PHAN CHAU TRINH UNIVERSITY ATTRACTS MANY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

According to information from the university, in July 2024, Phan Chau Trinh University welcomed nine international students from the United States, Hungary, Poland, and France to participate in a clinical internship program within its Institute-University system. These students took part in clinical training in departments they had registered for, under the guidance of lecturers and doctors at Phan Chau Trinh University.

Previously, in 2022 and 2023, the university also hosted medical students from the University of Manchester (UK) and Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University (Hungary) for clinical internships.

Additionally, in September 2024, the university welcomed about 60 more students from India and Myanmar. These students will enroll in a six-year General Medicine training program, which is delivered entirely in English.

International students participating in internships at the Institute-University, July 2024

Although Phan Chau Trinh University is still a young institution in the health sciences sector, it has adopted a liberal education philosophy that exposes students to the hospital environment from the first day of enrollment. The university has made strong investments in infrastructure, practice hospitals, and modern facilities, thereby building trust among both domestic and international learners. Notably, its pre-clinical simulation hospital is continuously being upgraded and expanded, with increasingly advanced equipment deeply integrated with information technology. This allows students to practice handling clinical cases—ranging from basic to rare scenarios—in a highly realistic simulated environment.

Isela Vasquez, a student from Northeastern University (USA), shared during her internship: “I found this program through Volunteering Journeys. I came here because I really wanted to gain internship experience in a global program. So far, I’ve really enjoyed my experience here, as well as the people and the teaching I’ve received from this program. It’s truly been very beneficial for me.”

Promoting International Exchange and Collaboration

To achieve these initial results, Phan Chau Trinh University has actively promoted international relations in recent years. The university has partnered with many prestigious universities and reputable organizations around the world, creating numerous opportunities for international students to study at PCTU and for its own students to participate in exchange and overseas study programs.

Cooperation with India

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Huong, Director of the Center for Research and International Cooperation, stated: “With the mission of enabling health science students at Phan Chau Trinh University to access advanced medical knowledge worldwide, the university has strengthened partnerships with international organizations and renowned universities, focusing on scientific research, international student exchange programs, and training.”

International organizations that have collaborated with the university include AMOpportunities (USA), Global Engagement Institute (USA), Healing Hearts Vietnam (USA), Project Outreach International Child Health (Canada), HECAF360, and universities such as Mahidol University (Thailand), Taipei Medical University (Taiwan), the University of Sydney (Australia), Griffith University (Australia), Ludwig Maximilian University (Germany), Ohio State University (USA), and Michigan State University (USA). Notably, research findings from the partnership with Griffith University were presented by Dr. Nguyen Xuan Huong and colleagues at the Global Health Security Conference held in Sydney, Australia, in June 2024.

Students at Phan Chau Trinh University enjoy many opportunities to study, expand their networks, and engage globally. In July 2024, two medical students – Phan Van Bao Long and Nguyen Thi Minh Trang – were awarded full scholarships for a summer internship at Alberta Children’s Hospital (Canada), sponsored by Project Outreach International Child Health. Earlier, medical student Ha Nguyen Phuong Duyen was awarded a scholarship by Taipei Medical University for a two-month internship under the Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP).

PCTU medical students at Alberta Children’s Hospital (Canada)

Moreover, PCTU students have demonstrated their confidence, dynamism, and liberal spirit by joining the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) in 2022. Since then, PCTU medical students have represented the university, along with a select few Vietnamese medical schools, at the IFMSA Asia-Pacific Regional Meetings (APRM) in the Philippines (2023) and Thailand (2024).

These achievements in attracting international students and collaborating with prestigious global institutions are a testament to the educational quality and strategic vision of Phan Chau Trinh University. With ongoing efforts, the university continues to affirm its position as a leading institution in medical education, contributing lasting value to the community and society