implementing the Access English Scholarship Program. She also provided an update on the restructuring of the program's management and organization following the University's merger. Accordingly, the Office of Science Management and International Cooperation is responsible for overall management and coordination, while the Center for Applied Research and Science and Technology Transfer is in charge of teaching activities. This arrangement aims to ensure the program's consistent and effective implementation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuc, Vice President of Hong Duc University, delivers her remarks at the meeting
Building on the positive results achieved through previous cooperation, the Vice President expressed her hope that the U.S. Embassy would continue to provide support for expert exchanges, capacity-building activities in English language teaching and learning, and academic and cultural exchange programs for lecturers, pupils, and students. These initiatives would contribute to improving the quality of foreign language education, expanding access to knowledge, and promoting the University's international educational cooperation.
During the meeting, representatives from both sides exchanged experiences and information on the implementation of the Access Program and discussed solutions to strengthen coordination in the coming period. Discussions focused on building upon the achievements to date, improving management and organizational arrangements, and creating favorable conditions for students to continue participating in English learning and practice activities, cultural exchanges, and experiential learning opportunities.
Ms. Alexandra Iansa Greig-Duarte delivers her remarks at the meeting
Speaking at the meeting, Ms. Alexandra Iansa Greig-Duarte acknowledged the University's achievements and emphasized the importance of the Access Program in providing students with valuable opportunities to learn English. In addition to developing communication skills, the program helps students build confidence, gain a deeper understanding of American culture, and develop essential skills for their studies and everyday lives. She expressed her hope that both sides would continue to strengthen their cooperation, sustain the program's effectiveness, and expand learning, exchange, and cultural experience activities for students.
As part of the program, the delegation met and interacted with pupils from Hong Duc Primary, Secondary and High School who are participating in the Access Program. During the exchange, Ms. Alexandra Iansa Greig-Duarte introduced the origins and significance of Halloween, sharing distinctive features of how the festival is celebrated in the United States. This activity gave students an opportunity to learn more about American culture, practice English in authentic communication situations, and gain confidence in interacting with international guests.
Ms. Alexandra Iansa Greig-Duarte shares insights into the origins and significance of Halloween
The exchange became even more lively with a Halloween-themed fashion show performed by students participating in the program. The activity provided an enjoyable and educational platform for students to demonstrate their creativity, apply their English knowledge, develop communication skills, and share their learning experiences.
Students present a Halloween-themed fashion show at the programme
The working session and student exchange contributed to strengthening the cooperative relationship between Hong Duc University and the U.S. Embassy in education, foreign language training, and cultural exchange. Through these activities, the University continues to reaffirm its commitment to expanding international cooperation, enhancing educational quality, and creating more opportunities for pupils and students to improve their foreign language proficiency, develop intercultural understanding, and gradually integrate into the international educational environment.