On the afternoon of February 4, at the University of the Pacific Ocean (UPO), the cultural exchange program “Warm Kitchen, Great Music, Endless Fun” took place in a warm and lively atmosphere. The event provided an opportunity for Vietnamese students and international students from Vanuatu to experience, explore, and appreciate the unique traditions of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
Participating in a Tet celebration in Vietnam for the first time, the students from Vanuatu expressed great excitement as they immersed themselves in the vibrant spring atmosphere—from traditional cuisine and music to interactive cultural activities. The event not only offered memorable cultural experiences for international students but also gave UPO students a chance to introduce and share the richness of Vietnamese culture with their international friends.
One of the highlights of the program was the cooking and food-tasting activity. Vietnamese and Vanuatu students were divided into groups to prepare and cook traditional dishes representing their respective cultures. From familiar dishes found in Vietnamese Tet feasts to specialties from the island nation of Vanuatu, the dishes created a colorful culinary table where culture was experienced through flavor.
In addition to the culinary activities, music and traditional games contributed to a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. Cheerful melodies and bursts of laughter became a bridge that brought students from the two countries closer together, helping to overcome language and cultural barriers.
The program also provided an opportunity for students to share stories about Vietnamese Tet customs as well as the distinctive cultural traditions of Vanuatu. Through these exchanges, participants gained a deeper understanding of each other’s countries and cultures in a spirit of openness and mutual respect.
The bright smiles, friendly handshakes, and memorable moments created during “Warm Kitchen, Great Music, Endless Fun” became meaningful gifts ahead of the Bính Ngọ Lunar New Year 2026, further affirming the multicultural and welcoming learning environment at the University of the Pacific Ocean.
Through this program, the Faculty of Law & Public Administration and the Faculty of Economics & Management hope to continue organizing meaningful cultural exchange activities, strengthening connections between domestic and international students while building an increasingly dynamic, globally integrated, and culturally rich UPO community.
