On 15/5, the campus of the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), Vietnam National University, Hanoi, buzzed with cheers as the ULIS Mango Festival commenced. This marked the first time the school organized such an event, according to Vice Principal Ha Le Kim Anh.

Sixteen teams, each comprising five members, received tools and bags before the competition. After drawing lots for their mango tree locations, each team had 20 minutes to harvest the fruit, with a strict rule against climbing trees to ensure safety. The team that collected the most mangoes would win.

As soon as the signal sounded, teams dispersed to find their assigned mango trees. Under each tree, harvesters, collectors, and bag holders coordinated continuously amidst cheers and instructions. Not only students and teachers, but also many parents picking up their children and even students from other universities stopped by to watch the lively event.

Students from competing teams harvest mangoes on 15/5. Thanh Hang.

According to Vice Principal Kim Anh, the idea for the festival stemmed from the university's campus having many mango trees, which yielded an abundant harvest this year. The school aimed to transform the ripe fruit season into an experiential activity for students and faculty, creating a joyful atmosphere before the summer break.

"This is not just a fun activity; it also fosters connection, helping everyone feel closer to nature and raising environmental awareness," said Kim Anh.

After 20 minutes, the 16 teams collectively harvested nearly 500 kg of mangoes. The University Administration Department secured first place with 58 kg, receiving a prize of one million VND. Staff and teachers from the ULIS Secondary School came in second with 55 kg, a difference of 10 kg from the third-place team.

Hoang Van Khoa, a first-year Japanese Language student and a member of the Japanese Language and Culture team, said the most memorable aspect was the sense of camaraderie among everyone, not the quantity of mangoes harvested.

Even though his team did not place in the top 3, Khoa was still excited to enjoy mango salad and take photos with his friends.

Doctor Mostafa Helil, an expert at the Faculty of Arabic Language and Culture, expressed his particular fondness for mango dishes. Having lived in Vietnam for 10 years and considering it his second home, he felt happy to participate in the school's activity.

ULIS students harvest mangoes on 15/5. Thanh Hang.

ULIS students harvest mangoes on 15/5. Thanh Hang.

ULIS staff and lecturers also participate in the mango harvesting competition. Thanh Hang.

ULIS staff and lecturers also participate in the mango harvesting competition. Thanh Hang.

Teams receive mango harvesting tools and packaging from the organizers. Thanh Hang.

Students show off their results. Thanh Hang.

The competing team from the Party and Mass Organizations Office. Thanh Hang.

Doctor Mostafa Helil, an expert at the Faculty of Arabic Language and Culture, enjoys mango salad. Thanh Hang.

Mangoes are peeled and placed in paper cups, allowing students to choose their preferred dipping salt or sauce. Thanh Hang.

Mangoes are peeled and placed in paper cups, allowing students to choose their preferred dipping salt or sauce. Thanh Hang.

Students take photos at the event to receive mangoes to take home. Thanh Hang.

Students receive mangoes, hoping for high exam scores. Thanh Hang.

The harvested mangoes were processed into mango salad and pickled mangoes, then distributed to participating students.

Nguyen Tuong Vy, a third-year Translation and Interpretation student, also attended the event to receive mangoes. She was excited to get a large, nearly ripe fruit. Vy shared that students often post photos of mangoes before exams, hoping for high scores.

"I consider this good luck and hope to get A grades in my upcoming subjects," Vy said.

Thanh Hang.