PRACTICAL INFORMATION

www.hoasen.edu.vn
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
FOR
INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
FOR INTERNAL USE
Foreword
Dear students:
The entire faculty, staff and student body would like
to warmly welcome you to Hoa Sen University.
This guideline has been designed to fully assist you
during your future studies at Hoa Sen University.
Please read it carefully because it contains much
useful information pertaining to your upcoming
departure and future stay in Vietnam. We have
especially asked former exchange students who were
part of our international cultural exchange program,
and self-participating students in over-sea fieldtrips to
assist in developing this guide so we can be assured
that everything you need is included.
However, we strongly encourage you do some
self-exploration so that you may assert your
understanding of your surroundings more critically. In
addition, during your stay at Hoa Sen University, we
would be more than pleased to welcome any further
feedback from you should you have other points of
view. With the support of added feedback, we will be
able to continuously upgrade our domestic services
and enhance the internationalization process.
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Hoa Sen University
Hoa Sen University
The HSU Faculty
The Faculty of Economics & Commerce
The Faculty of Economics and Commerce
provides a solid undergraduate experience
in “business” with opportunities to
specialize in accounting, finance, marketing,
human resource management, business
management, and international business.
Our business curriculum provides students
with a strong base of knowledge of the
contemporary business world, professional
skills, leadership abilities, and practical
experiences. These are the skills needed to
understand and be successful in the global
workplace and to have an impact on the
economic growth of Vietnam.
http://www.hoasen.edu.vn/en/295/dao-tao/faculty-economics-commerce
The Faculty of Languages & Cultural Studies
The Faculty of Languages & Cultural Studies
began its University-level operations in the
Academic Year 2007-2008. It has grown
considerably since then and it attracts an
increasing number of top students. There are
a total of 1,940 students in both the 3-year
(Cao Dang) and 4-year (Bachelor) programs.
Currently the Faculty offers degrees in
two fields: English Studies and Tourism &
Hospitality Management.
http://www.hoasen.edu.vn/en/307/dao-tao/faculty-languages-cultural-studies
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The HSU Department of Science and Technology
has kept pace with the rapidly changing world
of science and technology. This is part of the
university’s strategy of gaining international
recognition for its forward-looking teaching
methods and standards of its teaching staff. Since
its inception, 90% of the Information Technology
Department students have consistently found
jobs following graduation.
Hoa Sen University
The Faculty of Science and Technology
http://www.hoasen.edu.vn/en/281/dao-tao/department-science-and-technology
The Faculty of Polytechnics
The Faculty of Polytechnics currently provides a
variety of programs, from Applied Art degrees to
diplomas in Administration, and from Business
degrees to Hospitality diplomas. We are in partnership with the ESCIA, Pierre SALVI Institute in
France, Manchester College and Edexel in the UK,
and many others.
http://www.hoasen.edu.vn/en/282/dao-tao/polytechnics-faculty
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Nguyen Van Trang Campus
Cao Thang Campus
08 Nguyen Van Trang
District 1, HCMC
93 Cao Thang
Ward 3, District 3, HCMC
Tan Vien Campus
Quang Trung Campus
02 Tan Vien
Ward 2, Tan Binh District, HCMC
Plot 10 Quang Trung Software Park
Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, HCMC
Hoa Sen University
The HSU Campuses
Song Sil Campus
Plot 11 Quang Trung Software Park, Tan Chanh Hiep Ward, District 12, HCMC
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Hoa Sen University
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Student Life
Making Friends at Hoa Sen
In order to build up a “friendly
environment” you are more than
welcome to communicate with all
our staff and faculty at any time.
During your studies, you will be
provided with help from several
international students, who have
already spent time at HSU to
assist you in adapting to your new
environment. These students are
usually from exchange programs,
international cooperation
programs, or they are international
interns.
