Home | Study in Vietnam (Foreign Trade University)

Program Overview

The Foreign Trade University (FTU) prioritizes building a global network with a large number of universities all over the world and promoting international cooperation through its relationships with over 185 foreign institutions. FTU is one of the top universities in Vietnam and offers a wide range of courses in economics, business, finance, banking and foreign languages, which are taught in Vietnamese, English, Japanese and French.

Students studying abroad at FTU will benefit from an active Buddy program, which pairs local students with international students. This helps visiting students with cultural integration, language skills and sharing in the local celebration of cultural festivities and holidays.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The Foreign Trade University (FTU) offers a diverse and creative learning environment, which values integration and experiential learning. As an international student, you will benefit from their Buddy program and immerse yourself in cultural activities, visit local businesses and learn Vietnamese with the friendly help of a local ‘Buddy’ student.

Often called the ‘Harvard of Vietnam’, the FTU offers students unique opportunities to experience and learn from successful Vietnamese enterprises and rapidly growing business hubs.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Approval received from the home university.
  • Current official undergraduate degree transcript.
  • Valid passport until at least 6 months after your program end date. Copy of your passport (photo page).
  • Most students will be required to obtain a study visa. The application process can be extensive but World Endeavors staff will walk you through it!
 
 
 
 
 
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Location

The Foreign Trade University, which has the most competitive admissions test in Vietnam, is found in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. When you are not in class savoring being part of a cohort of elite students, you can walk the streets and immerse yourself in the well-preserved mix of French colonial and Vietnamese architecture and many museums. Sample the Vietnamese cuisine, with pho (meaty broth) and banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) while you discover the ancient streets of the Old Quarter or visit the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam.

Housing

Accommodation at FTU consists of dormitories equipped with bathrooms and kitchens, housed in 2 to 4-story buildings surrounded by a peaceful green belt of trees and plants. The guest house is nearby which is a modern building reserved especially for international students and visiting lecturers.

Life in Hanoi

Hanoi is the cultural center of Vietnam and is a treasure trove of iconic attractions like the Hanoi Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Hanoi Opera House. The low cost of living offers students the opportunity to experience all that Hanoi has to offer, from its vibrant street life bustling with people, markets, shops and mega malls, to its delicious food from the many street food vendors or fine dining restaurants.

Take advantage of the Buddy program offered by the FTU and learn basic Vietnamese while immersing yourself in the tapestry of traditions that make up Vietnamese culture.

Support whilst in Vietnam

World Endeavors study abroad programs offer full support, starting with airport pickup and accommodation transfer upon arrival followed by an on-site orientation covering health, safety, and local tips. Emergency support from your in-country coordinator, 24/7 travel medical insurance, and continuous contact with your advisor for additional assistance throughout the program helps you feel secure and supported. Whatever challenges life throws your way, we’ve got you covered!

Academic

Academic credit and transcripts are issued by the Foreign Trade University after the successful completion of the program. Foreign Trade University is a fully-accredited, state-recognized institution of higher learning, whose teaching will help you develop the skills you need to succeed, with a mix of lecture-style tuition and practical experience.

The World Endeavors process is designed to take the guesswork out of academic credit and credit transfers. Our experienced advisors work with each student and his or her academic advisor before the program begins to ensure students earn the credit expected for courses taken abroad.

Eligibility

Applicants to study abroad with World Endeavors must have completed high school (or equivalent), and, in most cases, must be at least 18 years of age. While some programs have minimum GPA requirements and require that applicants be currently enrolled in a college or university, others are open to all participants regardless of age or student status. Please contact a World Endeavors advisor for more detailed eligibility criteria.

Course Load

Courses at Foreign Trade University are lecture and seminar-based, with significant independent study expected. We recommend students take only four courses per semester. Students may take five courses per semester with approval from their Academic or Study Abroad Advisor first.

