On November 10, 2026, Ba Ria–Vung Tau University (BVU) and the Global Academy of Business and Languages (GABL), Germany, held a meeting and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), opening up new opportunities for collaboration in education and training, student exchange, foreign language development, and international academic engagement. The partnership places particular emphasis on expanding opportunities for BVU students to study, gain practical experience, and explore the German education system.
About GABL
The Global Academy of Business and Languages (GABL) is an international education and training organization based in Germany, founded and led by Professor Dr. Natalya Buerkle. GABL focuses on connecting education, business, and the international workforce through language training, intercultural communication, academic preparation, and professional development programs.
GABL’s key areas of activity include German language and Business English training, academic and career guidance, professional skills development for international working environments, educational study tours, academic exchange programs, and facilitating access to educational opportunities in Germany.
Through partnerships with universities and international organizations, GABL aims to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to succeed in international academic environments and meet the demands of the global labor market.
As part of the visit, Professor Dr. Natalya Buerkle, representing GABL, met with Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ba Hoang, President of BVU, along with leaders and representatives from BVU’s faculties, institutes, and administrative offices to discuss potential areas of collaboration.
Under the MoU, both parties agreed to promote practical cooperation across several areas, with the shared goal of expanding international learning opportunities and enhancing students’ educational experiences.
1. Student Exchange Programs
BVU and GABL plan to develop student exchange programs, providing students from both institutions with opportunities to participate in academic activities and cultural exchanges in Vietnam and Germany.
Under the proposed arrangement, BVU will nominate students to participate in programs organized or co-organized by GABL in Germany. In return, GABL will nominate students to take part in programs hosted by BVU in Vietnam.
Exchange activities may include short-term courses tailored to participants’ needs, thematic seminars, academic visits, and intercultural exchange programs. The host institution will facilitate learning activities, provide orientation, and offer support to participating students throughout their programs.
2. Educational Study Tours and Academic Visits
The two institutions plan to collaborate on educational study tours and academic visits in Vietnam and Germany, giving students firsthand exposure to the educational, business, and cultural environments of both countries.
Proposed activities include visits to universities, language centers, businesses, and relevant organizations; participation in seminars and panel discussions on business, languages, career development, and intercultural communication; and opportunities to meet and interact with students, educators, and business representatives.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities and community engagement experiences, further broadening their international perspectives.
3. Free Online German Language Courses
GABL plans to provide or collaborate on free online German language courses for BVU students. These courses aim to strengthen students’ foreign language proficiency, prepare them for international study opportunities, and provide a pathway to participate in GABL’s subsequent programs.
Importantly, BVU students participating in these courses will not be required to pay tuition or any mandatory participation fees.
Should students wish to take external examinations or obtain certifications administered by third-party organizations, any applicable fees will be communicated in advance. Such examinations and certifications will not be mandatory requirements for course participation.
4. Scholarships and Financial Support for BVU Students
GABL plans to facilitate BVU students’ access to scholarship opportunities and financial assistance, either directly or through its network of partners and sponsors. These initiatives aim to expand students’ opportunities to pursue educational programs at partner universities in Germany.
Potential forms of support may include:
- Merit-based and need-based scholarships, as well as scholarships awarded according to other criteria mutually agreed upon by both institutions.
- Financial assistance for student exchange programs and educational study tours, helping students participate in international learning experiences.
- Support for German language certification examination fees, learning materials, and advanced training programs.
- In-kind and non-financial support to promote students’ academic growth and professional development.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with GABL marks another important step in BVU’s efforts to expand its international partnership network. The agreement contributes to diversifying educational opportunities, strengthening foreign language proficiency, and enhancing students’ ability to engage in an increasingly interconnected world.
Through these practical collaborative initiatives, BVU aims to foster a dynamic, practice-oriented learning environment while strengthening its connections with international educational institutions and expanding opportunities for students to gain valuable global experiences.
