Within framework of the cooperation between An Giang University (AGU) and Australian National University (ANU), the Research Center for Rural Development (RCRD), AGU organized the Fourth Vietnam Field school program in 2019 for 33 ANU students to learn about culture and environment.
The program welcomed the participation of Professor Cunningham Saul Alan, Director of Fenner School of Environment & Society together with two lecturers Fingleton-Smith Edwina Sophia and Wilkes Bronwyn Amy from ANU.
At the welcoming ceremony, Assoc, Prof. Dr. Vo Van Thang, Rector of AGU expressed his pleasure to welcome the ANU delegation and hoped that this year program would continue to bring the students interesting experiences.




After the welcoming ceremony, ANU students listened to presentations on: Research findings from Floating Rice Project presented by Mr Le Thanh Phong - RCRD Vice Director; Rice Value Chain presented by Dr. Ho Thanh Binh - Dean of Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Overview of Aquaculture in Mekong Delta presented by Mr. Tran Van Hieu - Lecturer of the Faculty of Agriculture - Natural Resources; Culture of Ethnic Groups in AN Giang province presented by Dr Huynh Thanh Tien - Director Resource Center for Community Development.






This year program involves many activities such as: learning about rice milling process at Loc Troi Group in Vong Dong commune, Dinh Thanh Agricultural Research Center, Thoai Son district; exploring the linkage between farmers, entrepreneurs and traditional rice processing industry according to local modern processes; visiting and experiencing the floating rice festival at the floating rice conservation region conducted by RCRD in Vinh Phuoc and Luong An Tra communes, Tri Ton district, An Giang province; visiting and studying about the conservation of wetland ecosystems and the biodiversity of flora and fauna systems in Tra Sư forest, An Giang province. At the same time, the ANU delegation will have the opportunity to experience and learn more about the palm sugar production of the Khmer people in Tinh Bien district and about Mekong Delta watery culture through the floating market visit, Long Xuyen city.
Furthermore, ANU students will participate in cultural exchanging activities, musical performances and learn about An Giang people’s lifestyle together with AGU students. They will also experience Homestay tourism model in My Hoa Hung commune as well as learning about history of the Tiger Island.
The Vietnam Field School was originated by Assoc, Prof. Dr Vo Van Thang - AGU Rector and Dr. Nguyen Van Kien - RCRD Director in 2016. The message of the program is to promote cultural exchanging, learning and sharing life experience, practically interact with environmental and social issues among AGU students and ANU students.
Huynh Cam - An Giang University Library
Translated by Nauy