In the early days of coming to Son La, many Lao students could not avoid being surprised by the differences in language, learning methods and life.
From learning Vietnamese, getting acquainted with lecture halls to living in dormitories, they gradually caught up thanks to the guidance of teachers and friends.
Son La currently trains nearly 700 Lao students from 9 northern provinces of Laos: Hua Phan, Luang Prabang, U Dom Xay, Bo Keo, Luang Nam Tha, Phong Sa Ly, Xieng Khouang, Xay Nha Bu Ly and Say Xom Bun.
At Son La Medical College, there are currently 253 Lao students, many of whom study in nursing, pharmacy, obstetrics, and general medicine. Approaching specialized knowledge in Vietnamese is one of the first challenges.
Da Li Vanh, from Bo Keo province, a 3rd year student majoring in Nursing, said that learning Vietnamese combined with applying technology helps her access specialized knowledge more conveniently.
Studying in Son La helps me gain more professional knowledge, skills to use technology, manage patient data and get acquainted with electronic healthcare systems. These are valuable experiences for me to apply when returning to my hometown to work" - Da Li Vanh shared.
Not only imparting knowledge, teachers also guide international students on learning methods, document lookup, technology use and professional practice; explain specialized terms for them to understand and apply.
From phones and computers to electronic textbooks, students actively search and store materials, use images and videos to consolidate knowledge. Technology becomes a support tool in the process of learning in Vietnamese.
At Son La College, Vietnamese is the foundation for Lao students to study in their majors. In the 2025-2026 school year, the school trains Vietnamese for 9 months for 161 Lao students, focusing on 4 skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing; currently there are 39 students studying in the college system at the school.
Say Son Peng, a student of K61 majoring in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Son La College, said that being arranged with a dormitory and monthly financial support helps him reduce difficulties and feel secure in studying.
In the early days of coming to Son La, I was still unfamiliar, but after being guided by teachers and friends, I gradually got used to life and studying" - Say Son Peng shared.
In addition to studying, Lao students also participate in cultural, sports, extracurricular exchange activities, and learn about Son La relics and scenic spots. This is an opportunity for them to practice communication skills, teamwork and better understand the culture and people where they study.
At Northwestern University, there are currently over 380 Lao students studying undergraduate and articulation programs. Studying and living with Vietnamese students helps them expand exchanges, share experiences and gain more skills outside of their majors.
According to Mr. Kieu Tien Luong - Secretary of the School Youth Union, the School Youth Union regularly maintains Vietnam - Laos clubs, teams to support international students in studying and living; and at the same time organizes cultural, sports, and volunteer activities. Through this, students have more common living environment, exchange and participate in collective activities.
The time studying in Son La became a luggage for Lao students to return to their homeland, bringing knowledge, skills and valuable experiences.
