Connecting Through COIL: Behind the Scenes of a Student-Led Cultural Exchange Event

At Ibaraki University, the general education course "Intercultural Collaborative Learning (Vietnam)", offered by faculty members of the Center for Global Engagement, connects students with peers from Haiphong University in Vietnam through an international online learning initiative known as COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning). COIL enables students from different countries to engage in joint learning activities under the guidance of instructors from both institutions. In this course, students from both universities work together to plan and organize cultural exchange events: one introducing Japanese culture to middle and high school students in Haiphong, and another showcasing Vietnamese culture to students in Ibaraki.

On Sunday, August 31, students from both universities gathered via Zoom to prepare for the upcoming events. Each group presented their plans and shared ideas on how their counterparts could support the activities. After the presentations, students were shuffled into mixed groups to exchange feedback and engage in open discussions about their projects and cultural experiences.

To highlight the richness of Vietnamese culture, students have divided into seven groups, each focusing on a different theme. One group is preparing a dance and music activity featuring regional songs and a collaborative performance of the popular “BONG BONG BANG BANG.” Language-focused groups are organizing a Vietnamese greeting-themed bingo game and a tongue twister relay to make language learning fun and interactive. Traditional games will also be introduced, including Ô ăn quan (a stone-picking game), Ném lon (similar to can-kicking), and Chơi chuyền, a game involving hand coordination. Food culture groups are planning a hands-on spring roll-making session and a presentation on Vietnamese dishes featuring coconut, aiming to deepen cultural understanding through culinary experiences.

Discussions went smoothly across all groups, reflecting the students’ thorough preparation. Despite language differences, lively exchanges took place, with students offering practical suggestions to improve their plans. Ideas included distributing snacks during games to better manage time and using interviews to learn about favorite Vietnamese treats, fostering more natural interactions. Conversations about food were particularly engaging, with students discovering that spring roll ingredients vary by household and exploring alternatives like using shiso leaves instead of garlic chives.

After the formal discussions, students enjoyed casual conversations during the remaining time. They played picture shiritori (a Japanese word game), shared stories about childhood games, and introduced apps like Othello, which sparked interest among Vietnamese students. These lighthearted moments helped deepen mutual understanding and build friendships across borders.

Through this exchange, students gained new insights into Vietnamese culture, such as how the country celebrates National Day with parades and fireworks, and how school events include sports like pickleball. Many were surprised to learn that games similar to “Kagome Kagome” exist in Vietnam, and that Japanese anime and manga are widely known there. These discoveries helped students recognize both cultural differences and unexpected commonalities.

As the event day approaches, students are feeling excited and motivated. Comments like “It feels like we’re becoming friends across borders” and “Talking with people from other countries is really fun” reflect the spirit of the program. Everyone is working hard to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for participants.

The Vietnamese Cultural Exchange Event will be held on Saturday, September 13 at Ibaraki University’s Mito Campus. This event will bring together students from Ibaraki University, Hai Phong University, and local middle and high school students to celebrate and explore Vietnamese culture.
Click here for event details
https://events.admb.ibaraki.ac.jp/2025/10001283.html