Academic discovery and cultural exchange during Vietnam tour

20 Swinburne University of Technology Law students have returned from a whirlwind two-week journey that immersed them in the cultural and legal landscape of Ho Chi Minh. 

The program was the first Law, Governance and Culture study tour to Vietnam, designed in close collaboration with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH). 

The trip was an outstanding success, with students making lifelong connections and gaining in-depth insight into a legal system completely different to their own. 

At the end of the trip, students presented their learnings to a panel of Swinburne and UEH academics and completed a unit toward their degree.  

Swinburne law students with the academic tour leaders, Dr Toan Le and Dr Jacqueline Meredith, outside UEH.

Warmly welcomed

Students lived and studied at UEH. Their mornings were spent in classes as part of a specially designed, fully English curriculum. 

UEH students volunteered their holiday time to participate in classes alongside Swinburne students, exchanging ideas and comparing experiences. 

“I was deeply honoured to serve as one of the ambassadors for the study tour program. I learned so much about Australian culture and values, and in turn, I had the opportunity to share the rich history, traditions, and vibrant life of Vietnam,” Tran Bao Han said. 

UEH students also took time outside of classes to introduce Australian students to local hot spots and hidden gems. 

“I will always fondly remember the time and effort the University of Economics’ students and staff put into making our trip unforgettable. I hope to see them all again one day, whether it be in Vietnam or Australia,” Lauren Morriss, Swinburne Criminology student, said. 

Swinburne Law Students visiting the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre as part of the program

Industry insights

Students also had the opportunity to visit local law firms, courts, and government departments to get an inside perspective on the Vietnamese legal system. 

This included Rajah & Tann Asia legal firm, where the Deputy Managing Partner shared his journey from studying in Australia to becoming a foreign lawyer in Vietnam.

“This trip provided me firsthand insight into the Vietnamese legal and regulatory landscape. It was very eye-opening and so special to do it with my classmates. It made me realise how many career opportunities are out there as a Swinburne grad!” Rebekah Albrecht, Law & Aviation Management Student, said. 

Dr Toan Le, Senior Lecturer at Swinburne Law School, helped lead the tour and design the program. 

“Students have gained insights into contemporary issues and the regulatory landscape, putting them in an advantageous position in the job market upon their graduation,” Dr Le said.

Andraya Abdul, Sidharth Sunt, Lynn Ung, Lara Hall, Sirat Hunjan, Lauren Morriss, Piseth Eng, Joshua Hepworth, Andre Montii visiting Ba Na Hills while on a weekend trip to Da Nang and Hoi An

Friendship-forming adventures

Students also had the opportunity to go on weekend trips to see other parts of Vietnam, including Da Dang, Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta. 

The trips helped expose them to the vast beauty of Vietnam and its culture, as well as deepening their growing friendships.  

Though many students had never met before the trip, their shared experiences helped form them into a tight-knit group that supported and even mentored one another. 

“I made so many meaningful connections with people on the study tour even though they were all at least a year above me at uni. Now, when I walk around campus, I have many new friendships that I would’ve never made if I didn’t have the opportunity to go on the study tour,” Lara Hall, Swinburne Law & Business Student, said.