In addition, our Hoa Sen Student
Ambassadors will be willing to
share their campus life and study
experiences with you. The Hoa Sen
Student Ambassador Group email is:
daisusvhoasen@sinhvien.hoasen.edu.vn
STUDENT CLUBS
-
LR English Speaking Club - lr0411@gmail.com
- Amity – International Exchange students: clb.amity@gmail.com
- Basketball Club: loclequan@yahoo.com
Hoa Sen University
University Services
- Volleyball Club: lotusvolleyball.club@gmail.com
LIBRARIES
You are permitted to access two libraries, one on the Cao Thang
campus the other on the Quang Trung campus. You must follow
and obey all the rules and regulations while accessing the library
resources.
The Cao Thang Campus Library is located in – Room C702 – 93 Cao
Thang
The Quang Trung Campus Library is located in – Room 301 - 308 Lot 10 Quang Trung Software Park.
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Admission Requirements
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PROCESS
Application Form for International Students
Please be aware of which step of the process you are in when applying as an
International Student:
STEP 1
Download the Application Form for International Students
from our website: http://www.hoasen.edu.vn/en/464/
international-relations/international-mobility
STEP 2
Complete the form, and make sure to add the appropriate
signatures and the official stamp of your home institution.
STEP 3
Send the digital copy of your application as well as all required
documents (please see the enclosed list in the Application
Form) to the following email address: si.nguyenquoc@hoasen.
edu.vn – Mr. Si Nguyen
STEP 4
If your application is approved, you will be required to send
the entire original copy of your application to HSU before you
will receive our Letter of Acceptance
STEP 5
Admission, accommodation and other aids.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Contact:
Department of International Relations (IRR) – irr@hoasen.edu.vn
The department is open for business:
Monday to Friday (except holidays) : 09:00 – 11:30 and 13:00 – 16:30
Remarks:
Screening of the application will take around three months before a final
decision is made.
The course list may be sent to you three months in advance.
Upon receiving all needed information, feel free to ask for other aids to
have a safe and productive trip.
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Study Support
Study Support
APPLYING FOR ENTRY PERMIT
Entry Permit
The entry-permit process for an International Student includes the
following four steps:
Step 1
International Student (IS):
For your visa application, send your completed information
(full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and passport
number) to: anh.lethivan@hoasen.edu.vn
Step 2
Hoa Sen University (HSU):
A representative of HSU will meet you at the Immigrations
Department to help you apply for your International
Student (IS) entry permit.
Step 3
Hoa Sen University (HSU):
- HSU: waiting for letter of approval
- HSU: receiving letter of approval
- HSU: scan letter of approval and send to IS
Step 4
International Student (IS):
- IS: receives letter of approval from HSU and prints it out
- IS: goes to Vietnam Embassy in his/her home-country to
obtain an entry permit and pays all fees
Contact:
Department of Student Services
(DSS) – dss@hoasen.edu.vn
They are open for business:
Monday to Wednesday
(except holidays):
09:00 – 11:30 and 13:00 – 16:30
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Remarks:
After completing and
submitting the application,
processing will take 14
working days.
The Customs process is subject
to change without prior notice.
The student visa process can
only be carried out once an
acceptance letter has been
received from HSU.
Room Accommodation Form
In order to obtain your room reservation, you will need to follow the three
steps in the table below:
Step 1
Download the Accommodation Form for International
Students from our website: http://www.hoasen.edu.vn/
en/464/international-relations/international-mobility
Step 2
Fill out your accommodation application
Step 3
Send the completed application with an attached copy of
your passport to: anh.lethivan@hoasen.edu.vn
Contact:
Study Support
HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS
Remarks:
Department of Student Services
(DSS) – dss@hoasen.edu.vn
They are open for business: Monday
to Wednesday
(except holidays):
09:00 – 11:30 and 13:00 – 16:30
Processing your request will take
about 14 working days.
The home-stay application is not
used for home-stay/dorm only it
is also your source of reference
for any other means of staying
as well.
You will receive advice from
the Department of Student
Services in terms of a contract
if you will want to rent private
accommodations.
ESTIMATED EXPENSES:
A calculated, estimated budget is recommended. These are expenses for
your staying basically; if you plan to travel, club, shop, leisure, etc., please
be aware that your expenses may be subject to change.
