AI is changing the way language education is conducted.

THE FILM PROJECT SHOWS SIGNS OF LOSING ITS APPEAL.

Regarding recent trends in academic choices, Dr. Pham Tan Ha, admissions and training advisor at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), shared: "The language-related majors at the university show no signs of losing their appeal. Not only are there many applicants, but the cut-off scores for these majors across all admission methods remain high. In particular, majors that attract many applicants, such as English, Chinese, Korean Studies, and Japanese Studies, all have cut-off scores based on the 2025 high school graduation exam results of 27 or higher."

AI thay đổi cách đào tạo ngành ngôn ngữ - Ảnh 1. — When AI applications can translate, universities will not only train students in languages but also equip them with interdisciplinary knowledge.

Concurring with this view, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Thuy, Head of Admissions and Communications at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, stated that the university's English language enrollment over the past three years has shown a positive trend, with the number of students remaining stable. Based on this reality, in addition to the English language program, the university plans to open a new program in Chinese language in 2026.

Associate Professor Pham Quoc Viet, Vice Rector of the University of Finance - Marketing, reported that enrollment in language majors at the university has been stable, consistently achieving 100% of its targets and showing strong growth over the years. "Specifically, 168 students in 2022, 185 students in 2023, 155 students in 2024, and 260 students in 2025," Professor Viet stated.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Vu, Vice Rector of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology, also stated: "In reality, the university has seen that in the last 3-4 years, the number of applications to the university's language majors has remained stable and has shown a slight increase."

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan Dung, Director of the Communication Center at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, observations at the university show that language-related majors still maintain a very strong appeal. "In the last 3-4 years, the number of candidates interested in and applying to English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese language majors has remained consistently high," Ms. Dung stated.

Dr. Ho Van Han, Head of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, also stated: "The total enrollment of the faculty still increases by over 10% each year. The majors in Business English, English Language Teaching Methods, and Chinese Language still maintain their attractiveness. Only the translation and interpretation major within the English Language major has seen a decline."

RECRUITMENT NEEDS HAVE CHANGED WITH HIGHER REQUIREMENTS

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Vu stated that the demand for recruitment in the language sector has not decreased recently, but is shifting towards higher requirements for professional skills, international communication, and technology proficiency. "Businesses connecting with universities are providing thousands of job opportunities related to languages, demonstrating that applied foreign language skills remain a sustainable competitive advantage for students," Dr. Vu observed.

Dr. Ho Van Han cited research findings on job position perceptions related to publishing and translation in the AI era, published in Scopus-Q1 in 2024, showing that 52% of survey participants believe AI cannot replace humans in the field of translation. "Specifically in the fields of literature, culture, art, and pragmatics... in complex situations requiring creativity and understanding of human psychology, AI cannot do it," Dr. Han shared.

According to Ms. Xuan Dung, the demand for language-related fields is currently expanding. Jobs are no longer limited to traditional positions like teaching or translation/interpretation; many businesses are now seeking candidates with diverse language skills in a modern work environment. "Employers look for not only language proficiency but also flexible thinking, professional communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cross-cultural collaboration," Ms. Dung stated.

Dr. Tran Huu Duy, Vice Rector of Da Lat University, affirmed that businesses still need to recruit people with strong foreign language skills. Translating highly specialized content, especially at major events, requires thorough preparation and the ability to translate contextually, incorporating human emotions.

At the University of Finance and Marketing, Associate Professor Pham Quoc Viet stated that 90% of English language graduates find employment in their field within 6-12 months of graduation.

AI thay đổi cách đào tạo ngành ngôn ngữ - Ảnh 2. — The demand for language-related fields is not decreasing but is shifting towards higher demands for professional skills, international communication, and technological proficiency.

IT'S NO LONGER JUST ABOUT LANGUAGE TRAINING

In light of the increasingly evident impacts of AI, Dr. Ho Van Han stated: "More importantly, the faculty is strengthening specialized courses to equip students with knowledge and language skills related to various fields such as culture, media, and related professions, helping students develop comprehensive capabilities and adapt flexibly to the changes in the modern professional environment."

Similarly, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages - Information Technology is adjusting and updating its language-related training programs to closely align with market demands, emphasizing practicality, application, and equipping students with digital skills. This includes promoting project-based learning with the participation of businesses. "The university aims to train students who are not only proficient in foreign languages but also possess professional competence, an integrated mindset, and adaptability. These are qualities that will prevent them from being replaced by technology," Associate Professor Dr. Vu assessed.

To help students meet recruitment requirements in the new context, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) proactively adjusts its training program. "Specifically, the university continues to focus on the comprehensive development of all four language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – while simultaneously strengthening interdisciplinary knowledge in areas such as communication, commerce, services, and human resources... This helps students not only become proficient in the language but also be able to take on various job positions within businesses," shared Ms. Dung.

The University of Finance and Marketing designs an interdisciplinary training program to provide students with broad knowledge across various professions, rather than focusing solely on language instruction. This includes updating modules on English in a business environment, intercultural business communication, media and PR, presentation and negotiation skills, critical thinking, and specialized English. In addition, the program significantly increases modules on AI applications and language technology within the English language major, shifting the focus from language proficiency to comprehensive competencies.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ai-thay-doi-cach-dao-tao-nganh-ngon-ngu-185251214174345849.htm