What happens when you bring together cultural curiosity, local tradition, and a cohort of globally-minded learners?

You get a day filled with shared stories, new skills, and deep cross-cultural connection.

As part of the HEX Global Internship: Ho Chi Minh City cohort joined students from Van Lang University for a dynamic Cultural Exchange Day hosted by the VLU International Student Support Center. It was a rich, hands-on learning experience that blended Vietnamese heritage with global perspectives, all in true HEX style.

Steeping in Tradition: The Vietnamese Tea Experience

The event kicked off with an immersive journey into Vietnam’s tea culture. Led by Van Lang students, participants explored:

• The history and meaning behind trà Việt (Vietnamese tea)
  
  
• The art of “chuyển trà” (traditional tea brewing)
  
  
• Etiquette and rituals surrounding tea gatherings
  
  
• Local snacks paired perfectly with each brew
  
  
• Live music featuring the Vietnamese zither (đàn tranh) to set the atmosphere
  
  

It wasn’t just about tasting tea, it was about understanding the stories, values, and care behind every cup.

Sharing Snacks, Sharing Culture

From there, the exchange went global. HEX interns brought snacks from their home countries, sparking conversations, comparisons, and a few friendly debates over which flavours were the most nostalgic.

This simple act of sharing food quickly became a powerful moment of cultural storytelling and connection.

Crafting with Coconut Leaves

To wrap up the day, everyone got hands-on with a traditional Southern Vietnamese craft: weaving fish-shaped figures out of coconut leaves.

With guidance from Van Lang students, our global interns practiced this art form with focus and creativity, many for the first time. Laughter filled the room as students compared their work, encouraged each other, and admired the beauty in the imperfections.

Real-World Learning, HEX Style

At HEX, we believe the most valuable skills don’t always come from textbooks. They come from experiences, from stepping into another culture, listening deeply, and trying something new.

Through this exchange, our students built:

✅ Cultural intelligence

✅ Curiosity and confidence

✅ Adaptability and teamwork

These are the future-focused skills that matter, in work, in life, and in leadership.

Thank You, Van Lang

A huge shoutout to Van Lang University and the VLU International Student Support Center for crafting such a thoughtful and welcoming experience.

To our HEXies Charlie Perelini, Julia Laurilla, Tien Tran and HCMC interns thank you for showing up with open hearts and adventurous spirits. This is what global learning looks like.

📍Want to take your learning beyond borders?

Explore our international programs at HEX and join a global community of innovators, explorers, and lifelong learners:

👉 HEX International 2025 Programs