It is impossible to ignore the importance of monkeys in the lives of NSYSU students. Everywhere on campus—from parking lots to the canteen to dorms and classrooms—students frequently come into contact with them on a regular basis. Many students have been victims of food-snatching incidents by these monkeys. Therefore, the student association of the international program of the College of Management (IBMBA, GHRM-MBA, and IBBA) organized a Monkey tour to provide an opportunity for students to learn more about these sometimes not-so-easy-to-live-with "neighbors". The student association expects that after visiting the monkeys' habitat and observing them closely in their natural living environment, students will gain more understanding of the habits of the monkeys living on the NSYSU mountain and learn how to avoid unpleasant experiences with them in the future.

So, on a hot summer day, a golden opportunity came for an exceptional adventure: the Monkey Tour. However, as we began our journey, some of the tourists were confused by the warnings and recommendations displayed on the notice board concerning encounters with the resident primates. These monkeys, part of the AP Monkey Group, have a reputation for territorial aggression, which made some tourists nervous.

Thankfully, our experienced tour guide swiftly stepped in, soothing the nerves of the worried tourists and providing a thorough explanation of the situation. With reassurance and guidance from our knowledgeable guide, we proceeded with caution, paying close attention to the instructions laid out before us. Despite their initial concerns, the students retained remarkable composure and actively followed our tour guide's instructions. They made it through the AP Monkey Group uninjured thanks to the combined efforts, clearing any misunderstandings and calming any tensions that had erupted.

Led by an experienced guide, we ventured deeper into the heart of Shoushan Mountain, where an enchanting scene awaits. Here, amidst the tranquil surroundings, the resident monkeys gathered for their afternoon rituals of napping and grooming. As we settled in, the guide shared a wealth of knowledge about the various species of monkeys inhabiting the mountain. With keen eyes, she pointed out different individuals, detailing their ages, genders, and social groups in a single glance, captivating the attention of all.

The monkeys approached the students cautiously as they were used to human presence and developed a curious nature. Before long, they started investigating, softly caressing and inhaling the scent of our clothing. This behavior, according to our guide, indicated their interest and need for interaction—especially with the younger, less mature people. The monkeys were very friendly once they were sure of our good intentions, jumping up and down on our heads and shoulders. Some even started styling our hair, which made everyone on the tour laugh and foster happy companionship.

The students of NSYSU were familiar with monkeys in the school garden, but there was still much they didn't understand about them. Incidents during lunchtime prompted the need for an educational activity to deepen students' knowledge of monkeys, their habitat, behavior, and triggers, such as loud noises, sudden movements, or attempts to take food from them. The activity aims to equip students with strategies for handling various situations involving monkeys and to foster a greater understanding of coexisting with wildlife in the school environment.

Our trip's success went beyond simply observing and interacting with wildlife. It provided a unique opportunity for the students to forge connections not only with each other but also with the natural world around them. Despite hailing from diverse backgrounds and corners of the globe, the shared experience of communing with these wild creatures fostered bonds of friendship and camaraderie among us. As the day drew to a close, we exchanged memories captured in photographs, a tangible reminder of the newfound friendships and cherished moments shared on our unforgettable journey.

Tran Anh Loan

GHRM Program

College of Management - NSYSU

Vice President of the 112-2 International Student Association