International Business & Digital Innovation in Vietnam

Independence

Trip price

Trip duration

Level 5 and 6 BA Business Management, BA International Business and Level 7 MSc International Business students are eligible to apply. There is a maximum of 20 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Trip description

The purpose of this trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is to provide International Business and Business Management students with immersive, real-world exposure to the dynamics of emerging markets through hands-on workshops and industry visits in Vietnam. The trip will also enhance students’ understanding of international business, cross-border e-commerce, and global logistics within a Southeast Asian context.

As part of the trip, students will go on on an industrial visit to gain first-hand exposure to international business operations by visiting a global company located in Southern Vietnam. This experience will provide valuable insights into how multinational firms operate within an emerging market context, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities they face.

There will also be a visit to DMU’s partner, Hoa Sen University (HSU). Students will Take part in academic exchange and cultural immersion activities with HSU students. This visit promotes international collaboration and strengthens ties between DMU and HSU. In particular, they will engage in two workshops:

Workshop 1 – Navigating Emerging Markets: Participate in an engaging session focused on international business strategies in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This workshop explores practical marketing approaches for successfully entering and operating in these dynamic markets. Led by industry professionals and academic experts, the session offers real-world perspectives on growth and competition in the region.

Workshop 2 – International Business in the Digital Age: Delve into the transformative role of digitalisation in cross-border trade. This hands-on workshop examines the evolving landscape of e-commerce and logistics in Southeast Asia, with contributions from guest speakers across academia and industry.

Students will subsequently complete final presentations at HSU to reflect on the entire learning journey. Students will present key takeaways from the trip, showcasing their understanding of international business in a real-world Southeast Asian context

Skill development

This opportunity has been designed to help develop the following DMU Graduate Attributes:

Growth mindset

Communication skills

Critical Thinking

Collaboration & Networking

Cultural activities

As part of the trip, students will participate in a series of cultural activities designed to provide a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history, society, and consumer culture. There will be a full-day trip to the Mekong Delta will expose students to rural life in one of Vietnam’s most important agricultural and economic regions. Activities may include visits to floating markets, local farms, and small-scale producers, offering insights into traditional industries and the dynamics of rural supply chains.

Students will also visit key historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City, such as the War Remnants Museum, which provides insightful understanding of Vietnam’s recent history, and the Reunification Palace, which is a symbol of political transformation.

Students will also enjoy an authentic Vietnamese street food tour, exploring local markets and tasting iconic dishes such as pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. This immersive experience highlights the significance of food in Vietnamese culture and sheds light on urban consumer behaviours and informal economies.

These visits help students appreciate the historical context shaping Vietnam’s current socio-economic development. Generally, these cultural activities enhance students’ global awareness and support a holistic understanding of doing business in Vietnam.