The experiential learning journey “The Waves – Vũng Tàu” brought meaningful and valuable experiences to students from the Business Management program, Data Science program, and the Preparatory English course at Saigon Business School (SBS). This was more than just a trip — it was an open classroom, where academic knowledge meets real-world practice, inspiring students to gain confidence on their path to becoming future professionals.
Organized as an essential component of the “Learn by Doing – Learn from Reality – Learn to Grow” academic framework, this field trip is part of SBS’s core training strategy for the 2025–2026 academic year: taking students beyond the classroom to businesses, local communities, and real-world environments to learn through authentic experience.
Throughout the journey, students were guided by the dedicated mentorship of:
- Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tâm – Head of Business Administration
- Mr. Hoàng Việt Tuấn – Head of Data Science
- Ms. Nguyễn Phan Thiên Thanh – Head of the English Department
During the training session, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tâm introduced students to David A. Kolb’s “Experiential Learning” theory – a foundational model developed by one of the most influential education scholars of the 20th century. According to Kolb, effective learning does not come from passive knowledge intake alone; it is achieved through real-world experience, observation and reflection, meaning-making, and practical application. This cyclical process enables learners to develop deep thinking, enhance problem-solving abilities, and adapt flexibly to an ever-changing real-world environment.
Five Key Learning Outcomes of “The Waves – Vũng Tàu” Field Trip
1.Complete final projects for three core subjects:
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- Research Project (Business)
- Data Analytics
- Web Design & Development
2. Practice public speaking & tour-presentation skills to build confidence, quick responses, and professional communication in front of an audience
3.Develop English communication skills through 100% real-world English interactions in presenting, discussing, and teamwork
4.Visit local enterprises in Vũng Tàu to observe real-life operations, understand business processes, and apply data analysis in an industry environment
5.Immerse in local culture to collect field data and insights for academic research and data-driven projects
Comprehensive Soft-Skill Development
- Teamwork & leadership – Collaboration & leadership abilities
- Critical thinking – Analytical and critical judgment
- Problem-solving – Ability to identify and resolve real-world challenges
- Adaptability – Flexibility and resilience in new environments
Industry Exposure at Marina Travel
Alongside academic activities, students had the opportunity to visit Marina Travel in Vũng Tàu to observe real operational models, explore business workflows, and apply data-driven insights directly in a business context.
Established in 2018 and headquartered at Sao Mai Port (115B Tran Phu, Vũng Tàu), Marina Travel specializes in high-speed cano tours and unique coastal journeys that blend tourism, experiential learning, and authentic community discovery.
At Marina Travel, students explored the interconnected economic ecosystem of Vũng Tàu — spanning tourism, oil & gas, shipbuilding, and aquaculture. They learned about Marina’s business model, observed sustainable aquaculture practices that harmonize with nature, and participated in team-building activities in a traditional fishing village. Through this, students gained real-world data, cultural understanding, and multi-dimensional perspectives for their academic projects.
“Final Assignment” – End-of-course project for each program after the field trip
After the field experience, students from all three programs will begin their Final Assignment — diving deeper into research and proposing practical, applied solutions for Marina Travel. Below are the assignment details:
| Research Project (Business) |
Data Analytics |
Web Design & Development (Data Science) |
English B2 |
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The assignment is built around a case study of Marina Travel. Students will conduct field research to identify:
From there, students will develop research questions (aligned with both strategic and operational perspectives), review and synthesize literature from at least 10 academic articles related to “digital transformation in the tourism industry,” and design a research plan that includes: data collection methods, sampling, research tools, analysis techniques, risk assessment, and ethical considerations.
Students will then create interview and survey questions, practice data coding and analysis, and propose 3–5 strategic recommendations to support Marina Travel’s digital growth and innovation. In addition to the main written report, students will conduct peer review, prepare a 10–15 minute presentation for company representatives, and submit a one-page executive summary for the CEO.
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Students will apply their full data analytics knowledge to solve a real-world business challenge for Marina Travel — a tourism startup undergoing digital transformation. The assignment includes:
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Collecting real data from the company
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Combining survey data, interview insights, and secondary data from social media
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Processing and visualizing the data
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Applying statistical and forecasting techniques
The goal is to analyze customer behavior, evaluate service effectiveness, identify competitive challenges, and propose technology-driven, operational, and digital growth strategies. This assignment helps students develop practical data analytics skills, teamwork, academic report writing, result presentation, and preparation of an executive summary.
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Students will act as a web development team, receiving a project brief from Marina Travel to design a static website that promotes services and strengthens the company’s digital brand presence. The website must include at least four pages:
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Home
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About
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Services/Tours
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Contact
The final product must ensure:
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UI/UX-compliant design with clear layout and consistent brand identity
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Responsive interface on both desktop and mobile devices
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A contact or consultation request form
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Interactive elements encouraged to enhance user experience
Students will submit the source code, site structure diagram, design rationale, and deliver a 10–15 minute demo presentation for evaluation.
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The final assignment focuses on studying Marina Travel’s digital communications and tourism strategy, with an emphasis on the role of social media in promoting services, brand identity, and cultural values. Students will explore how customers search for and select tours through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and analyze the benefits, challenges, and opportunities for the company in leveraging social media to convey travel experiences and local culture.
Students will develop research questions, review academic literature in English on social media in tourism and culture, and collect small-scale survey data to identify key trends. Based on the findings, groups will propose 3–4 practical recommendations to help Marina Travel effectively promote its services and Vietnamese culture. Results will be presented in both written report and oral presentation formats.
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“The Waves – Vũng Tàu” was not only an academic experience; it was also a meaningful opportunity for students to explore their personal strengths, strengthen team spirit, and cultivate practical thinking through real-world exposure, each destination visited, and every business interaction.
