In the morning of September 5^th, 2019, the Faculty of Biology organized a welcome meeting for K69 students at the faculty hall to help new studentshave a better understanding of majors taught and trained, as well as to have open discussions for new students to share about the challenges, advantages and potential learning experiences in the university environment.

Photo 1. Overview of the ceremony

In attendance of the Board of Faculty, there were Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Lan Hung Son – Dean of Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Tran Thi Thanh Huyen - Deputy Dean, Assoc. Prof. Doan Van Thuoc - Deputy Dean, together with other lecturers/professors who arein charge of training and managing students, Ms. Alyssa Meyer - International Volunteer and especially the full presence of the 64 students of  K69.

In the beginning, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Lan Hung Son on behalf of Board of Faculty delivered the welcome speech to the new students, followed by  an introduction to various departments. New students are in the midst of transitioning from a high school learning environment to a more rigorous collegiate environment. Although surprising, and maybe confusing, students are eager for the new challenges and experiences available to them. To support this transition, Mr. Son encouraged the Faculty to help all new students become familiar with the new environment and become comfortable studying at the university. Dr. Son also passionately encouraged the students to utilize every opportunity to improve their English skills with assistance of Ms. Alyssa.

Photo 2. Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Lan Hung Son delivered speech

Responding to the expectations of the lecturers in the Faculty of Biology, a new student Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh on behalf of K69 students thanked and promised that all K69 students will try their best to study and practice well.

Photo 3. Representative of K69 gave thanks and flowers

Union activities play an important role in improving skills and help students  have the chance to explore their abilities. Additionally, this is a great opportunity for them to exchange views with the senior students about departments, studying, and extracurricular activities.

Photo 4. Ms.Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh - Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union shared achievements and introduced activities of the Youth Union

Regarding English practice, Ms. Alyssa shared about studying environment in the USA, hence encourage students’ dream to study abroad.

Photo 5. Alyssa shared about studying environment in the USA

To confirm the opportunities for studying and exchanging abroad, the group of students participating in an exchange program in Niigata University, Japan also shared their activities during their journey. A group of four other students shared about IMBC (International Marine Biology Course) which is fieldwork study for biodiversity, ecology, and evolution of marine animals in Sado Island, Japan. IMBC is an annual course organized with the aim of finding young students, with the desire to experience culture, study and work in Japan. The 8 day course, in addition to studying, involved activities with the excellent researchers and teachers on Sado Island, and 37 students. These students hailed from 17 universities in 7 different countries who joined together for learning and cultural exchange. This is definitely a great opportunity for all students who want to try to experience an international learning environment.

Photo 6: IMBC 2019 participants was sharing about their trip

Besides acquiring knowledge within each student’s major, , the lectures of Faculty of Biology are  also concerned about hobbies, well-being of students, as well as their difficulties in studying and daily life. The lecturers and senior students enthusiastically shared their advice and experiences to the freshmen.

Photo 7. Assoc. Prof. Tran Thi Thanh Huyen was answering the questions of new students

Overall, the meeting was successful. The first year students understood more about university life, and the first steps of their major training curriculum. Hopefully, they will have unforgettable and remarkable 4-year university life under roof of the Faculty of Biology family.

HNUE Biology English Club (HBEC)