Case Study: Cultural Discovery Camp Organized by FME Travel

On October 26th, FME Travel collaborated with alumni of Can Tho University’s English Language and Culture Department, who are now International Tour Guides at the company, to co-organize a Cultural Discovery Camp.

This unique cultural exchange between Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education and Can Tho University brought together over 55 students and professors, showcasing FME Travel’s expertise in creating educational connections and deep cultural experiences.

• Date: October 26th 2024
• Location: Can Tho, Vietnam
• Participants: 55+ students, professors, and FME Travel alumni guides
• Primary Activities: Cultural exchange, site exploration, student engagement

Introduction and Background

FME Travel is committed to designing tours that combine cultural education with immersive local experiences. This tour, co-organized with alumni from Can Tho University’s Foreign Languages School, highlighted the company’s dedication to using travel as a tool for learning and connection.

Through this cultural exchange program, FME Travel provided participants with a rare opportunity to engage with local communities and heritage, creating a foundation for meaningful connections and fostering mutual understanding.

Collaboration:

• This tour was organized in collaboration with alumni from Can Tho University’s English Language and Culture Department, who are now serving as FME Travel tour guides.
• Co-organized with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education and Can Tho University, this event offered a meaningful cultural exchange opportunity for all involved.

Objectives of the Tour

The primary aim of the tour was to create a bridge between students from different academic backgrounds, providing them with direct exposure to Mekong Delta culture and traditions. FME Travel designed an itinerary that promoted educational engagement while allowing participants to experience the daily lives of local residents.

Through each activity, FME Travel empowered students to develop cultural sensitivity and a genuine appreciation for the region’s rich traditions.

Participants

The tour group consisted of a diverse blend of former students from Can Tho University, who are now professional guides with FME Travel, alongside over 55 current students and professors from both universities.

This unique mix of alumni expertise, student enthusiasm, and faculty mentorship created a collaborative environment, where alumni guides enriched the experience by sharing their personal knowledge of the area, making the journey educational and memorable.

Challenges

Organizing a large-scale, culturally immersive tour posed logistical challenges. Coordinating between two institutions with different schedules and requirements required meticulous planning. FME Travel had to ensure seamless transitions between activities, meeting both academic and cultural goals while managing the diverse needs of participants.

• Coordination: Balancing the schedules and needs of participants from two academic institutions presented logistical challenges.
• Logistics: Managing the movement and accommodations of a large, diverse group while ensuring a cohesive tour experience.

Solutions Provided by FME Travel

To address these challenges, FME Travel implemented several strategies:

• Customized Itinerary: Carefully crafted to include Can Tho’s most significant cultural and historical sites, balancing educational engagement with immersive, hands-on experiences.
• Seamless Coordination: By working closely with both universities, FME Travel managed all logistics, from travel arrangements to activity scheduling, ensuring smooth execution.
• Alumni Engagement: Alumni guides contributed greatly by sharing insights from a local perspective, adding depth to the experience and fostering a stronger connection with the region.

Key Tour Highlights and Activities

During the cultural exchange, participants visited some of the Mekong Delta’s most iconic sites:

• Cai Rang Floating Market: The group experienced the lively market atmosphere, learning about local trade and culture.
• Traditional Noodle Factory: Students observed traditional noodle-making processes, connecting with the area’s culinary heritage.
• Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm: This visit offered a hands-on look at local agriculture, where students learned about cacao farming and its cultural significance.

These activities allowed participants to interact with locals, explore the region’s unique cultural dynamics, and gain firsthand insights into the craftsmanship and traditions of the Mekong Delta.

See stories via emagazine, specially designed by FME Travel:

Results and Impact

The tour left a lasting impression on all involved. Students captured memories through photos and videos, creating a visual archive of their cultural experiences.

Many participants shared how the tour deepened their understanding of local customs and provided valuable opportunities to practice intercultural communication and English language skills.

Testimonial: Following the tour, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh from Can Tho University expressed her gratitude:

“Thank you for the incredible support with the tour! Minh Quang and Chi Kien, your enthusiasm and insights as alumni guides made this experience truly enriching. Bao Tran, thank you for ensuring all logistics went smoothly. This tour has left us with unforgettable memories.”

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Cultural Discovery Camp successfully highlighted FME Travel’s capabilities in organizing educational tours that encourage cultural understanding and build meaningful connections. By fostering an environment for intercultural exchange, FME Travel left a positive impact on the students’ academic and personal journeys.

Looking ahead, FME Travel is committed to creating similar programs that strengthen educational and cultural ties for future generations.