On May 17, 2026, the delegation from Ha Long University visited and worked with the Nachi Katsuura Tourism Organization in Japan to further develop the University’s international partner network and expand opportunities for overseas study, internships, and credit exchange programs in a professional international environment for students majoring in languages and tourism.

The delegation was led by Dr. Nguyen Duc Tiep, Rector of Ha Long University, with the participation of representatives from the Faculty of Tourism, the Office of International Cooperation and Research Management, and the Japanese Language Department under the Faculty of Foreign Languages.

Mr. Tetsuya Matsushita introducing the delegation from Ha Long University

Through the support and coordination of the Nachi Katsuura Tourism Organization, especially Mr. Tetsuya Matsushita, the delegation had the opportunity on the evening of May 17, 2026, to meet and exchange with leaders of Wakayama Prefecture and the towns of Nachi Katsuura and Taiji, as well as representatives from cultural and religious institutions, tourism management agencies, and local enterprises and organizations such as Katsuura Senkyo Co., Ltd., Sanei Service Co., Ltd., Wakiguchi Tuna Technology Research Institute, Nakanoshima Co., Ltd., Hotel Urashima, Okahana Insurance Office, and Taiji Town Whale Museum.

The Mayor of Nachi Katsuura Town delivering a welcome speech to the delegation from Ha Long University and opening the reception

During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for Ha Long University students to undertake internships in the fields of hospitality, tourism, travel services, and business in Wakayama Prefecture. Students are expected to participate in paid internship programs lasting from six to twelve months, with accommodation and meal expenses supported by the host companies.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Tiep, Rector of Ha Long University, delivering remarks at the welcoming ceremony held at the headquarters of the Nachi Katsuura Tourism Organization

Local authorities and Japanese enterprises highly appreciated the students’ learning spirit, adaptability, and development potential, and expressed their commitment to supporting and facilitating students during their study, living, and working experience in Japan.

Representatives of local authorities, management agencies, enterprises in Wakayama Prefecture, and the delegation from Ha Long University taking a commemorative photo

Within the framework of the visit, Dr. Nguyen Duc Tiep also discussed and proposed inviting Japanese experts in the hospitality and restaurant industry to visit and work with Ha Long University to jointly organize a “Japanese Cultural and Culinary Exchange Program” scheduled for October 2026.

According to the proposed plan, the program will feature a variety of experiential activities and practical training sessions, including:

• Hotel, resort, and onsen management skills;
• Japanese-style flower arrangement for hospitality spaces;
• Japanese cuisine cooking workshops;
• Demonstrations of professional salmon and tuna cutting techniques.

The Mayor of Nachi Katsuura Town seeing off the delegation from Ha Long University

The working visit of the Ha Long University delegation to Wakayama Prefecture marked another important step in strengthening international cooperation between the University and Japanese localities, organizations, and enterprises, while opening up more opportunities for internships, professional experience, and international cultural exchange for students in the future.

Nguyen Thanh Hien - Office of International Cooperation and Research Management