The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) hosted a special joint session of the Travel Without a Passport series featuring Vietnam and Thailand, bringing two vibrant cultures together in one lively and engaging event. The session aimed to highlight both the similarities and differences between the two countries through food, music, and interactive cultural activities, allowing students to experience Southeast Asian cultures in a fun and dynamic way.
The session began with an introduction to Vietnamese culture, focusing on traditional and everyday Vietnamese food. The presenters shared stories about popular dishes and eating habits, explaining how food plays an important role in family life and social gatherings in Vietnam. Through photos and explanations, students gained a better understanding of Vietnamese cuisine and its cultural meaning.
Following the Vietnamese segment, the focus shifted to Thailand, where the atmosphere became even more energetic. The presenters introduced a popular Thai dance trend, explaining how dance and music are commonly used in Thailand . Students were invited to join the activity, learning the dance steps together and dancing as a group. This interactive moment quickly became one of the highlights of the session, filling the room with laughter and excitement. The atmosphere was warm, lively, and filled with laughter and excitement. Students and visitors moved between stalls, socialized, took photos, and enjoyed the performances. The combination of music, games, and cultural displays created an energetic and welcoming environment where everyone felt free to interact and learn. Many participants expressed that the event helped them better understand other cultures while also giving international students a proud moment to share their own heritage. The teamwork among OGA members and student volunteers ensured the event ran smoothly from setup to closing.
The Travel Without a Passport: Vietnam & Thailand session successfully demonstrated how cultural learning can be both educational and enjoyable. By combining food culture and modern dance trends, the event created an engaging space where students could learn through experience and interaction. The joint session not only showcased the uniqueness of each culture but also encouraged students to connect, participate, and appreciate cultural diversity.