Our recent trip to Vietnam as part of the Cross-Cultural Management course was a profoundly enriching and eye-opening learning experience through tours and visits organized under the leadership of Professor Mohammad Shadab Khalil and Professor Chin-Jung Joseph Luan of the Department of International Business（IB）, National Dong Hwa University. During the six days in Ho Chi Minh City from December 3^rd to December 8^th, 2023, we witnessed Vietnam's diverse culture and vibrant business landscape.

Interacting with companies like the technology-focused FPT Software and the steel manufacturing giant China Steel and Nippon Steel Vietnam Joint Stock Company（CSVC）provided illuminating insights. Eva, a student of the IB Department, reflected, "FPT fosters a more relaxed atmosphere where individuals freely exchange ideas, showcasing a sense of equality and strong teamwork. CSVC cherishes tradition while FPT embraces innovation, mirroring Hofstede's perspective on attitudes toward authority and rules". The contrasts in organizational culture and management approaches were striking. Another student, Kumar, made an astute observation - "CSVC operates with a clear hierarchy, emphasizing adherence to rules, respect for authority, and formal communication".

Beyond understanding Vietnamese corporate culture, we relished opportunities to immerse ourselves in everyday experiences. The exhilarating chaos of Ho Chi Minh City's motorbike-filled roads, the intense smells and sounds of Ben Thanh Market, and the serene beauty of the Pink Church - these memories will endure. As one student（Tety）put it, "I found many things culturally different in Vietnam compared with Taiwan".

The lessons from this trip extended far beyond textbook concepts. By navigating an unfamiliar landscape, we learned adaptability and cultural sensitivity. By pushing beyond our comfort zone into courageous cross-cultural encounters, we return enriched with stories and friends. To quote a classmate, Selly, "We were not only doing a study tour but also learning a lot in real life".

One of the hosts of this educational visit is also one of the few foreign teachers in the School of Management; Professor Mohammad Shadab Khalil expressed that the corporate visit to the two companies in Vietnam was enlightening for students in understanding the cross-cultural aspect of international business. The visits helped students understand how international business firms coordinate their business with their suppliers and buyers located in numerous countries. Creating and coordinating these value chains across continents is one of the most complex aspects of international business relations, and the visited companies serve as successful examples for students to follow.

Our professors facilitated this rewarding adventure, bringing textbook material to life. We entered Vietnam as students but departed as culturally dexterous global citizens. This transformational experience expanded our worldview and awakened our sense of possibility. We are grateful for the privilege.

The photo on the left is the group photo of professors and educational visit students of the Dept. of IB, National Dong Hwa University; The photo on the right is Professors Chin-Jung Luan, Mohammad Shadab Khalil, and Pubali Chatterjee of the Dept. of IB, National Dong Hwa University, presenting the certificate of appreciation to FPT Software.

The photo on the left is Professors Chin-Jung Luan, Mohammad Shadab Khalil, and Pubali Chatterjee of Dept. of IB, National Dong Hwa University, presenting the certificate of appreciation to CSVC; The photo on the right is the group photo of professors and educational visit students of the Dept. of IB, National Dong Hwa University.