Faculty of Commerce and Tourism Students’ First Professional Internship in Hue: Practical Experience – Conquering Heritage

From August 24 to August 30, 2026, the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism at the University of Finance – Marketing (UFM) successfully organized the "Professional Internship 1" program in Hue City for 55 students majoring in Travel Management (Cohort 24D), under the guidance of supervising lecturers. Centered on the theme "Dạ thưa xứ Huế bây chừ" (Greetings to the Hue of Today), this six-day, seven-night trip served not only as a mandatory academic module but also as a valuable opportunity for students to gain practical experience, hone professional skills, and deeply engage with the local culture.

A Hands-on Professional Journey in a Heritage Land

Departing from Saigon Railway Station by train, students had the opportunity to gain practical insight into the organization and operation of transport and onboard catering services along the North-South railway line. Upon arriving in the Ancient Capital and staying at the Hue campus of the University of Finance – Marketing, the group quickly engaged in a series of in-depth practical activities aligned with the course's learning outcomes.

Throughout the internship, students were divided into small groups to gain hands-on experience in tour guiding and commentary delivery at key tourist sites:

- Cultural spaces and traditional craft villages: Observing production processes and the vibrant atmosphere of Thuy Xuan Incense Village.

- Nguyen Dynasty monuments and royal tombs: Exploring the architecture and history, and practicing commentary delivery at the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang, and Khai Dinh, as well as the Complex of Hue Monuments (Hue Imperial Citadel), An Dinh Palace, and Princess Huyen Tran Temple.

- Spiritual sites and cultural-educational landmarks: Hands-on experiences at Thien Mu Pagoda and Quoc Hoc Hue High School.

- Distinctive tourism services and local life: Enjoying *Ca Hue* (Hue chamber music) and "Nha Nhac" (Royal Court Music) performances on the Perfume River, while also exploring the commercial atmosphere and local cuisine at Dong Ba Market.

In addition to practicing on-site commentary, students conduct surveys and compile data on accommodation, transportation, and dining services, as well as map out tourism routes and attractions across Thua Thien Hue province. This serves as a crucial stepping stone for students to enhance their analytical skills regarding tourism routes and their ability to develop travel tour products.

The "Hương sắc Cố Đô" Gala: A Highlight Showcasing Close Attention from the School Administration

A standout feature of the program was the practical event organization component - the "Hương sắc Cố Đô" (Essence of the Ancient Capital) Gala - held on the evening of August 28, 2026, on the campus grounds. Students personally handled every aspect of the event - from conceptualizing the script, stage design, and program coordination to performing - under the guidance of lecturers and industry experts.

Notably, the professional internship group was honored to welcome Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Dao - representing the university's leadership - who traveled a long distance to visit, offer encouragement, and join the students in celebrating at the Gala night. His presence, along with his thoughtful remarks and valuable guidance, served as a tremendous source of inspiration, demonstrating the university leadership's close attention to the practical training quality of students from the Faculty of Commerce and Tourism.

Solid Knowledge, Confident Entry into the Profession

The "Professional Practice 1" field trip concluded safely and successfully, leaving behind profound professional insights and cherished student memories. This module not only enabled students to meet learning outcomes regarding tour guiding, itinerary planning, and event organization but also fostered a sense of responsibility, teamwork skills, and cultural empathy.