Items
Costs*
Accommodations
200 – 300
Food (meals)
50
Public Transport (taxi, motorbike-taxi)
50
Personal expenses
50
Total estimated cost/month/person
*(US dollars/month/person)
350 – 450
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Pre-Departure Checklist
Pre-Departure Checklist
Please refer to the items in the table below prior to your departure for
Vietnam to assure that all your needs is met and all details of your trip
are covered.
Bring original passport with entry permit. Ensure
your passport is valid for the length of your stay
and the study purpose
Organize a list of any prescribed medication you
may require
Complete additional support: accommodation,
medical...
Organize your living-studying expenses
Make note of the contact details for your
country's embassy
Make note of the representatives of HSU, those who
will work with you during the application process
Pack a document folder containing the following:
acceptance letter, academic transcripts of
previous study, identification documents,
important contact numbers
Note important times and dates such as:
flight details, orientation day and time at the
university...
Organize insurance for your personal belongings
Make photocopies of your passport (around
5 copies, so you won’t ever need to bring the
original with you while traveling in Vietnam
Bring 10-16 face identity pictures for student ID
card, university entrance, etc.
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Medicine for diarrhea and stomach
upset such as loperamide and antacids
Anti-febrile and pain killers such as
aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Adhesive bandages, lip balm and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15
Medicine for motion sickness such as
dimenhydrinate or promethazine
Make note of hotline numbers
for medical services or emergency
situations
Pre-Departure Checklist
SUGGESTED MEDICATION PACK
A HOTLINE FOR EMERGENCY
AND EVACUATION SERVICES IS
PROVIDED BY:
FRENCH-VIETNAMESE (FV HOSPITAL)
6 Nguyen Luong Bang St.,
Saigon South (Phu My Hung),
District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: (08) 54 11 33 33
Fax: (08) 54 11 33 34
INTERNATIONAL SOS VIETNAM, LTD.
167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St,
District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: (08) 3 829 8424
Fax: (08) 3 829 8551
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W e l c o m e To H o C h i M i n h C i t y
Welcome To Ho Chi Minh City
THE HA NOI AND SAIGON AIRPORTS
Tan Son Nhat Airport – Ho Chi
Minh City (HCMC), Tan Son Nhat
International Airport (IATA:
SGN, ICAO: VVTS) is the largest airport in Vietnam. It is located 4 miles (6 km) north of
the center (District 1) of HCMC
(Saigon).
Ha Noi – Noi Bai Airport, Noi Bai International
Airport (IATA: HAN, ICAO: VVNB) is the largest airport in northern Vietnam serving
Hanoi, the capital city of
Vietnam. The airport is located 28 miles (45 km) from
downtown Ha Noi.
Source: Ho Chi Minh City
Airport Guide -Ha Noi - Noi Bai
Airport Guide )
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Deutche Bank AG
65 Le Loi - District 1, HCMC,
Tel: 38.299.000
https://www.db.com/vietnam/
index.html
HSBC (Hong Kong & Shanghai
Banking Corp Ltd)
235 Dong Khoi - District 1, HCMC,
Tel: 38.234.447
http://www.hsbc.com.vn/1/2/
about-hsbcen
Standard Chartered Bank
37 Ton Duc Thang - District 1, HCMC
Tel: 39.110.000
http://www.standardchartered.com/
vn/en/
Vietcombank – Ho Chi Minh
Branch
10 Vo Van Kiet Street
Nguyen Thai Binh, District 1, HCMC,
Tel: 38.297.245
http://www.vietcombank.com.vn/
ANZ
39 Le Duan Street, District 1, HCMC,
Tel: 1800.599.926
http://www.anz.com/vietnam/en/
Personal/
Citibank
Sun Wah Tower,
115 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District
1, HCMC
Tel: 38.242.118
http://www.citibank.com.vn/portal/
vietnamhome.htm
W e l c o m e To H o C h i M i n h C i t y
BANKING
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W e l c o m e To H o C h i M i n h C i t y
Welcome To Ho Chi Minh City
PHONE SERVICES
There are many mobile operators in Vietnam and many phone cards are
available that can be easily purchased. The largest credit is around $20.00
and the smallest is $1.00. You may also simply purchase a phone for
temporary use, the cost starting at $25.00 each for a Nokia 101.
