From 5 to 6 January 2026, Hanoi University organized the seminar “Sharing Experiences in Implementing Erasmus+ KA1 Projects” within the framework of the STRIVE Project. The seminar convened European experts and representatives from nearly 15 universities and academies nationwide. In the context of accelerating global transformation in higher education, the event not only marked a significant milestone in international cooperation but also served as a structured platform for strategic policy dialogue between Vietnamese higher education institutions and European partners.
The STRIVE Project (Strengthening Internationalization of Vietnamese Emerging Universities) is coordinated by AlmaLaurea (Italy) and funded by the European Union. As the national coordinating institution in Vietnam, Hanoi University hosted high level international expert delegations, including Ms. Luisa Mengoni and Mr. Enrico Dongiovanni from AlmaLaurea; Ms. Felicetta Ripa and Ms. Vanessa Torri from the University of Tuscia, Italy; and Professor Paulo Resende da Silva and Professor Jaime Serra from the University of Évora, Portugal. The seminar facilitated direct knowledge transfer and institutional learning between European partners and Vietnamese higher education stakeholders.
The event was attended by senior leaders of STRIVE project member institutions, including Associate Professor Dr. Luong Thanh Cuong, Vice Director of the Academy of Public Administration and Governance; Dr. Nguyen Huu Chuc, Vice President of Phu Xuan University in Hue; and Dr. Pham Duc Thang, Vice President of Quang Ninh University of Industry. Their participation underscored strong institutional commitment to internationalization and inter university collaboration.
In addition, the seminar attracted representatives from 14 other higher education institutions, including Phenikaa University, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hoa Binh University, University of Economics – Technology for Industries, Academy of Finance, Ha Long University, and Vinh University of Technology Education. This broad participation contributed to the consolidation of a national academic network focused on mobility management, capacity development, and international cooperation governance.
In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Trao, President of Hanoi University, emphasized HANU’s extensive experience in Erasmus+ implementation, noting that the University has successfully designed and implemented more than 70 Erasmus+ KA1 mobility projects. Since 2015, cooperation with Italian partner institutions alone has facilitated international mobility for approximately 500 students and 120 academic staff members.
As the lead institution of the STRIVE Project in Vietnam, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Trao reaffirmed HANU’s strategic commitment to moving beyond participation toward an advisory and capacity building role. Specifically, HANU stands ready to provide technical assistance and project development support for partner institutions, particularly in proposal formulation and quality assurance, in preparation for submissions to the European Commission in 2027.
From a European partner perspective, Ms. Luisa Mengoni, representative of AlmaLaurea, highlighted the broader policy relevance of the seminar. She emphasized that the theme of capacity building and mobility experience should be understood not merely as an academic exercise, but as a catalyst for people to people connectivity, the reduction of stereotypes, and the strengthening of socio-economic cohesion. She further noted that over the past decade, bi-directional mobility between the European Union and Vietnam has reached nearly 4,600 participants, positioning Vietnam as an increasingly equal and attractive partner within the global higher education landscape.
A key highlight of the first working day was the series of practice oriented presentations focusing on Erasmus+ KA1 project lifecycle management. A comprehensive overview of project design, implementation, and reporting procedures was delivered by Ms. Dang Thi Phuong Thao from the STRIVE Project team at HANU, providing strategic guidance for institutions newly engaging with Erasmus+. This was followed by experience sharing sessions from academic and administrative practitioners, including Dr. Pham Quang Dung from the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Dr. Tran Thi Lan Anh from the Academy of Public Administration and Governance, and Dr. Do Van Anh together with Ms. Tran Thu Trang from Hanoi University. These contributions demonstrated the measurable impact of Erasmus+ mobility on teaching quality enhancement and institutional capacity development.
The seminar also featured reflective discussion sessions highlighting student centered perspectives. HANU students, including Ngo Thi Bich Phuong, Do Kim Oanh, Nguyen Tien Manh, and Nguyen Thi Van Anh, shared first hand accounts of their exchange experiences in Europe. Their narratives illustrated personal and academic transformation, from initial challenges related to language proficiency and intercultural adaptation to the development of global competence and intercultural agency. These students exemplify the role of mobility participants as authentic cultural ambassadors, representing the most tangible outcomes of the STRIVE Project and Erasmus+.
On the second working day, 6 January 2026, the programme shifted its focus toward post project sustainability and long term impact. Experts including Mr. Enrico Dongiovanni from AlmaLaurea and Professor Jaime Serra from the University of Évora introduced technical solutions such as the Internationalization Virtual Center and data monitoring and evaluation tools. These initiatives signal a strategic transition from manual administrative processes toward data driven international cooperation management, ensuring continuity and institutional memory beyond the project lifecycle.
The seminar series will conclude with the fourth meeting of the STRIVE Steering Committee, during which key strategic decisions will be made regarding governance mechanisms and the sustainability roadmap for the final implementation phase of the project.
Through this seminar, Hanoi University once again affirms its role as a trusted strategic bridge, contributing to the strengthening of internationalization capacity and global engagement readiness of Vietnam’s higher education system in the era of globalization.