IELTS input increases, many universities teach second foreign language

This year, the National Economics University began to include Korean and Japanese in the list of second foreign languages, along with French and Chinese, which have been available since 2012.

Students majoring in English, Tourism and Travel Services Management, and Hotel Management are required to study a second foreign language. For the remaining majors, students are encouraged and do not require an output. According to the school's statistics, more than 300 new students have registered under this category.

Many universities tend to expand the teaching of second foreign languages ​​besides English for students, mainly for students to choose, not compulsory. For example, Foreign Trade University is teaching 5 second foreign languages, including Chinese, Japanese, French, Russian, Spanish; it is expected to add German and Korean.

The University of Mining and Geology teaches Chinese, Japanese, and Korean in addition to English; while Nha Trang University teaches French, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese as second foreign languages.

According to Dr. Le Anh Duc, Deputy Head of the Training Management Department, National Economics University, one of the reasons why the school expanded the teaching of a second foreign language is that the input English proficiency of students is constantly increasing.

In 2024, the National Economics University received nearly 12,000 applications with IELTS (international English certificate), while 5 years ago there were only 2,000.

About 70% of admitted students have IELTS 5.5 or higher, half of them have above 6.5 - equivalent to the school's highest output standard.

Foreign Trade University recorded a similar trend. This year, the rate of new students with IELTS from 6.5 and above was 76%, from 7.5 to 44%, also a sharp increase compared to the previous period.

In addition, Mr. Duc believes that knowing a foreign language gives students an advantage when looking for a job after graduation. The school is interested in Chinese, Japanese and Korean, because these are the leading developed countries in Asia.

Ms. Pham Thanh Ha, Deputy Head of the Training Management Department, Foreign Trade University, agrees. She believes that language is not only a communication tool, but also a bridge connecting cultural, historical and social values, helping learners better understand the context and requirements of the international market. Therefore, being fluent in many languages ​​has a significant impact on creativity, the ability to connect and seize career opportunities.

"Combining a solid English foundation with the ability to use a second foreign language is an important factor that helps students improve their position in the international labor market," said Ms. Ha.

As the English proficiency of learners increases, Mr. Duc predicts that the development of second language teaching in universities is an inevitable trend. This is to meet the needs of learners and at the same time improve the training quality of schools.

In the near future, Foreign Trade University plans to require compulsory study of a second foreign language for some programs, not just language majors as at present.

At the University of Mining and Geology, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duc Khoat, Head of the Training Department, said that by the end of 2023, the school's Chinese Language program had been approved by the evaluation board. The opening of the new major aims to provide intensive Chinese language training for students.