Hanoi Metropolitan University and Friendship School 80 Discuss Cooperation Orientations for the Education and Training of Lao International Students
Attending the working session, representatives from Hanoi Metropolitan University included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Hong Cuong, Rector; Dr. Dinh Thi Kim Thuong, Head of the Department of Development Cooperation and Science and Technology; and Dr. Bui Van Tuan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Hanoi Studies and International Education. Representatives from Friendship School 80 included Ms. Chu Kim Phuong, Principal; Mr. Nguyen Tuan Anh and Mr. Phung Dang Dung, Vice Principals; and Mr. Nguyen Tuan Dat, Deputy Head of the Department of Academic Affairs.
At the working session, the leaders of the two institutions exchanged information on their respective functions, responsibilities, training strengths, and cooperation needs. On that basis, the two sides focused on discussing three areas with potential for coordination in the coming period.
First, the two institutions discussed coordinating efforts to provide guidance, establish connections, and create favorable conditions for Lao students after completing the preparatory program and Vietnamese language program at Friendship School 80 to continue their studies at Hanoi Metropolitan University and other appropriate higher education institutions. Establishing an appropriate transition pathway will help learners choose academic programs that match their abilities and personal aspirations, as well as the human resource development needs of Laos.
The second area concerns the potential for cooperation in training, assessing Vietnamese language proficiency, and issuing Vietnamese language certificates to Lao international students undertaking preparatory studies at Hanoi Metropolitan University, while gradually expanding this initiative to other groups of international students with similar needs. Cooperation between the two institutions will help leverage Friendship School 80’s experience in training international students and Hanoi Metropolitan University’s professional expertise in teaching Vietnamese language and Vietnamese culture to international learners. This will help learners strengthen their language proficiency, cultural understanding, and essential skills before entering specialized academic programs.
The two sides also agreed on the need to strengthen academic exchanges through conferences, seminars, and professional activities related to teaching Vietnamese language and Vietnamese culture to international learners. These activities will provide opportunities for managers, researchers, and lecturers to share practical experience, update teaching methodologies, exchange research findings, and promote the application of digital technologies in Vietnamese language education.
The working session took place in an open, responsible, and constructive atmosphere. The discussions demonstrated similarities in the objectives of the two institutions while opening up opportunities to complement each other’s strengths in Vietnamese language education, cultural knowledge development, and support for Lao international students studying in Vietnam. Based on the outcomes of the working session, the two sides will continue discussions, conduct further research, and gradually concretize cooperation areas in accordance with the functions and conditions of each institution.
Cooperation between Hanoi Metropolitan University and Friendship School 80 is not only aimed at improving the quality of education and providing better support for Lao international students, but also contributes to fulfilling the responsibilities of educational institutions toward the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. Through their learning environment and experiences in Vietnam, Lao international students can become bridges connecting the peoples of the two countries, carrying forward and strengthening the Vietnam–Laos friendship for generations to come.
Article and photos: Bui Van