What's Included/ Costs

INCLUDED

  • Dedicated Program Advisor who is accessible and experienced
  • Tuition: 12-18 credits per semester (up to 5 courses)
  • Academic transcript from Foreign Trade University 
  • Pre and post arrival orientation; re-entry guidance
  • Student services and learning support
  • Access to university facilities
  • 24/7 emergency phone support
  • Airport reception and welcome
  • Student housing accommodations
  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance
  • Travel visa guidance and support
  • Advice on how to get a local phone number

NOT INCLUDED

  • Round-trip transportation to Hanoi
  • Visa expenses
  • Optional trips and excursions
  • Textbooks and other course materials
  • Daily transportation
  • Personal expenses
Study in Vietnam (Foreign Trade University)
Cost: $11,600

Dates & Deadlines

Fall Semester 2024: July 29th - January 6th, 2024

Application Deadline: May 15th, 2024


Spring Semester 2025: January 8th - June 30th, 2025

Application Deadline October 15th, 2024


Program dates listed are for reference only and are subject to change. Please wait until after acceptance and you have received the confirmed dates to book any flights.

Every World Endeavors Study Abroad Program Includes

Our study abroad programs are as unique as our destinations, but there are program features that unify all of our study experiences.

YOUR STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

  • Top accredited universities
  • Flexible durations – 2 to 4 weeks to a full academic year
  • Expansive destination options
  • English instruction offered in all locations

ACCOMMODATION

  • Vetted campus accommodations selected with quality and safety in mind
  • Friendly community of peers from local host country and around the world

TEAM OF EXPERTS

  • Dedicated one-on-one advisor
  • Local on-site coordinator

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT

  • Airport pickup
  • Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
  • 24/7 local support
  • Activities and cultural engagement
  • On-campus social events, clubs and sports

ACADEMIC CREDIT

  • Professional assistance and collaboration with home institution on course approvals and credit transfers
  • Transcript received directly from university abroad

PEACE OF MIND

  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance

HEALTH & SAFETY

When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety. 

We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME IN VIETNAM

In your spare time in Vietnam, there are numerous activities and experiences to enjoy. Here are some suggestions:

  • Sample Vietnamese Cuisine: Delight in Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls, as well as regional specialties from different parts of the country.
  • Attend Cultural Performances: Experience traditional water puppet shows, dance performances, and cultural events that showcase Vietnamese artistry and traditions.
  • Cruise Halong Bay: Embark on a cruise through the stunning limestone formations and emerald waters of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Experience the Mekong Delta: Take a boat tour through the lush Mekong Delta, exploring floating markets, traditional villages, and local handicrafts.

Not sounding like the right program for you? Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

Find Your Program

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Vietnam Study Abroad FAQs

Will I feel isolated if I study in Vietnam alone?

Most of our students travel alone to their study abroad destination – it’s perfectly normal! The overwhelming feedback we hear is how awesome it was to meet new people, gain some confidence and independence, and how it wasn’t a lonely experience at all. Many times, students have already tried a new solo experience when they enrolled in their home university and started as a freshman – so studying abroad isn’t much different. You will still have access to events, clubs, organizations and social activities that take place at the host university and student housing gives added access to a friendly community of peers.

Where will I live when I am studying in Vietnam?

You usually have a few housing options when studying abroad – home stays, apartments, or residence halls. Each has its advantages. Reach out and talk to us about what is typical for Vietnam. No matter what you pick, it’s a great way to learn more about your host culture.

How will I get to my internship or volunteer site every day?

When you arrive, you will learn how to commute back and forth to your internship or volunteer site on your own every day. Our In-Country Coordinators are great resources and will help you to determine the best way to get around. Daily transportation costs are the responsibility of the participant and are not included in program fees. Hanoi has a very cost effective public transportation system, and it is very affordable to travel to your placement site. We do our best to place participants in housing that will be convenient to their internship or volunteer site, and, in some cases, participants are able to walk to their site.

Related Programs

How to apply for a Study Abroad Program

You’ve decided to study abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. Get ready to CHANGE YOUR WORLD!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK
Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE
Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!
You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready to study and explore like never before!