Undergraduate In an era of increasingly deep global integration, student exchange programs not only provide opportunities to study in advanced educational environments but also play an important role in fostering foreign language proficiency, international competencies, and global perspectives among students. As part of Can Tho University's commitment to the internationalization of education, five students from the School of Foreign Languages participated in the JNU Global Summer School 2026 at Jeju National University (South Korea), from June 29 to July 10, 2026. The program represents a meaningful international exchange initiative between the two universities, providing students with opportunities to experience a multicultural learning environment, connect with peers from around the world, and gain valuable academic and cultural experiences.
CTU students pose for a commemorative photo at Jeju National University
Strengthening Foreign Language Competence in an International Environment
Throughout the two-week program, the students attended introductory Korean language courses taught by native-speaking instructors through highly interactive classroom activities.
The courses adopted a communicative teaching approach that closely integrated theory with practice, enabling students to apply the language in both academic and everyday contexts. Learning alongside native-speaking lecturers and international students also helped participants enhance their language proficiency, build confidence in communication, and develop the ability to collaborate effectively in multicultural settings.
One of the defining features of the JNU Global Summer School 2026 was not only its well-designed academic curriculum but also its genuinely international learning environment. Bringing together students from various countries and territories, the program created a vibrant multicultural community where participants were encouraged to exchange ideas, collaborate, and share diverse academic perspectives. Through collaborative learning activities and teamwork, CTU students strengthened not only their foreign language skills but also their global mindset, adaptability, and intercultural communication competence—qualities that are becoming increasingly essential in today's global higher education and labor market.
CTU students confidently engage with international students during the JNU Global Summer School 2026
Exploring Jeju's Culture Through Experiential Learning
In addition to its academic components, the program offered students opportunities to explore Jeju Island through a variety of cultural and experiential activities. Carefully integrated into the overall curriculum, these experiences allowed participants to move beyond classroom learning by directly observing, interacting with, and experiencing Korean culture in authentic settings, thereby gaining a broader understanding of Korean society, people, and education.
The cultural activities complemented the academic program by introducing students to both the traditional and contemporary dimensions of Korean culture. From experiencing the traditional Hanbok, visiting Jeju Folk Village, learning about the Haenyeo culture—recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—and hiking Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), to participating in K-pop dance and other cultural exchange activities, each experience provided meaningful insights into Korea's history, cultural identity, and contemporary lifestyle. Beyond broadening their understanding of a new culture, these activities encouraged students to appreciate cultural diversity, adapt to multicultural environments, and further develop a global citizenship mindset.
CTU students explore Korean culture through experiential learning activities
Beyond a Student Exchange Program
The true value of the JNU Global Summer School 2026 extended far beyond the knowledge gained in classrooms or the cultural experiences offered throughout the program. More importantly, it lay in the process through which each student broadened their horizons and developed both academically and personally. Through immersion in an international learning environment, participants strengthened their ability to use foreign languages in academic learning and academic communication, developed teamwork skills in multicultural settings, expanded their international networks, and cultivated a stronger global outlook. These experiences will serve as a valuable foundation, accompanying them throughout their future academic pursuits, research activities, and professional development.
For Can Tho University, international academic exchange programs such as the JNU Global Summer School 2026 not only contribute to enhancing educational quality but also provide students with greater opportunities for international study, academic exchange, and experiential learning at prestigious overseas institutions. Through these initiatives, the University continues to reaffirm its commitment to educating highly qualified graduates equipped with international competencies and prepared to meet the evolving demands of higher education and the global labor market.
Although the JNU Global Summer School 2026 in Jeju has come to an end, the lasting impact of the program will continue to accompany the participating students throughout their academic and personal development journeys. Beyond expanding their knowledge and building international friendships, the program fostered an enduring spirit of international engagement, intellectual curiosity, and readiness to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. It also stands as another testament to the effectiveness of Can Tho University's expanding international partnerships, which support the University's vision of creating a modern educational environment that connects knowledge, cultures, and people, while preparing high-quality human resources for an increasingly globalized era.
CTU students receive certificates upon successfully completing the JNU Global Summer School 2026 in Jeju, South Korea
(Website Editorial Board)
