Foreign Trade University (FTU) Program
Foreign Trade University (FTU) Program
International Economics
Colorado State University is proud to partner with the Foreign Trade University (FTU) in Hanoi, Vietnam to offer an Economics-International Business Economics advanced program to FTU undergraduate students from Vietnam.
Program History
Established in 2008, the CSU-FTU Vietnam Economics Curriculum Project originated as a curriculum development initiative, specifically to help FTU align its undergraduate curriculum with international norms. The project was established and supported by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, who funded parts of the project for the first three years.
As it evolved under the leadership of CSU Professor of Economics Bob Kling, the program became a multi-dimensional partnership between the universities. Since 2014, more than 1,000 FTU students have taken courses from CSU faculty in Hanoi, while almost 200 FTU students have transferred to CSU to complete their CSU degree.
Beyond the success of the core programming, CSU has welcomed more than a dozen FTU graduates and FTU faculty members into its graduate Economics programs; provided short-term research methods training for visiting scholars; and extended cooperation to also include Vietnam Forestry University and Vietnam Water Resources University.
International Students at CSU: Meet Ngoc (Daniel)
As a partner student from Vietnam’s Foreign Trade University, Daniel came to CSU as part of a cohort of students. He forged meaningful relationships in Fort Collins with classmates, friends, and a local host family.
CSU-FTU Faculty Exchange
As part of our partnership, dozens of CSU Economics faculty have taught courses in residence at FTU in Hanoi. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our faculty have pivoted to teach these courses virtually, though we will return to teaching in person as soon as possible. Since 2014, more than 1,000 FTU students have taken courses from CSU faculty in Hanoi.
In addition, CSU has frequently hosted FTU faculty members for two-month residencies during which these visiting scholars observe CSU course content and delivery, participate in teaching training, and consult with our faculty about curriculum and research.
Teaching in Vietnam: Lesson on the Markets of Hanoi
Dr. Alexandra Bernasek reflects on her experience teaching Principles of Microeconomics at FTU in 2016, detailing how she incorporated local Hanoi businesses to explain market structures.
Contact our Program Director
Terrence Iverson
- Professor
Professor Terry Iverson has been director of the CSU-FTU program for the past two years. Prior to becoming director of the program, he taught in Hanoi four times as part of the program.