A Transformative Learning Journey in Rome
From June 8 to June 22, 2022, a delegation of 20 students and 5 faculty members from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) successfully completed an intensive project-based program on Augmented Reality (AR) applications at the Pantheon Institute of Technology and Design in Rome, Italy.
Widely recognized as one of the world’s most celebrated cities of art, architecture, and cultural heritage, Rome provided an inspiring learning environment for participants. Throughout the program, students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s rich historical landscape, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and numerous Romanesque churches and architectural masterpieces.
Combining classroom learning with field-based exploration, the program enabled students to gain firsthand insights into the preservation of cultural heritage while exploring how emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) can be applied to enhance cultural experiences and support sustainable tourism development.
This year’s course, “Augmented Reality – Design, Development, and Application for the Artistic and Cultural Sectors,” focused on the theme of sustainable tourism.
Working in interdisciplinary teams, participants proposed a range of creative AR-based projects with strong real-world applicability. Notable projects included:
- VieFood – an AR application that allows international visitors to explore and interact with authentic Vietnamese cuisine through immersive digital experiences.
- Rome Beside You – an AR-powered solution that integrates with public transportation systems, enabling tourists to discover nearby landmarks and receive contextual cultural information while traveling through Rome.
- Vietnam Adventure – an interactive AR guide that helps visitors navigate and learn about Vietnam’s most iconic destinations through engaging storytelling and location-based experiences.
- AR Timewalk – an application that allows tourists to capture immersive photos and interact with landmarks through augmented reality features.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
More than an academic program, the annual short-term study experience in Italy, organized by the School of Media Design (SMD) – UEH, offers students a unique opportunity to learn through direct experience, international collaboration, and cultural immersion.
By combining project-based learning, technological innovation, and exposure to world-renowned cultural heritage sites, the program equips students with both professional competencies and a global perspective. Participants are encouraged to think creatively, work collaboratively, and explore how technology can be used to address contemporary challenges while preserving cultural values for future generations.
The success of the Rome program reflects SMD’s commitment to providing innovative international learning opportunities that prepare students to become globally minded designers, communicators, and innovators. As SMD continues to expand its international partnerships and exchange initiatives, students can look forward to many more exciting opportunities to learn, create, and connect with the world.
Tuyet Le (Choi Jin-Ri)
