Dr. Nguyễn Nam is a founding faculty member and one of the important pillars of the Vietnam Studies major at Fulbright University Vietnam. With almost 40 years of research and teaching experience, he has amassed a significant body of work on Vietnam’s cultural and historical heritage, which he brings to Fulbright. He tirelessly promotes the values of “Studying Vietnam, Understanding Vietnam, Loving Vietnam” through both his classroom teaching and various initiatives connecting students to Vietnam’s rich traditions. Most recently, he led the “Developing Vietnam” class from Fulbright University Vietnam to Dartmouth College in the United States for collaborative research on Vietnam.
Dr. Nguyễn Nam speaking at the international academic conference “Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc (Tonkin Free School) and the Vietnamese Liberal Education Model”
A 40-year journey of passion for Vietnam Studies
With an unwavering love and deep connection to his homeland, Dr. Nguyễn Nam has dedicated four decades to researching and teaching about Vietnam. For him, studying Vietnam is not just about examining a single subject but about showcasing the brilliance of Vietnam within both regional and global contexts. He sees Vietnam’s over 4,000 years of history as a lifelong journey of exploration—one that spans generations to uncover the origins, culture, history, and identity of its people. Reflecting on his connection to the country, he shares: “You can take a person out of their country, but you cannot take the country out of the person. This sacred bond has been the driving force behind my nearly half-century commitment to understanding my homeland.”
Throughout his 40 years of teaching, he has witnessed Vietnam’s transformations firsthand, then channeling this evolving narrative into his lectures. He integrates insights from literature, art, cinema, history, society, and religion to provide diverse perspectives. “To me, teaching is not just about imparting knowledge—especially in an age where information is so easily accessible. What matters most is fostering critical thinking, openness, and creativity in students, equipping them with the skills to grow as individuals and contribute meaningfully to society,” he explains.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Nguyễn Nam also guides students on explorations of Vietnam’s historical museums.
Dr. Nguyễn Nam believes in the invisible yet profound bond between teachers and students. He pours his heart and soul into every lecture, bringing life to his words so that his students can resonate with the shared essence of being Vietnamese. Through his teaching, he inspires a profound love for the homeland in his students. Reflecting on his nearly 40 years as an educator, he shares:
“My greatest happiness comes from witnessing the growth of my students. Hearing how they’ve changed—becoming more appreciative of their families, communities, and the society they belong to—and feeling their increased sense of responsibility and desire to contribute to the world… those are the most beautiful and memorable moments for an educator.”
Joining Fulbright University Vietnam: A dream shined
“When I first heard about the establishment of Fulbright University Vietnam with its liberal arts education model, I, along with others in academia, was filled with hope for a new wave in Vietnamese education. After joining Fulbright’s Board of Trustees, I had the honor of discussing the university’s mission to serve Vietnamese society and contribute to a better world with other veteran educators. This ignited a desire within me to help build and develop the university, connecting it with educational institutions at home and abroad,” Dr. Nguyễn Nam recounts.
Dr. Nguyễn Nam presenting an interactive student map at the international conference“Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc (Tonkin Free School) and the Vietnamese Liberal Education Model”
As he delves deeper into Vietnamese history, he emphasizes that the concept of liberal arts education has long been embedded in Vietnam’s cultural fabric. Critical thinking is evident in phrases like “learning” goes hand in hand with “questioning,” “speak with evidence,” and “learn from your peers as much as your teacher.” And the Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục movement in the 20th century is a particularly striking example. “Working in an international and modern educational environment while having the chance to promote Vietnam’s educational and cultural traditions makes me feel deeply honored. I’m proud to have contributed to establishing and refining the liberal arts program at Fulbright University Vietnam,” he says.
Expanding horizons for Fulbright students
Building on a close relationship with Dartmouth College, Dr. Nguyễn Nam co-founded the “Developing Vietnam” course to offer Fulbright students opportunities to collaborate with leading global institutions. Through a cross-cultural learning environment, Fulbright students engage with peers from diverse political, cultural, and social backgrounds, sharpening their critical thinking and gaining a multifaceted understanding of Vietnam. Research projects between students from both universities not only enhance academic knowledge but also provide practical skills, such as multimedia storytelling through film.
Dr. Nguyễn Nam and students from the “Developing Vietnam” class in a commemorative photo during their study trip to the United States
Additionally, Dr. Nguyễn Nam and his colleagues have introduced a Digital Humanities program, integrating digital tools into the study of humanities, particularly Vietnam-related research. Looking ahead, he envisions the development of “AI Humanities,” where artificial intelligence serves as a powerful tool for humanities and Vietnamese studies. “In this era of rapidly advancing AI, I’m aiming to use it as a valuable assistant in our field,” he shares.
Offering advice to young people interested in Vietnamese Studies, Dr. Nguyễn Nam says: “The career prospects for this field are vast, as you’ll have a solid foundation in Vietnam’s history and culture while also gaining interdisciplinary skills from Fulbright. These will help you thrive in today’s dynamic world. Moreover, as Vietnamese citizens, it’s essential to study and understand your homeland. This understanding will naturally evolve into a deep love for Vietnam and a commitment to its growth.”
On the occasion of Vietnam Teachers’ Day, Fulbright University Vietnam expresses its gratitude for the dedication and contributions of its faculty in shaping the university’s academic programs and supporting its mission. Together with its educators, Fulbright continues to aim for excellence in preparing students to enhance Vietnam’s education system and contribute to its growing global presence.
Phương Anh
