Vietnam implements English-medium instruction in schools and universities

Vietnam is transitioning from teaching English as a foreign language to using it as a medium of instruction to facilitate academic learning. In Hanoi, pilot programs in high schools, such as Soc Son High School, are teaching subjects like experiential activities in English. This approach aims to bridge the gap between grammatical knowledge and practical communication, preparing students to access international scientific resources and global higher education.

At the higher education level, officials are emphasizing the need for synchronized preparation to establish English as a second language. During the National Forum on English Medium Instruction (EMI) 2026 organized by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Education and Training, outlined requirements for faculty, curricula, and resources.

Key strategies include assessing lecturer capabilities to combine professional expertise with English teaching skills, updating curricula to international standards, and establishing financial mechanisms to support implementation. Experts suggest that EMI can drive a knowledge-based economy and enhance internationalization by attracting global students and faculty.