Teaching and learning foreign languages on a voluntary basis

English exchange program of students of Dinh Bo Linh Primary School (Bau Sam quarter, Long Khanh ward, Dong Nai province). Photo: TL

To ensure fairness in teaching in foreign languages for both learners and teachers, the Government has just issued Decree No. 222/2025/ND-CP dated August 8, 2025 regulating teaching and learning in foreign languages in educational institutions (referred to as Decree 222, effective from September 25, 2025).

Different in nature

Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, an English teacher at a foreign language center in Tran Bien ward (Dong Nai province) said: According to the general education program for foreign languages, schools and students will choose one of many foreign languages (English, French, Japanese, etc.) to teach and learn like other subjects in the textbook program such as: Math, Physics, Chemistry, etc. with the goal of creating conditions for students to develop a new communication tool. From there, forming and developing communication skills in foreign languages learned through listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Teaching in a foreign language means using a language other than the mother tongue of the country (for example: English, French, Japanese, etc.) to convey knowledge and lesson content to learners. This activity includes teaching subjects or the entire program in that language.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, the Foreign Language General Education Program and the Foreign Language Teaching Program are similar in that they are taught and learned in a foreign language, not in Vietnamese, but they are different in nature. Therefore, Decree 222 stipulates: Teaching and learning in a foreign language must come from the needs of society, the willingness of learners, and the requirement to ensure the quality of education and training, contributing to the promotion of Vietnamese education, traditions and culture. Meanwhile, the Foreign Language General Education Program is compulsory for high school students.

To better understand the legal concept of the Foreign Language General Education Program and the Foreign Language Teaching Program, lawyer Vu Duy Nam (Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association) noted: Clause 2, Article 1 and Article 2 of Decree 222 stipulate: Only applicable to general education institutions, continuing education institutions, vocational education institutions, higher education institutions and schools of state agencies, political organizations, socio-political organizations, armed forces (hereinafter referred to as educational institutions); people teaching in foreign languages, people learning in foreign languages; agencies, organizations and individuals related to teaching and learning in foreign languages. At the same time, Decree 222 does not apply to foreign-invested educational institutions implementing teaching programs entirely in foreign languages in general education, continuing education, vocational education and higher education and does not regulate the teaching and learning of foreign languages and foreign language modules.

Ms. Pham Thi Nguyet, Principal of An Hao Primary School (Tran Bien Ward):

Decree 222 specifies professional requirements.

Decree 222 specifically states the professional and technical requirements for teachers participating in teaching subjects in foreign languages. Accordingly, teachers must meet the requirements on professional expertise, technical skills, training and fostering qualifications according to regulations for each level of education and training level. Regarding foreign language proficiency, teachers teaching at primary and secondary schools must have a minimum foreign language proficiency of level 4 according to the 6-level foreign language proficiency framework for Vietnam or equivalent; teachers teaching at high schools must have a minimum foreign language proficiency of level 5 according to the 6-level foreign language proficiency framework for Vietnam or equivalent.

At An Hao Primary School, the school has piloted teaching Math and Science in English since the 2024-2025 school year. In the 2025-2026 school year, the school will deploy it to all 5 grades and on a voluntary basis from parents. After implementation, more than 730/1,000 students registered to study. All teachers participating in teaching meet the standards according to Decree 222.

Hai Yen (written)

Not good at foreign languages, can I study in a foreign language?

Ms. Tuyet Hanh (living in Bien Hoa ward, Dong Nai province) confided: Her child learned English from grade 1 to grade 12 and practiced listening and speaking skills at centers with foreign teachers. Thanks to that, she boldly let her child study a training program in English, majoring in business administration at a university in Ho Chi Minh City.

In contrast to Ms. Tuyet Hanh's confidence, Ms. HT (residing in Bu Gia Map commune, Dong Nai province) said: Her daughter's English score was only average after the high school graduation exam. This affected her choice of university based on her interests, as well as her major related to her English test score.

“Because my child studies in a remote school, he has access to English later than in urban schools where he has access to it from kindergarten and early elementary school. At the same time, there is no foreign language center for my child to study. Therefore, my child's ability to use foreign languages depends on teaching at school and self-study,” said Ms. HT.

Also because students' foreign language abilities vary from place to place, many parents expressed concern when information appeared on social networks that in the near future many public and private schools will apply compulsory foreign language teaching.

Responding to this issue, lawyer Vu Duy Nam instructed: The information that many schools will soon apply compulsory foreign language teaching for students is not in accordance with the voluntary spirit of learners according to Decree 222. The decision to study in a foreign language according to subjects or programs or not is up to parents and students to decide, depending on economic conditions, academic ability, especially the level and foreign language ability of learners...

Doan Phu

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/tin-moi/202509/day-va-hoc-tieng-nuoc-ngoai-tren-tinh-than-tu-nguyen-8a223fc/