International Business Students Gain Real-World Experience: “Decoding” the Freight Forwarding Process at Tan Cang Cat Lai Port

On 10 September 2025, The Faculty of Administration International Economics successfully organized a field study visit for third-year students of International Business at Tan Cang Cat Lai Port – the largest and most modern international container port in Vietnam, and one of the most important trade gateways in the Southern region.

The program was designed to connect theory with practice, enabling students to gain the most vivid and practical insight into import-export cargo handling and logistics processes, thereby reinforcing their specialized knowledge and providing clearer career orientation for the future.

In the morning, upon arriving at the port, students were overwhelmed by the scale and the dynamic, professional working atmosphere. Under the enthusiastic guidance of port officers, the delegation toured key operational areas. From the wharf area, where giant container vessels were docking, to the cargo handling zone where modern quay cranes and gantry cranes operated continuously, students witnessed firsthand how the loading and unloading processes from vessels were carried out swiftly and accurately.

The delegation then proceeded to specialized areas such as the rice handling zone, the CFS warehouse (Container Freight Station), and notably the customs inspection area. Here, students were given a detailed introduction to the procedures for preparing a shipment for customs inspection, the related documentation, and the role of customs authorities in ensuring cargo security and safety.

The afternoon session was dedicated to in-depth learning and practical activities. Port experts delivered presentations on real-world import-export freight forwarding operations, from receiving shipment information and preparing documentation to coordinating with relevant stakeholders. In particular, the hands-on container loading session attracted enthusiastic participation from all students. They directly carried out essential tasks such as arranging cargo inside containers to optimize space, using protective packing materials to prevent damage during transport, and finally sealing the container in accordance with international standards.

Nguyen Ngoc Linh, a student of the International Business class K23, shared: “The trip was truly invaluable. The logistics and customs procedures we learned in textbooks became much more vivid and easier to understand. Being able to personally load cargo and seal a container helped me clearly realize the responsibility and meticulousness required in this field.”

The field study visit to Tan Cang Cat Lai Port concluded successfully, leaving strong impressions and valuable knowledge for the students. This activity once again affirms the application-oriented training direction of The Faculty of Administration International Economics, which consistently creates opportunities for students to engage with real working environments, helping them gain confidence in their future careers after graduation.