Vietnam Hosts International Education Fair and Cultural Events This March
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are set to host a series of cultural and educational events throughout March, offering opportunities for students, film enthusiasts, and those interested in Francophone culture. From a major international education fair presented by Times Higher Education to a classic French film screening and a community-focused Francophone race, the coming weeks promise a diverse range of activities. These events underscore Vietnam’s growing engagement with international education and cultural exchange, providing platforms for both Vietnamese citizens and international visitors to connect and participate.
A key highlight is the international education fair, organized in collaboration between Times Higher Education (THE) and the Centre for International Education Counseling (CIED) under the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training. This event, a recurring fixture in Vietnam, aims to connect Vietnamese students with universities from around the globe. According to Times Higher Education, over 40 universities from 15 countries will participate, offering information on undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA programs. The fair will accept place on March 14-15 in Hanoi at the Pullman Hanoi Hotel and on March 17 in Ho Chi Minh City at the Riverside Palace Hotel.
International Education Fair Details
The Times Higher Education fair provides a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese students to explore options for studying abroad. Representatives from leading institutions will be available to discuss programs, application processes, visa requirements, and accommodation options. Live interactive seminars will cover crucial aspects of international study, including fees and career prospects. The event is particularly focused on providing access to universities from France, with representatives from twelve French universities and Campus France Vietnam scheduled to attend. This focus aligns with the growing number of Vietnamese students choosing France as a destination for higher education; in 2023, France welcomed over 8,000 Vietnamese students, making Vietnam the fifth-largest source country for international students in France, according to Campus France.
Cultural Events: Film and Francophone Celebration
Beyond the education fair, a diverse range of cultural events are scheduled. On March 18, Complex 01 in Hanoi will screen Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s beloved 2001 film, Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain (Amélie). The film, starring Audrey Tautou, is a critically acclaimed comedy known for its whimsical storytelling and charming depiction of Parisian life. The screening is scheduled for 7:00 PM at 29/31/167 Tây Sơn Street, Đống Đa district, Hanoi. The film runs for 2 hours and 2 minutes.
For those interested in promoting the French language and culture, the fourth edition of the Course de la Francophonie will take place on March 22 in Hanoi. The race, organized by the French Embassy in Vietnam, the French Institute in Vietnam, the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), the University Agency of La Francophonie in Asia-Pacific (AUF – Asia-Pacific), and the Wallonia-Brussels Delegation in Vietnam, offers distances of 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km to accommodate participants of all ages and fitness levels. Registration is available online at giaichayphapngu.vn. The course will be held on Trần Nhân Tông pedestrian street and Thống Nhất Park. The event builds on the success of previous editions in 2022, 2024, and 2025, aiming to foster a sense of community and promote a healthy lifestyle within the Francophone community in Vietnam.
Saint-Ange School Open Day
Families with young children are invited to the École française internationale Saint-Ange’s open day on March 14 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Located at 189 Nguyên Văn Hương Street, An Khánh ward, Hồ Chí Minh City, the school welcomes children aged 1 to 11, offering a French curriculum with enhanced English language instruction. The open day will provide an opportunity to tour the facilities, meet the teaching staff, and learn about the school’s pedagogical approach. Attendees will also be eligible for an exclusive discount on registration fees. Activities for children, including storytelling, basketball, archery, and a bubble show, will also be offered.
These events collectively highlight Vietnam’s vibrant cultural scene and its increasing role as a hub for international education and exchange. The Times Higher Education fair, in particular, is a significant event for Vietnamese students considering higher education opportunities abroad, while the cultural events offer enriching experiences for residents and visitors alike. The continued collaboration between Vietnamese institutions and international organizations, such as the French Embassy and Times Higher Education, demonstrates a commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence.
Looking ahead, the success of these events will likely contribute to increased interest in international education and cultural exchange within Vietnam. Further details regarding the Times Higher Education fair, including a full list of participating universities, can be found on their official website. The organizers of the Course de la Francophonie are expected to announce final registration numbers and event details closer to the race date. Stay tuned for updates on these and other cultural events happening throughout March in Vietnam.
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