Sofia was our FIS’s student in an exchange program funded by Erasmus. Sofia shared her study tips and experiences at HANU with us.
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Arriving in Vietnam as an exchange student was both exciting and challenging, and looking back, it has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The application process was relatively simple. Once I won the Erasmus grant, the University of Hanoi contacted me by email with all the necessary information to complete my enrollment. They also offered support in obtaining the visa through the university, which I strongly recommend to future students, considering the bureaucracy involved. However, I received my visa letter only a few weeks before departure, which prevented me from saving money on my flight ticket.
A very important tip: make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your stay in Vietnam, otherwise you will not be able to apply for the visa. I learned this the hard way and had to urgently renew my passport at the embassy because I had already spent the first semester abroad. Fortunately, everything worked out in the end.
For those wondering about the academic calendar, the second semester (which I attended) starts on February 2nd, after Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, and ends around early June. I also recommend contacting your academic coordinator as soon as possible regarding the Learning Agreement, since the university website is not always updated. Once you arrive, be prepared to revise your Learning Agreement, as some courses may not be available or may overlap in schedule. Classes generally run from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., including Saturdays. Attendance is strictly monitored: more than two absences mean you cannot take the final exam, and even delays are noted. Courses are available in English, and both professors and classmates are very supportive. The grading system is different from what I was used to: final grades are based on percentages, including midterm tests, group work, participation, and attendance.
Regarding accommodation, I chose the student dormitory provided by the university. I suggest applying early, as rooms are in high demand. You can choose between single, double, or triple rooms. The campus offers a canteen, a library, and several small restaurants and cafés. Occasionally, there may be power or water outages in the dorms, but that is part of the experience.
It is important not to idealize everything: like any experience, there are both positive and negative aspects. What truly made the difference for me were the people I met. Friendships help you overcome difficult moments and shape your perspective.
Moreover, even after returning home, I remained in contact with some of my professors. They kindly supported me in writing my final thesis by sending me useful materials and academic resources. After this experience, I decided to dedicate my dissertation to Vietnam, titled Work and Transformation in Vietnam: History, Reforms, and Prospects. This choice clearly reflects how meaningful and significant my stay was for me, both academically and personally.
Vietnam is a country worth exploring. I recommend traveling as much as possible. Although I
took seven courses and had limited free time, I would have loved to visit Laos and
Cambodia, which are relatively affordable to reach from Vietnam. Two places that remain in
my heart are Ha Giang and Ninh Binh. During the summer and rainy season, daytime activities can be challenging due to high temperatures, but most places have air conditioning.
I hope my experience clarifies some doubts and sparks your curiosity about this country,
which has given me so much. I hope you decide to take the risk and go. Good luck, future
Erasmus student!
Sofia Paccosi
Here are Sofia’s photos when she was in Vietnam:
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