The teams' representatives pose for a group photo Photo: VNA

The event saw the participation of 16 teams. 45 Lao students studying at 16 universities and colleges from Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Thua Thien-Hue, Quy Nhon and Kon Tum provinces, joined the competition.

In seven minutes, each of the contestants shared their understanding about Vietnam, the country’s people and culture, along with memories during their stay.

A team of the Vinh University of Technology Education in the north-central province of Nghe An claimed the first prize, followed by those of the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Hong Duc University.

Addressing the event, Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department under the MoET Nguyen Hai Thanh said Vietnam and Laos have nurtured a traditional friendship and cooperation over the years, especially in education and training.

The number of Lao students in Vietnam has been on the constant rise, surging from about 5,000 in 2011 to more than 16,000 this year. Of the figure, over 5,000 are studying in Vietnam’s central region.

The homestay program for Laotian students who are studying in Vietnam has its great mean in planting and maintaining the special friendly relation Vietnam – Laos. It is a significant program which helps Laotian students integrate themselves in the local community while they studying in provinces, contributing to improving their learning quality and environment as well as further strengthening the special relationship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

The knowledge and interaction between each other has a part to consolidate and cultivate the special friendly Vietnam – Laos relation. Laotian students as well as local people cultivate mutual understanding and contribute to building good relations between Vietnam and Laos. The friendly Vietnam – Laos relation is deep and steadfast because of the beloved and simple sympathy./.