French students in Vietnam experience wrapping ‘banh chung’

The fest, organized by the institute, brought together Vietnamese and international students studying at the university.

The banh chung wrapping activity drew both French and Vietnamese students as they could learn how to fold leaves, add fillings and tie the cakes under the direct guidance of artisan Nguyen Thi Binh.

Starting with awkward and tentative movements, the students gradually became more confident, exchanging tips and paying attention to small details to make their cakes more compact and well-shaped.

After the instructional session, the groups entered a friendly banh chung wrapping competition, creating a lively atmosphere with laughter, cheers and distinctive creative touches from international students.

Leo and Eleonore, two students from Paris Panthéon-Assas University who are currently pursuing their law master’s degree in Vietnam, said this was their first time experiencing the full atmosphere of a Vietnamese Tet celebration.

Leo was particularly enthusiastic about mastering all the steps involved in wrapping a complete banh chung, from arranging the leaves and filling to tying the strings.

He shared that he had heard a lot about banh chung before, but only truly understood its importance to Vietnamese people after making one himself from start to finish.

Each step requires patience and dexterity, making the experience both meaningful and enjoyable, he added.

Meanwhile, Eleonore admitted that wrapping banh chung was far more challenging than she had expected, from keeping the leaves flat and measuring the filling to tying the strings firmly enough to maintain the cake’s shape.

“At first I was quite confused and had to rely on Vietnamese friends to guide me step by step,” she said.

The French student shared her surprise at how a traditional activity could become a bridge for students from different countries to connect and better understand one another.

“I’m studying law here, but cultural experiences like this help me understand Vietnam in a very different way,” Eleonore said.

Apart from the banh chung wrapping activity, the Spring Festival 2026 featured a wide range of Tet-themed programs, including ao dai photoshoot sessions, folk games, lotto shows, musical exchanges and a tea party.

The campus was filled with bright red decorations, laughter and music, creating a miniature Tet within the university grounds.

Dr. Tran Quang Long, head of the institute, said that the Spring Festival is an annual event designed to help international students, especially those studying in Vietnam for the first time, experience local culture in a direct and approachable way.

“Beyond academic knowledge, we hope international students will understand and feel Vietnamese cultural life,” he said.

“Seeing French and Vietnamese students sit together to wrap banh chung, compete and share moments with one another is a vivid demonstration of the spirit of cultural exchange and integration,” he added.