Transforming English language education in Vietnam: A collaborative path forward

Vietnam has consistently shown the strength of its education system, with students demonstrating consistent achievement on international large-scale assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). As the country positions itself in an increasingly interconnected world, the demand for stronger English language skills has grown. In response, a collaborative initiative is underway to explore transformative reforms in English language teaching (ELT) and its role within Vietnam’s education system.

Collaborative leadership for sustainable reform

Under the overall leadership of the Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences (VNIES) and the National Foreign Language Project (NFLP), ACER UK is collaborating closely with British Council Vietnam to lead an expert working group to craft forward-looking policy recommendations for submission to the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET). The working group comprises leading Vietnamese institutions, including:

• Hanoi Pedagogical University 2
• The University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS)
• VNIES
• NFLP.

This partnership is dedicated to developing actionable policy recommendations to inform the next chapter in Vietnam’s ELT journey.

A two-pronged approach to reform

The desk review

Central to the initiative is a comprehensive desk review, which will examine the following 3 focus areas:

1. teacher quality
2. student attainment
3. the feasibility of making English a medium of education (EME) in schools.

Drawing on international best practices and contextualising them to Vietnam’s unique landscape, the review will explore the Vietnamese system’s readiness and alignment to their educational goals.

Policy dialogues

Building on the findings of the desk review, policy dialogues will provide a platform for inclusive, evidence-based discussions among stakeholders from across the ELT sector. These sessions aim to:

1. test the findings and policy recommendations resulting from the desk review
2. harvest insights on the feasibility and prioritisation of policy recommendations from policy through to practice
3. foster stakeholder buy-in to ensure sustainable implementation.

Why now?

There are 2 key factors driving the project. First, NFLP, which has spearheaded English language reforms since 2008, is entering its final phase before its current remit concludes in 2025. Second, the MoET recently released Directive 91, which emphasises advancing English proficiency across educational institutions and the move towards EME. As such, it is important to take stock of progress within the Vietnamese ELT landscape to develop a long-term vision and strategy. 

Looking to the future

This collaboration marks a critical turning point for Vietnam’s national ELT system. By building on the successes of the NFLP, aligning with Directive 91, and leveraging expertise from both domestic and international stakeholders, this project aims to inform a robust roadmap for the future. The final policy recommendations will serve as a blueprint for sustainable ELT reform, ensuring that Vietnam’s students are equipped with the English language skills needed to excel in a globalised world.