TRANSPORTATION
Buses
Buses are a very inexpensive means of
transportation.
From Saigon Central Bus Station
(opposite to Ben Thanh Market) you
will take:
- Bus Number 18: for Quang Trung Campus
- Bus number 02: for Cao Thang Campus
- Bus number 152: for Tan Vien Campus
And take the same bus number to find
your way back.
Xe om
The “Xe om” or Honda Om
is a mototaxi. You can hire a
motorbike and its driver for a
short drive, or by the hour or
the day. It depends on your
negotiations with the driver.
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There are many taxi companies in HCMC,
however, we advise you to use either:
Vina Sun
Tel: (08) 38.27.27.27
Or
W e l c o m e To H o C h i M i n h C i t y
Taxi
Mai Linh
Tel: (08) 38.38.38.38
Note that most taxi drivers are able to speak
limited English.
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W e l c o m e To H o C h i M i n h C i t y
SHOPPING
Saigon-square: Square Center
77-89 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia: http://www.saigon-square.com/lien-he.html
Shopping Mall:
http://www.vietnamonline.com/best-of-vietnam/top-5-shopperparadises-of-Ho-Chi-Minh-City.html
LEISURE
Galaxy Cinema: http://www.galaxycine.vn/
MegaStar: http://www.megastar.vn/
W e l c o m e To H o C h i M i n h C i t y
SHOPPING AND LEISURE
FOOD AND DRINK
Eating in Saigon: http://www.eatingsaigon.com/
Restaurant reviews: http://www.wordhcmc.com/restaurant-reviews
FITNESS CENTERS
International Club
285B Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, District 10
Lan Anh Club
291 Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, District 10
Somerset Ho Chi Minh City
8A Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1
Tan Hai Long 1 Hotel
14-16 Le Lai Street, District 1
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Useful Information
Useful Information
LIVING EXPERIENCE
Living in Vietnam: http://www.livinginvietnam.com/
Expatriate Forums in Vietnam: http://www.alloexpat.com/
vietnamexpatforum/
CULTURAL EVENTS AND PARTY
Cultural Events : http://www.anyarena.com/
Party in Saigon: http://dongvui.vn/
Expat Experience:
http://www.expat-blog.com/en/directory/asia/vietnam/saigon/
Ho Chi Minh City Expat Community for HCMC Expats:
http://www.internations.org/ho-chi-minh-city-expats
Expat Service: http://www.expat.vn
TRAVEL AND ART
Travel tips:
http://www.ticvietnam.com/en/
http://www.tripadvisor.com
San Art: http://www.san-art.org/about
Saigon Art and Gallery: http://saigon-art.com/
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Institut d’Échanges Culturels avec la France
http://www.idecaf.gov.vn/fr/home/
British Council: http://www.britishcouncil.org/vietnam.htm
American Center Ho Chi Minh
http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/achcmc.html
Useful Information
CULTURAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Goethe Institute: http://www.goethe.de/ins/vn/han/enindex.htm
JOBS AND JOB OPENINGS
AmCham – American Chamber of Commerce
http://www.amchamvietnam.com/
Eurocham – European Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.eurochamvn.org/
Cancham – Canadian Chamber of Commerce
http://www.canchamvietnam.org/
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Useful Information
The Do’s And Don’ts
In Ho Chi Minh City
THE DO’S
THE DON’TS
- Keep your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a
safe place
- Never carry more money than
you need when walking around the
streets. Do not wear large amounts
of jewelry.
- Dress appropriately, especially
when you go to the Pagodas and
Temples
- If you are invited into someone’s
home, be sure to remove your
shoes at the front door
- Drink plenty of bottled water.
