Short-term Exchange Program in South Korea: A Journey of Knowledge and Experience

During the exchange program, our students participated in specialized seminars, presented scientific reports on their ongoing research topics, and engaged in discussions with professors and students from CNU. Beyond academics, our delegation was warmly and hospitably welcomed by CNU professors and students. They organized campus tours, laboratory visits, and introduced the history, development, and annual activities of the university. They also shared stories about their school, work, and daily life. Their sincerity and enthusiasm helped bridge language and cultural gaps, allowing us to confidently interact, learn, and exchange knowledge with them. Additionally, our delegation visited the Korea Food Research Institute, where we gained insights into the development of the food industry in Korea and the crucial role of scientific research. This exchange program also opened up new study and career opportunities for postgraduate education in Korea.   Beyond academic exchange and experiencing the educational environment at Chungnam National University, we also had the chance to explore Korean cuisine, culture, tourism, and history. We marveled at the snowfall, took cable car rides to admire snow-capped mountains, went skiing, and visited historical and cultural landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and the Love Lock Bridge. We also observed and learned from Korea’s advanced societal practices, such as yielding to pedestrians, using public transportation, and the polite greetings and gratitude expressed by service staff. Moreover, the trip helped each of us become more aware of our responsibilities and roles when traveling as part of a delegation. Simple things like punctuality, proactively looking up directions, planning ahead, and assisting other team members allowed us to recognize our own shortcomings and areas for improvement, leading to personal growth and self-improvement. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Faculty of Food Science and Technology at Chungnam National University, Professor Park Jong-Tae, Dr. Kang Taiyoung, and CNU students for organizing, supporting, and taking care of us throughout our time in Daejeon. Their kindness is truly invaluable, further strengthening the wonderful relationship between HUST and CNU. We also sincerely appreciate the Faculty of Food Engineering - School of Chemistry and Life Sciences for creating this valuable opportunity for our students. This trip was a memorable experience that provided us with valuable knowledge and opened new promising opportunities for the future.