For Captain Kikeo Soukphavanh, studying at the Military Political Academy has been more than an academic journey. It has also been a meaningful chapter in his military career and a chance to better understand the country, people, culture, and the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.
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Captain Kikeo Soukphavanh receiving his graduation certificate for instructor training in 2024. |
The Military Political Academy is not only a prestigious institution for training political officers in the military, but also a vivid symbol of the great friendship and special solidarity between the two neighboring countries. In its disciplined, well-organized, and humane environment, international students gain not only academic knowledge but also valuable personal and professional growth. Captain Kikeo Soukphavanh, a graduate student majoring in Party Building and State Administration, is one prime example.
For him, being sent to study in Vietnam was not simply an assigned task, but a source of pride and an important milestone in his life as an officer. He said, “Being able to study in Vietnam is a great honor for me. In my heart, Vietnam is not only a place where I study, but also my second homeland, where I always receive sincere care and support.”
This is the second time Captain Kikeo Soukphavanh has studied in Vietnam. Since his first days learning Vietnamese at Unit 871 under the General Department of Political Affairs in 2021, followed by two years of training to become an instructor in military social sciences and humanities, and now his graduate studies, each stage has helped him gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam and its people. Practical visits to cultural sites, including the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, have broadened his knowledge and strengthened his appreciation for a country with diverse and distinctive cultural traditions.
In his view, Vietnam is not only a dynamically developing country but also a nation rich in history and deep human values. What impressed him most was not the buildings or the scenery, but the sincere and loyal affection that the Vietnamese people have for the Lao people, as well as the close relationship between the two countries, built over history and nurtured by many generations.
He shared, “Vietnam is a country with a long-standing culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and very friendly people. What impresses me most is the sincere affection that the Vietnamese people have for the Lao people. This is something very special and rarely found anywhere else.”
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Captain Kikeo Soukphavanh visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology with his classmates |
The learning environment at the Military Political Academy also left a strong impression on him. Along with its well-developed facilities, the academy offers a humane educational setting where students receive close attention from the Party Committee, the leadership, instructors, and managing officers. The combination of strict training and warm, respectful treatment creates a disciplined but welcoming environment, helping international students integrate quickly and develop effectively.
As the only Lao student in a class made up mostly of Vietnamese students, Captain Kikeo Soukphavanh faced a number of initial challenges, especially in language and study methods. Yet those difficulties also allowed him to experience the true spirit of comradeship, as his Vietnamese classmates were always ready to help, support, and accompany him. Over time, he became more confident, improving both his language ability and academic results.
For Captain Kikeo Soukphavanh, the greatest value of studying in Vietnam lies not only in professional knowledge, but also in the bonds of friendship, mutual understanding, and deeper faith in the special Vietnam - Laos relationship. These experience will remain a valuable part of both his career and his life.
Translated by Tran Hoai