During the summer months you
should be drinking a minimum of
two liters per day
- Do not attempt to take photographs of military installations or
anything to do with the military.
This can be viewed as a breach of
national security.
- Do not carry your passport
around everywhere you go; keep it
in a safe place like your hotel your
living accommodation. A photocopy
will suffice if local law states that you
need to have it for identification.
(Source:http://saigonstay.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/do-and-don%E2%80%99t)
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In Ho Chi Minh City
French Embassy
Consulate General of France in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, BP 307 - Q. 1 - Ho Chi Minh Ville
http://www.consulfrance-hcm.org/
Belgian Consulate
Honorary Consulate of Belgium in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
No 105, Duong Van An Street,
KP 5, Ward An Phu, District 2, HCMC
http://www.diplomatie.be/hanoivn/
E-mail: consubel@hcm.vnn.vn
Useful Information
Foreign Embassies And Consulates
Canadian Consulate
Consulate General of Canada in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
The Metropolitan, 9th Floor,
235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1,Ho Chi Minh City
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/vietnam
Finnish Consulate
Honorary Consulate General of Finland in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
203 Dong Khoi, Suite #206, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
http://www.finland.org.vn
American Consulate
Consulate General of the United States in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
4 Le Duan Blvd., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/
Thai Consulate
Royal Thai Consulate-General, Vietnam
77 Tran Quoc Thao Streetm District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
E-mail: thaihom@mfa.go.th
(Source: http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/vietnam)
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Te s t i m o n y
I have traveled to Vietnam many times in my life,
but one of the most eye-opening experiences
for me was studying abroad at HSU during my
senior year. It was an unforgettable experience
and undoubtedly the highlight of my
undergraduate years.
I had always wondered how it felt to experience the
culture and personality of a Vietnamese classroom.
The whole journey was surreal. The
professor was very accommodating—
understanding that I was adjusting to
the culture differences, even though I
am Vietnamese by heritage. I was taken
aback by how shy the Vietnamese students
were when in the presence of foreigners. I
believe it is the lack of confidence in trying
to express oneself through the English
language that made the initial contact
difficult. But once you are able to crack a
few jokes with them, you realized that they
are very friendly and hospitable. Many individuals
that I met during my time at HSU, in and away from
class, have continued to be close friends.
Aside from the class curriculum, Ho Chi Minh City
is a beautiful metropolitan city that overflows with
food and entertainment. You can find just about any
type of cuisine in HCMC—American, Italian, Spanish,
Indian, Halal, Japanese, Chinese, etc. The options
are endless and the prices are reasonably cheap- by
American standards. In terms of leisure, the list in this
catalog is just a select few of the extensive choice of
activities and attractions in this lively city. Overall,
studying abroad at HSU, in the economic center of
Vietnam, was a once in a lifetime experience. Being
able to build lifelong relationships through social
and educational networking was the
greatest gift from this.
Tu Lu, Summer 2010
(Suffolk University, Boston, MA)
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Hello from France !
Just a few word to
tell you a warm THANK YOU !
Thank you for your help and your kindness during our trip in
Vietnam. All the French students of the FIEV group really appreciated, not only your invitation to come to Ho Chi Minh City, but
also your availability to help us during our stay.
We all have very good memories of Vietnam, mostly thanks to you.
It was a very good opportunity for us to work with Vietnamese
students in a famous Vietnamese University and we were happy
to be able to discover a new culture!
We are also very grateful to the Hoa Sen University professors who
organized the project.
Best regards
Pierre-Louis Hennequin, Rémi Boilard, Daisy Hoareau, Julie
Degremont, Laura de Abreu, Lucie Gagne
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Te s t i m o n y
Te s t i m o n y
Thank you once again for the wonderful support, commitment and hospitality you showed our Hospitality group
while visiting your country and HSU. The students and I have
all returned with fantastic memories, deeper cultural understanding, and new global friendships as a result of this trip;
our lives have certainly been enriched from this exchange
between Hoa Sen and Kirkwood Community College.
David Horsfield
Department Chair
Hospitality Arts Program
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA, 52406
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