Nyenrode Business University Global Immersion Program 2025 at VinUniversity: A Journey of Learning, Industry Insight, and Cultural Connection in Vietnam

In November, VinUniversity proudly welcomed master’s students and faculty from Nyenrode Business University (Netherlands) for a one-week immersive program designed to offer a multifaceted experience of Vietnam, its economy, innovation ecosystem, culture, and community. The 2025 Nyenrode Global Immersion Program was more than a study trip; it was a journey that invited participants to understand Vietnam through real-world business engagement, academic exploration, and shared human experiences.

Guided by distinguished VinUni faculty, each class became a journey rather than a lesson. Prof. Ho Hong Hai opened the doors to Vietnam’s geopolitical and economic landscape, while Mr. Marc Kramer brought students into the fast-paced world of startups and innovation. The classroom transformed into a lively space where Dutch and Vietnamese perspectives met, questions turned into debates, and global ideas blended with local realities. Their learning continued beyond business. With Prof. Jason Piscard, Nyenrode’s students explored Vietnam’s rich history and culture. In a memorable session with Prof. David Vanhove, they exchanged lecture notes for aprons, discovering wines from around the world and the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. It was a learning experience not just through lectures, but also through connection, culture, and hands-on experience.

The classroom quickly became a forum of dialogue where Dutch and Vietnamese perspectives met. Each session encouraged students to think critically about global mobility, cross-cultural business strategy, and the entrepreneurial spirit that has propelled Vietnam’s growth. By engaging directly with faculty who have deep expertise in both local and international contexts, the Nyenrode students gained a nuanced understanding of Vietnam’s rapidly evolving landscape.

While academic learning laid the foundation, the programme unfolded as a living journey of exploration, connection, and discovery. Company visits formed a key highlight:

• At the Lumi Smart Factory, students witnessed how a Vietnamese tech brand is pioneering IoT and exporting smart home solutions globally.
• At VinFast, they observed Vietnam’s bold push into the global electric vehicle market through one of the most advanced manufacturing complexes in the region.
• Visits to Pon Holdings, Deep C Industrial Zone, and Damen Shipyard provided a deeper look into international investment, sustainable industrial development, and the future of maritime technology in Vietnam.

The networking dinner with VinUni MBA students became an unforgettable evening where stories, ambitions, and perspectives were exchanged over shared meals, turning the programme into a bridge of new friendships and professional connections.Beyond Hanoi, the group explored the breathtaking landscapes of Hạ Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The limestone cliffs and emerald waters offered not only scenic beauty but a profound moment of reflection, a reminder that understanding a country involves engaging with its nature, stories, and spirit.

As the journey came to a close, students carried home far more than academic insights or industry knowledge. They took with them the memories of meaningful conversations, moments of cultural curiosity, and the warmth of the Vietnamese community that welcomed them. Many shared that Vietnam felt “more dynamic, inspiring, and ambitious” than they had imagined, a place where innovation and tradition coexist, shaping a unique environment for global learning.

Their reflections echo the spirit of global engagement at VinUniversity: that an international programme is not simply about traveling abroad, but about learning to see the world differently. It is about expanding horizons, forming friendships that cross borders, and discovering what becomes possible when ideas and cultures meet. Ms. Pauline Timmer, Program Manager of the part-time MSc in Management, shared her impressions of the trip: “Our students had a truly wonderful experience. VinUniversity, together with Vietnam, proved to be an exceptional partner. Ha Long Bay was breathtaking, and we were fortunate to enjoy perfect weather throughout the visit.”

The 2025 Nyenrode Business University Global Immersion Program stands as a testament to how education, when intertwined with experience, can deeply transform the way we learn, connect, and define our roles as global citizens.