TVU launches Intercultural Communication Competence Course in partnership with SLSU
On June 1, 2026, Tra Vinh University (TVU) officially conducted the first live session of its Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) course, marking a significant step in advancing international integration and innovative teaching practices. The course is jointly taught by lecturers from Tra Vinh University and Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) in the Philippines and is delivered entirely in English.
The ICC COIL Course and Virtual Exchange Program was developed through close collaboration between the two partner institutions, with academic leadership provided by Dr. Juanita M. Costillas of SLSU and Associate Professor Dr. Chau Thi Hoang Hoa of TVU. During the first session, Dr. Juanita M. Costillas and Ms. Anh Diep served as lecturers of “Communication Styles According to Edward Hall’s Model,” a foundational concept in intercultural communication studies, while Dr. Virginia De Gracia, Ms. Karen Molina, and Ms. Bethany Muñez from SLSU facilitated the breakout sessions. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants gained new knowledge while strengthening their ability to understand, respect, and adapt to cultural differences.
The teaching and facilitation responsibilities are distributed across the program, with lecturers scheduled to lead specific sessions and non-lecturing faculty members serving as facilitators.
Remarkably, all SLSU lecturers are present throughout every session to provide continuous academic support and ensure the effective delivery of the program. Although the program comprises only 16 lessons, it represents a significant investment of time, expertise, and commitment from both universities, reflecting their shared dedication to fostering international collaboration and meaningful intercultural learning experiences.
Beyond academic learning, the ICC course aims to prepare students as global citizens who can effectively participate in the international workforce. The successful implementation of the program demonstrates Tra Vinh University’s commitment to educational internationalization and opens new opportunities for future international partnerships and high-quality training initiatives.
