In a joint effort spanning George Mason University's Fairfax and Korea campuses, a university delegation recently completed a five-day visit to Vietnam aimed at expanding academic partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration across education, research, and student engagement. The delegation included Janette Muir, vice provost for academic affairs; Cheryl Druehl, interim dean of the Costello College of Business; Joshua Park, campus dean of Mason Korea; and Danielle Swanepoel, executive director of international relations and strategic initiatives at Mason Korea.
Over the course of the visit, the delegation met with leadership and faculty at seven institutions across Vietnam. Discussions focused on student mobility pathways, dual degree opportunities, faculty engagement, short-term programs, and collaborative research initiatives.
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with HUTECH University in Ho Chi Minh City, a highly ranked institution with a strong focus on technology and innovation. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two universities, opening the door for joint academic programs, faculty collaboration, research partnerships, and student mobility.
The delegation also met with Van Lang University, Dong A University, VNUK (VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education), and Saigon Business School, among others. These discussions explored articulation pathways for undergraduate students, short-term study programs in Korea and Vietnam, faculty exchanges, and potential joint conferences and seminars.
Another significant moment of the trip was the launch of the Mason Korea Debate Lab – Vietnam, an initiative designed to introduce high school students across Vietnam to international debate formats and critical thinking training. The program was formally launched through a showcase event hosted by EMASI Nam Long, the first partner institution to join the initiative. Two Mason Korea student debaters traveled from Korea to provide introductory coaching and participate in the showcase debate alongside EMASI students.
The launch marks the beginning of what Mason Korea hopes will become an expanding program across Vietnam, offering debate training, judging opportunities, and future camps and competitions.
