Thompson Rivers University (TRU) marked another significant step in its partnership with the University of Finance Marketing (UFM) by hosting a high-profile delegation from the Vietnamese institution in late August.
The high-level meeting fostered a deeper connection between the two institutions’ business programs and explored potential areas for academic collaboration, as key figures met and signed an agreement built on a collaboration that began in 2020. TRU President Brett Fairbairn led the welcoming delegation, which included Laurie Robinson, director of International Partnerships and Business Development, and Juan Mejia, manager of transnational education. The UFM delegation was led by Associate Professor Pham Tien Dat, the rector of UFM, accompanied by Dr. Nguyen Xuan Truong, the head of the International Training Institute of UFM, and Natalie Nguyen from AMV Consulting.
The delegation met with representatives from the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics, including Dr. James Gaisford, acting associate dean, Heidi Milovick, executive director of Student Services and Administration, Dr. Nancy Southin, chair of Management, Information and Supply Chain, Dr. Laura Lamb, chair of Economics and acting chair of Marketing and Dr. Trent Tucker, MBA co-ordinator.
The existing arrangement allows UFM students to transfer up to 60 credits toward TRU’s Bachelor of Business Administration programs. The new agreement expands this opportunity, enabling UFM students from all disciplines to study at TRU for a minimum of one semester. Since the initial agreement, 17 students from UFM have already come to TRU, with promising growth on the horizon, with 12 potential students expected for Fall 2024, and 20 for Winter 2025.
“Signing the agreement plays a vital role for our students and has a significant impact on the transnational programs and co-operation between UFM and TRU. Our students are offered more opportunities to access cutting-edge Canadian education at affordable prices. Additionally, we firmly believe that exposure to Vietnamese culture and people will be a valuable experience for TRU students,” said Tien Dat.
A UFM student in third-year business administration at TRU, Phan Gia Huy, said the Kamloops university has been welcoming.
“TRU offers a lot of support services. If you need to improve English proficiency you can get help from tutors at the Language Learning Centre. You will be able to get help with anything you need here.”
The partnership represents a milestone in TRU’s vision of being a leader in international education and collaboration, strengthening ties with Vietnam and building bridges across cultures through education.
“Our partnership with UFM is opening doors for students from both institutions. We’re excited to develop programs that will allow TRU and UFM students to gain invaluable global experiences, broaden their perspectives, and prepare for success in an interconnected world. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering international understanding and creating transformative educational opportunities,” said Baihua Chadwick, vice-president International at TRU.
The delegation’s visit included TRU students from UFM who have played a crucial role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and provided firsthand insights into the student experience.
The partnership aligns with TRU’s Strategic Enrolment Management goals, diversifying the range of countries students come from and the programs in which they can participate. TRU aims to develop broader engagement in Vietnam, which includes connections with Saigon Tourist Hospitality College and co-op abroad opportunities at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City.
