Founded on the promise of Vietnamese-American partnership, Fulbright University Vietnam is a pioneering nonprofit institution, recognized as the first independent, private university in Vietnam. The school, a partner of USAID/ASHA since 2018, practices and teaches continuous innovation to find bold, ethical answers to local and global challenges.

Students receive a world-class education with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to become the next generation of leaders and change-makers. One of the unique ways they do this is through the Makerspace,  a special space outfitted with modern machinery and equipment that serves as an engineering lab and a place to nurture creativity and imagination.

Utilizing the Makerspace, the University offers a required course called Design and Systems Thinking, which introduces all students to key concepts in design as they identify and solve complex problems through experiential learning. Working in teams, students create, test, and refine prototypes of their own product ideas, which in the past have included innovations such as an eyeglasses cleaner, the Wakey Wakey smart alarm clock, a bladeless table fan, and an automatic cat feeder.

Many students had not previously considered pursuing careers in STEM fields, but their experience in the course helped to break down stereotypes and increase confidence in their abilities. The university has seen a positive shift in attitudes towards STEM subjects among female students, and an increase in the number of female  teaching assistants for these courses. This is particularly meaningful because it aligns with the school’s mission to inspire new generations of leaders from diverse backgrounds.

With the ongoing support from ASHA, the university has been able to expand the scope of the Makerspace, offering even more classes and resources, and opening the space to the  surrounding community. The inclusivity effort targets young people who would not otherwise have exposure to STEM.

Fulbright University Vietnam builds bridges across cultures and creates a space where students from all backgrounds in Vietnam can come together to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in the world. To watch a short video about Fulbright University’s Makerspace click here.