Since 2009, Thu Dau Mot University has implemented a program to receive and train international students from Champasak under a cooperation agreement between the two localities. To date, the University has trained 128 Lao students, of which 73 graduates have returned to their home country to work. Many former international students currently hold positions at agencies and units in Champasak province, utilizing the knowledge accumulated from university lecture halls to serve the development of their homeland. This journey not only contributes to training high-quality human resources for the locality but also serves as a clear testament to the effectiveness of educational cooperation, thereby continuing to foster the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.
 
This year's graduation ceremony celebrates the growth of four Lao international students: Inthamanivong Phothila, Sibounheuang Vilayseng (Business Administration), Phalinthone Thitsavanh (Public Administration), and Sorthammaxat Sidavong (Law). After years of studying and training at Thu Dau Mot University, they have officially completed their academic programs to return to Champasak, carrying with them a wealth of knowledge and valuable experiences. For these new graduates, the degree not only recognizes their academic achievements but also marks the process of overcoming differences in language, culture, and living environment to grow in a new country. Throughout their academic years, the companionship of lecturers, the university's care, and the sincere friendship of Vietnamese students helped these international students quickly integrate, study confidently, and actively participate in the university's activities.
 
For the two recent graduates in Business Administration, Inthamanivong Phothila and Sibounheuang Vilayseng, their early days of studying in Vietnam remain vivid in their memories. Being away from family, getting accustomed to the Vietnamese language, new study methods, and life in a foreign land were no easy challenges. However, every difficulty was shared through the dedication of teachers and the help of friends. "There were times when we missed home and faced difficulties in our studies and daily lives. But the utmost care from teachers and the assistance of our Vietnamese friends made us always feel like a part of this school," Phothila and Vilayseng emotionally shared. Not only equipped with professional knowledge, they also had opportunities to participate in cultural exchanges, volunteer activities, practical experiences, and various programs for international students. These very experiences helped them better understand Vietnamese culture, build beautiful friendships, and gain more motivation to accomplish their academic goals.
 
Sharing this emotional sentiment, new bachelors Phalinthone Thitsavanh and Sorthammaxat Sidavong stated that the most valuable thing they received after their years at Thu Dau Mot University was not only specialized knowledge but also lessons on lifestyle, work ethic, and the sincere affection of the Vietnamese people. "We didn't just learn knowledge; we also learned how to work, how to live, and felt the affection of the Vietnamese people. Our years here will always be a special memory for us," Phalinthone Thitsavanh and Sorthammaxat Sidavong expressed. According to the graduates, the open learning environment and the closeness of Vietnamese lecturers and students helped them love the country and people of Vietnam more, while also understanding more deeply the values built upon the traditional friendship between the two nations. This is also the foundation for them to be more confident upon returning to their homeland, ready to apply their learned knowledge to their work and contribute to the development of Champasak province.
 
Following the graduation ceremony, all four graduates expressed their desire to return and work in their respective fields, contributing to building their homeland with the knowledge and skills accumulated during their time studying in Vietnam. They also hope to have the opportunity to return to Thu Dau Mot University to pursue higher levels of education, continuing their pursuit of knowledge at the school they have been attached to throughout their youthful years. The day these graduates return to Champasak is also the day a new journey begins. They carry with them their university degrees, knowledge, and beautiful memories of Binh Duong and Thu Dau Mot University – a place that not only provided them with future careers but also preserved their memorable years of youth. From these simple stories, education continues to affirm its role as a bridge bringing people closer together, contributing to deepening the friendship between the two localities and the two countries of Vietnam and Laos through sustainable values cultivated from knowledge, sharing, and trust.

The four Lao graduates capture a meaningful moment before carrying their wealth of knowledge back to build their homeland of Champasak.

The academic achievements of the Lao graduates continue to affirm the practical significance of educational cooperation in cultivating Vietnam - Laos relations.