From January 5 to January 6, 2026, Hanoi University (HANU) organized a training workshop titled “Sharing experiences in implementing Erasmus+ KA1 projects”. This activity is within the framework of the STRIVE Project. The event brought together experts from Europe and representatives from nearly 15 universities and academies across Vietnam. In the context of a strongly shifting global education integration, the event not only marked a step forward in international cooperation but also opened a strategic dialogue forum between Vietnamese universities and European partners.
Overview of the training workshop
The STRIVE Project (Strengthening Internationalization of Vietnamese Emerging Universities) is coordinated by the AlmaLaurea Interuniversity Consortium (Italy) under the sponsorship of the European Union, with Hanoi University serving as the project coordinator in Vietnam.
The training workshop was attended by high-level international expert delegations: Ms. Luisa Mengoni and Mr. Enrico Dongiovanni (AlmaLaurea); Ms. Felicetta Ripa, Ms. Vanessa Torri (Tuscia University, Italy); Prof. Paulo Resende da Silva and Prof. Jaime Serra (Évora University, Portugal).
The event saw the participation of leaders from project member institutions: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luong Thanh Cuong (Vice President of the Academy of Public Administration and Governance - APAG), Dr. Nguyen Huu Chuc (Vice Rector of Phu Xuan University - Hue), Dr. Pham Duc Thang (Vice Rector of Quang Ninh University of Industry).
The event attracted the attention of 14 other higher education institutions such as Phenikaa University, Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), Hoa Binh University, University of Economic and Technical Industries, Academy of Finance, Ha Long University, Vinh University of Technology Education, etc., creating an extensive and profound academic connection network.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Trao – President of Hanoi University delivered the opening speechDelivering the opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Trao – President of Hanoi University shared: “HANU has extensive experience in successfully developing and implementing over 70 Erasmus+ KA1 projects. Since 2015, with Italian partners alone, the University has exchanged approximately 500 students and 120 lecturers.”
As the host institution, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Trao committed that HANU would not stop at participation but is ready to play the role of an advisor and provide technical support in project writing for partner universities, in order to prepare best for the report to be submitted to the European Commission in 2027.
Ms. Luisa Mengoni (Representative of AlmaLaurea) shared at the training workshopBringing a perspective from European partners, Ms. Luisa Mengoni (Representative of AlmaLaurea) stated that the theme "Capacity building, capitalizing on mobility experiences" should not be viewed solely from an academic angle: “Mobility helps bring citizens closer together, eliminates prejudice, and promotes socio-economic cohesion.” Ms. Luisa also pointed out an encouraging reality: In the past 10 years, the two-way exchange flow between the EU and Vietnam has reached nearly 4,600 people. This is proof that Vietnam is no longer a "low-lying area" but has become an equal and attractive partner in the eyes of international friends.
The first working day featured practical presentations on the Erasmus+ KA1 project. The panoramic picture of the project development and implementation process was shared in detail by Ms. Dang Thi Phuong Thao (STRIVE Project Team - HANU), providing strategic orientations for units approaching this for the first time. Following that was the sharing of practical experiences by lecturers and managers: Dr. Pham Quang Dung (VNUA), Dr. Tran Thi Lan Anh (APAG), along with Dr. Do Van Anh and Ms. Tran Thu Trang (HANU). Each story is a testament to the strong impact of Erasmus+ on improving training quality.
Notably, the discussion session also brought emotional perspectives from the direct beneficiaries—HANU students. Names like Ngo Thi Bich Phuong, Do Kim Oanh, Nguyen Tien Manh, and Nguyen Thi Van Anh shared their exchange learning journeys in Europe. From initial confusion about language and cultural barriers, they have matured, become more resilient, and become true "cultural ambassadors". These are the most practical "fruitful outcomes" that the STRIVE project and Erasmus+ aim for.
On the second working day (January 6, 2026), the program focused on solving the "post-project" problem through technical solutions and long-term strategies to ensure project sustainability.
Experts such as Mr. Enrico Dongiovanni (AlmaLaurea) and Prof. Jaime Serra (Évora University) introduced the "Internationalization Virtual Center" and "Data monitoring tools". This is an important transformation, shifting international cooperation management from manual to data-driven, ensuring that even when the project ends, connection mechanisms continue to operate effectively.
The series of activities concluded with the 4th meeting of the Steering Committee, agreeing on important decisions regarding the sustainable development roadmap for the STRIVE project in the upcoming sprint phase.
Some images from the event:
Delegation of the Academy of Public Administration and Governance participating in the training workshop