University of Auckland offers a study hub service in Ho Chi Minh City

University of Auckland, in partnership with UP Education and LightPath Consulting Group, is offering a Study Hub service in Ho Chi Minh City to enhance the online learning experience for students in Vietnam while students are unable to enter New Zealand.

The global pandemic has had a major impact on international students and staying motivated and engaged while studying online is just one of the many challenges they face.

The Hub is a shared space for University of Auckland and UP Education students based in Vietnam to connect with their peers, tutors, and teachers in person. It will also help them maintain motivation and prepare for on-campus study, once the border restrictions are lifted.

Brett Berquist, director International at the University of Auckland said, “The Vietnam Study Hub is part of the Auckland Advantage package of support services for our international students studying online from overseas. We offer these initiatives as a way of keeping our students connected with the University until we can welcome them safely into Aotearoa New Zealand and onto campus in Auckland.”

The University of Auckland offers a study hub service in Ho Chi Minh city

Located in the Sunwah Inno Innovation Centre – a modern shared workspace in central Ho Chi Minh City – the Vietnam Study Hub offers students a bright and freshly designed ambience to create an exceptional online learning environment. Additionally, it provides complimentary tailored services such as tutoring and career counselling, which are very beneficial for students’ progress.

Former New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam, Haike Manning, founder and managing director of LightPath Consulting Group has been integral to the development of this exciting new initiative. Haike’s extensive international experience as a diplomat led him to establish LightPath with the vision of acting as a bridge between Vietnam and international education opportunities.

Haike says, “The Vietnam Study Hub is something we have been working on for a while. We want to offer local, face-to-face support to Vietnamese students commencing their international studies online for the first time, and to help those students at this critical early stage of their studies. We are delighted to be partnering with the University of Auckland to launch the Hub here in Ho Chi Minh City.”

Pham Quang Minh (pictured right) shared his satisfaction with the support from the University of Auckland and the Vietnam Study Hub

Pham Quang Minh (a postgraduate student at University of Auckland) shared: “Studying at home for me was not really an option because there’s so much distraction, and I couldn’t have that interaction with my peers or the advisers. But with the Vietnam Study Hub, it is so much better. I now have the opportunity to have my own workspace, the opportunity to talk to friends who are also studying online and also receive support from all the advisors. I’ve really enjoyed the Vietnam Study Hub so far.”

The Vietnam Study Hub will open in February 2022 (Semester 1, 2022) and will operate according to local government health and safety directives. In the event the Hub is forced to close temporarily, all learning and career support services will be available to students online, and those outside of Ho Chi Minh City will have access to virtual study and career services.

Tutors from Summa Education, one of the top tutoring providers in Ho Chi Minh City, will give in-person or online learning support and run study skills workshops. Summa Education is a leader in international tutoring and test preparation, and a trusted partner of Ho Chi Minh City's top international schools.

Through the Hub, students will also have access to personalised career support with certified career counsellors. The counsellors are trained by Song An, a not-for-profit social enterprise and a pioneer in the field of career education and development in Vietnam.