Many international students in Vietnam were excited to write calligraphy, wrap banh chung (square sticky rice cakes), join year-end parties, and play traditional folk games in central Da Nang City to learn about and welcome the approaching Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.

The international students shared that despite living far from home, they could still feel the special cultural atmosphere and the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.

At the 'Explore the Vietnamese Tet - Connect and Share' program held on Saturday at the University of Science and Education dormitory in Da Nang, Vilasan Sommixay, a student from Laos, eagerly joined a group of students learning to wrap banh chung and requested calligraphic works. The experience left him feeling thrilled, as if he were celebrating Tet in his own country.

"As the holiday approaches, I can feel the vibrant and warm atmosphere of the Vietnamese Tet," Sommixay shared with excitement.

He added that he had been studying in Da Nang for nearly a year and this year would be the first time he celebrates the Vietnamese Tet.

Taking a stroll around the dorm, Sommixay seemed to shed his usual shyness to fully immerse himself in the activities.

Sommixay said that just the day before, he was surprised when his foster parents invited him over to join the year-end dinner with their family.

"It was my first time attending a Vietnamese year-end meal. Everyone gathered around, chatting, inquiring about each other, and enjoying traditional dishes," Sommixay said.

“I could feel the deep values of the Vietnamese Tet and the family bonds."

Several days earlier, the University of Science and Education in Da Nang organized the 'Experience the Vietnamese Tet' program for international students at the school. The event attracted nearly 200 students from 24 countries.

At the program, many students from Laos and Thailand wore ao dai (Vietnam's traditional long gown) and learned to make banh chung. 

Muki, 20, an exchange student from Thailand, said that she loves cooking, so she is fond of wrapping banh chung.

Vietnamese students provided her with detailed instructions about ingredients, how to wrap the cakes, and the steaming process. 

For Muki, the most challenging part was to ensure the cakes were square and leaves did not tear.

International students were also curious and excited about calligraphy. Many faced challenges when trying to write calligraphy for the first time.

Nathan, from Austria, said he preferred to observe the calligraphy process rather than writing calligraphic works as the job was difficult. 

He proudly showed off a piece of calligraphy presented by a local calligrapher and repeatedly said “lucky,” referring to the word "Loc" on the calligraphic work.

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