THE FIRST FIELD EXPERIENCE TOUR FOR FIRST-YEAR TOURISM STUDENTS – VAN HIEN UNIVERSITY
Having only recently entered the lecture halls, first-year Tourism students at Van Hien University had the opportunity to begin their academic journey with an enriching experiential field trip to Phan Thiết, conducted in two sessions on 01–02 November 2025 and 10–11 November 2025. This was not merely a sightseeing excursion, but the inaugural “open classroom,” where students directly engaged with the profession, perceived its practical realities, and observed how the tourism industry functions in real-world contexts.
The two-day, one-night trip began early in the morning as the group set off with great anticipation. Conversations on the bus, the laughter of newly acquainted classmates, and the dedicated guidance of accompanying lecturers created a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the outset. Upon arriving in Phan Thiết, students immersed themselves in the distinct coastal cultural environment—from the European-inspired architecture of the Wine Castle, to the historical fishing village lifestyle at the Old Fishing Village Museum, and the ancient, solemn ambience of the Po Sah Inu Cham Towers.
These experiences enabled students to gain clearer insight into how a destination is constructed and how it narrates its own cultural story. Afternoon activities on the beach fostered physical engagement, teamwork, and collaborative challenges, strengthening group cohesion. The subsequent Gala Night transformed the atmosphere entirely—warm, lively, and emotionally rich—providing both lecturers and students with opportunities to deepen mutual understanding.
The second day continued with visits to contemporary experiential and entertainment sites, broadening students’ perspectives on emerging trends in tourism. The final stop, Dục Thanh School, left a lasting impression as students entered a space imbued with President Hồ Chí Minh’s legacy, thereby deepening their appreciation for the historical and cultural values of the region.
The most significant outcome of the trip was not the number of attractions visited, but the lessons learned: observing the operational aspects of a tour, demonstrating professionalism during tourism activities, cultivating initiative when traveling in a group, developing communication skills, and fostering a spirit of cooperation. These experiences mark an essential starting point, helping students understand that studying tourism extends far beyond textbooks—it requires going out, observing, and genuinely feeling.
The two-day, one-night Phan Thiết tour has come to an end, yet it will undoubtedly remain one of the most memorable experiences for first-year Tourism students. Guided by the motto “Character before Achievement,” this journey not only inaugurated an inspiring new academic semester but also planted the first seeds for their future careers as professional tourism practitioners.
Tourism Department – Van Hien University