Strategic Vision: Nam Dinh’s Commitment to global Education

Nam Dinh province is strategically positioning itself as a centre for international education through thorough initiatives and widespread political support. These efforts encompass foreign language instruction, international study opportunities, and career guidance, all designed to prepare students for a globalized world.

Laos-Nam Dinh Partnership: A Cornerstone of International Cooperation

A key element of Nam Dinh’s international strategy is its robust training cooperation agreement with Udomsay province in Laos. This partnership facilitates the exchange of students, with Nam Dinh hosting five bachelor’s students and one or two master’s students annually. In the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, the province welcomed seven Laotian students for Vietnamese language studies, paving the way for their enrollment in local universities. This initiative not only strengthens bilateral relations but also enhances Nam Dinh’s standing within the international education community.

This activity not only contributes to strengthening friendship between the two locations, but also strengthens the position of the province in the international education network.

Elevating English Proficiency: A Province-Wide Initiative

Recognizing the importance of English language skills,nam Dinh has aggressively implemented the “project to Strengthen English Lessons in General Education Schools for the period 2021-2026.” As of the first half of the 2024-2025 school year, 7 centers and 109 schools across the province, including 81 primary schools, are offering expanded English lessons with foreign teachers. This initiative has reached over 51,020 students, demonstrating the province’s commitment to improving foreign language proficiency. Furthermore, collaborations with international organizations, such as the Vietnam Friendship federation (VFF), provide students with authentic English-speaking environments. For example, VFF sent nine international volunteers to serve as judges for the Provincial English Speaking Contest for the 2024-2025 school year, giving students a platform to showcase their language and communication skills.

According to a recent report by Education First (EF), Vietnam ranks in the moderate proficiency band in English, highlighting the need for continued investment in English language education to enhance global competitiveness.

Expanding Horizons: International Study and Career Opportunities

Educational institutions in Nam Dinh are actively promoting international study and career opportunities. Schools like Nguyen Cong Tru Primary, Secondary and High School have hosted experts from Korean universities to present scholarship programs. Le hong Phong High school for the Gifted collaborates with the Russian Center for Science and Culture to introduce university programs in Russia. These efforts aim to broaden students’ educational horizons and keep educators and parents informed about global educational trends.

Vocational Training: Building a Skilled Workforce for the Global Market

nam Dinh College of Economics and technology is actively pursuing international partnerships to develop a highly skilled workforce. The college’s “Japanese Agricultural High School Project” combines high school education with vocational training and Japanese language studies. After three years, students receive a high school diploma, a professional certificate, and Japanese language proficiency (N4 level or higher), enabling them to work for companies in Japan. In 2024, the college organized work experiences in Germany for 16 students in collaboration with the Vietnam-Germany Bridge Association. Additionally, the college partners with the Overseas Labor Center to promote employee export programs to countries like Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Germany.

Vision 2030: Integrating into the Global Education Landscape

In line with Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1600/QD-TTG, Nam Dinh has launched a plan to integrate into the international education and training landscape by 2030. The overarching goal is to enhance human resources and drive socio-economic growth through innovation and sustainability. By 2030, the province aims to establish an internationalized educational environment, with at least one administrative unit participating in the UNESCO Global Learning City Network. Furthermore, the province seeks to implement integrated programs that blend Vietnamese and international education standards, fostering a multilingual and multicultural learning environment that empowers students.

The specific goal is to develop an internationalized educational environment by 2030, with at least one administrative unit participating in the UNESCO global learning city network.

Key Strategies for International Education Development

Nam Dinh’s strategy includes several key components:

• Introducing English as a second language, with the goal of 100% of high school students meeting foreign language standards.
• Expanding foreign language training programs and recruiting foreign teachers.
• Encouraging schools to participate in international quality reviews.
• Expanding international cooperation in teaching, research, and student/lecturer exchanges.
• Recruiting international experts and scientists.
• Promoting internationalized school models and partnerships with foreign institutions.
• Improving the skills of educators and raising social awareness of international integration.

Conclusion: Building a Comprehensive International Education Ecosystem

With unwavering determination, Nam Dinh province is committed to building a comprehensive international education ecosystem.By providing access to global knowledge and enhancing human resources, the province aims to drive rapid and sustainable socio-economic development.