"Down the Mekong" – Professional Internship Journey 2 for Class 23D (Tourism and Travel Service Management): Learning from Reality, Gaining Experience through the Journey !

As part of a curriculum closely linked to professional practice, students from Class 23D (Tourism and Travel Service Management) - under the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism at the University of Finance - Marketing (UFM) - embarked on a meaningful "Professional Internship 2" journey across the provinces and cities of the Mekong Delta. Spanning four days and three nights (July 27–30, 2026), the trip involved 66 students. It not only took them to destinations rich in cultural, historical, and tourism value but also provided a valuable opportunity to directly observe, practice, and hone the essential skills required for future tourism professionals.

A  journey throgh destinations of great significance !

Starting from the University of Finance - Marketing (UFM), the "Professional Practice 2" trip for Class 23D students majoring in Tourism and Travel Service Management took them through various provinces and cities in the Southwestern region. Each destination on the itinerary was selected to align with the program's educational objectives and the students' professional practice requirements.

In Dong Thap, students visited Vinh Trang Pagoda and practiced delivering guided commentaries. This served as an opportunity to apply - in a real-world setting - their knowledge of content creation, destination presentation skills, and group management techniques.

Continuing the journey to An Giang, the group explores the distinctive cultural, historical, and spiritual values ​​of this southwestern region. In the Chau Doc area, students practice delivering guided commentaries at the Ba Chua Xu Temple, the Thoai Ngoc Hau Mausoleum, and Tay An Pagoda at the foot of Sam Mountain. The itinerary also includes visits to the Chau Giang Cham Village - featuring the Mubarak Mosque - and the Ba Chuc Tomb House memorial site, helping students broaden their understanding of the local area's cultural and religious diversity as well as its historical significance.

From An Giang, the group traveled to various locations in the Ha Tien and Kien Luong areas. There, the students explored the Mac Cuu Mausoleum, Thach Dong (Stone Cave), Border Marker 313, and Mui Nai Beach, while also practicing tour commentary at Hon Phu Tu (Father-and-Son Islet) and Hai Son Pagoda (also known as the Cave Pagoda). These experiences enriched their knowledge of natural, cultural, and historical tourism resources and provided a better understanding of how to link destinations to create suitable tour itineraries and content.

Moving on to Can Tho, students continued to explore the cultural, historical, spiritual, and eco-tourism values ​​characteristic of the Mekong Delta. Destinations such as Munir Ansay Pagoda, Cai Rang Floating Market, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, and My Khanh Ecotourism Village offered diverse perspectives on local cultural life and tourism products. These visits provided opportunities to learn how to leverage indigenous assets, develop tour commentary, and design experiences tailored to traveler needs.

Beyond mere sightseeing, the students engaged in hands-on practice: delivering tour commentary, observing tour organization and operations, learning service procedures at restaurants and hotels, practicing check-in and check-out processes, and assisting with group activities. These experiences gave them a clearer understanding of the practical work of a tour guide and the professional requirements for personnel in the tourism industry.

Through these experiences, students have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of professional requirements, thereby identifying the skills they need to further hone in order to better prepare for their career journeys after graduation.

Reflecting on the trip, a student shared: “The most significant takeaway from this practical training was realizing that classroom knowledge only truly deepens through hands-on experience. We had the opportunity to deliver commentaries ourselves, observe professional tour guides in action, and participate in various aspects of group service. These experiences gave me a better understanding of the profession I am studying and motivated me to further hone the necessary skills”.

Beyond the professional activities, the Gala event was a memorable highlight of the trip. After days of travel and practical training, the Gala provided a lively atmosphere where lecturers and students could socialize, have fun, and cherish unforgettable moments together.

The Gala not only created beautiful memories of their youth but also helped strengthen the bonds within the Class 23DLH, fostering a spirit of unity and bringing lecturers and students closer together. It was also a time for everyone to set aside the stresses of the journey, reflect on their shared experiences, and enjoy memorable moments in each other's company.

Following a four-day, three-night journey, the "Professional Practice 2" trip for Class 23D students majoring in Tourism and Travel Service Management - under the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism at the University of Finance - Marketing (UFM) - has officially concluded; however, the lessons learned and practical experiences gained will continue to serve them well on their future paths.

From hands-on tour-guiding practice and operational experience to the bonding moments shared during the Gala night, the trip enabled students to consolidate their knowledge, hone their skills, and gain a more authentic perspective on their future careers. These invaluable insights will equip Class 23D students to further develop themselves, enhance their professional capabilities, and step confidently into their future careers.