International Students Immerse in Vietnamese Tet Culture Through Year-End Festivities, ‘Banh Chung’ Wrapping, and Calligraphy Workshops

International students in Vietnam shared their experiences of celebrating Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, away from their home countries. Despite the distance, they felt immersed in the unique cultural atmosphere and warmth of Vietnamese hospitality.

At the ‘Explore the Vietnamese Tet – Connect and Share’ event held at the University of Science and Education dormitory in Da Nang, Vilasan Sommixay, a student from Laos, enthusiastically participated in a group learning to wrap banh chung, traditional square-shaped sticky rice cakes, and also explored Vietnamese calligraphy. Sommixay expressed his excitement, saying he felt as though he were celebrating Tet in his own country.

International students eagerly waiting for their turn to experience Vietnamese calligraphy.

Sommixay, who has been studying in Da Nang for almost a year, shared that this year would be his first time celebrating Tet in Vietnam. He felt a sense of community as he joined the festive activities, shedding his usual shyness.

The day before, Sommixay was pleasantly surprised when his foster parents invited him to their family’s year-end dinner, a heartwarming tradition in Vietnamese culture. He described the gathering as a joyful occasion filled with conversation, delicious traditional dishes, and a deep sense of connection.

“I could truly feel the significance of the Vietnamese Tet and the strength of family bonds,” Sommixay added.

Vilasan Sommixay (right) from Laos, eagerly anticipating the completion of his calligraphy piece.

Days earlier, the University of Science and Education in Da Nang organized the ‘Experience the Vietnamese Tet’ program for its international students, attracting nearly 200 participants from 24 countries. Many students from Laos and Thailand wore ao dai, Vietnam’s elegant traditional long gown, and enthusiastically learned the art of making banh chung.

Among them was Muki, a 20-year-old exchange student from Thailand, who has a passion for cooking. She found the process of wrapping banh chung intriguing, and Vietnamese students kindly provided her with step-by-step instructions on ingredients, wrapping techniques, and steaming.

Muki (in pink ‘ao dai’) from Thailand, learning the traditional art of wrapping ‘banh chung.’

Muki shared that the most challenging part for her was ensuring the cakes were perfectly square and that the leaves remained intact. The international students also showed great interest and curiosity in Vietnamese calligraphy, although some found it challenging to create their own calligraphy pieces.

Nathan, a student from Austria, preferred to observe the calligraphy process rather than attempt it himself, acknowledging the difficulty of the art form. He proudly displayed a piece of calligraphy gifted to him by a local artist, repeatedly expressing his gratitude and feeling of good fortune.

International students proudly displaying their beautifully wrapped ‘banh chung’ and ‘banh tet’ (cylindrical glutinous rice cakes).

The ‘Explore the Vietnamese Tet – Connect and Share’ event attracted many international students, creating a vibrant and cultural gathering.

The organizing committee presenting gifts to international students, making them feel welcomed and valued.

The ‘Explore the Vietnamese Tet’ event fostered cultural exchange and left fond memories for all participants.

Nathan, the student from Austria, captivated by the beauty of Vietnamese calligraphy.

You may also like

The Culinary Artist of Hanoi: Crafting Tet Feast Trays with a ‘Sweet’ Twist

The baker’s incredible craftsmanship has brought Tet traditions to life in a unique way. Their stunning creations, made from cake and fondant, are near-perfect replicas of traditional Tet meals. This talented Hanoi-based baker has wowed many with their attention to detail, creating delicious works of art that are almost too good to eat.

International Students Celebrate Vietnamese Tet: Wearing ‘Ao Dai’ and Wrapping ‘Banh Chung’ with Festive Cheer.

International students in Hanoi are in for a treat as they get to immerse themselves in the local culture and celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or Tet, in style. The students had the opportunity to don the traditional ‘ao dai’, a beautiful and elegant long gown, and take part in a range of exciting activities organized by their university. This festive season is a wonderful time for these students to experience and appreciate Vietnamese culture and traditions.

The Marvel That Is Vietnam’s Largest Light Park: A Dazzling Display in Da Lat

Than Tho Lake, a renowned landmark in the picturesque city of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province, is undergoing a magical transformation into Delight Park Da Lat. This reimagined space is set to enchant visitors as Vietnam’s largest light and flower-themed park, as announced by authorities last Friday.