Khunthon Bomixay, a police officer from Houaphanh province, recently completed a nine-month Vietnamese language training course at Son La College. During his study, he and many other Lao students received strong support from the school, from daily living arrangements to cultural exchanges with Vietnamese students and excursions to historical sites and tourist destinations across Son La. These activities left him with lasting impressions of a land rich in cultural identity and natural beauty.

“I visited many historical sites and scenic locations such as Son La Prison, Tay Bac (Northwest) Square, Son La Hydropower Plant, Ang hamlet pine forest, and Moc Chau tea hills,” he said. “Son La is modern and dynamic, yet still deeply rooted in culture. The people are friendly and welcoming.”

Phome Savanh, a Hotel Management student, also shared many fond memories from nearly two years at Son La College. During cultural exchange events, the Lao student developed a special fondness for traditional Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress) and the Thai ethnic ao com, as well as Vietnam’s rich and diverse cuisine.

“Outside of class, I joined many cultural and arts activities organised by the Student Association,” she said. “I’ve learned five Vietnamese songs, such as ‘Nguoi thay,’ ‘Mua xuan nay,’ and ‘Tinh nghia Viet – Lao.’ During the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, I visited my classmates’ homes in Son La and enjoyed dishes like banh chung, canh bon, smoked pork sausages, and dried meat. These experiences made me feel happy and more connected to this place.”

With over 20 years of training human resources for Lao provinces, Son La College continuously innovates to improve the quality of education. Alongside academic learning, the school organises field trips to historical sites and scenic areas, helping students strengthen their Vietnamese skills and develop a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s culture and people.

On major national celebrations of both countries such as Laos National Day (December 2), Bunpimay Festival, and Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, the college hosts cultural exchange activities to deepen mutual understanding and reinforce solidarity between the younger generations of both nations. Thanks to these programmes, many Lao students can now sing Vietnamese songs and perform traditional dances such as mua xoe, mua sạp, and the “Dance of Solidarity".

Nguyen Xuan Thang, Vice Rector of Son La College, said that in the 2025-2026 academic year, the school will provide Vietnamese-language training for 397 students from nine Lao provinces. Since 2024, the college has maintained a weekly “Connecting Saturdays” programme featuring music, sports, and cultural-historical activities. These experiences leave Lao students with positive impressions of Son La’s culture, people, and traditions. After their studies, they take home not only knowledge but also lasting affection and pride in the special Vietnam-Laos friendship.

Through its dedicated efforts, Son La College has become a “second home” for generations of Lao students, helping preserve and strengthen the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, and between Son La province and its Lao partners.