Strengthening international integration in education and training.

In the context of profound globalization, international integration in education and training is not only an inevitable trend but also a driving force for improving the quality of human resources. Based on this understanding, in Nam Dinh province, international integration in the field of education has received attention and guidance, resulting in positive changes, gradually expanding in scale, improving efficiency, and creating a solid foundation for future development directions.

International volunteers will participate as judges at the Provincial English Public Speaking Competition for the 2024-2025 school year.

With a clear strategy and the involvement of the entire political system, Nam Dinh has recently implemented many practical activities to promote cooperation in training international students; boost foreign language teaching and learning, especially English; diversify international exchange and study abroad counseling activities; and promote international career counseling and guidance activities...

A highlight of the cooperation in training international students is the implementation of the training cooperation agreement between Nam Dinh province and Udomxay province (Lao People's Democratic Republic). According to the bilateral cooperation plan, Nam Dinh receives 5 undergraduate students and 1 to 2 postgraduate students from Udomxay province each year to study at universities in the province. In the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, the Provincial People's Committee advised and accepted 7 Lao students to study Vietnamese and then continue their studies at higher education institutions. This activity not only contributes to strengthening friendship between the two localities and countries but also enhances the province's position in the international education network.

To promote the teaching and learning of foreign languages, especially English, since 2021, the province has strongly implemented the "Project to Enhance English Teaching in General Schools giai đoạn 2021-2026". As of the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year, the entire province has 7 centers and 109 general schools (including 81 primary schools, 14 junior high schools, and 14 high schools) implementing enhanced English teaching with the participation of foreign teachers through a socialized model. Notably, up to 51,020 students participated in English learning under the project. This number demonstrates the province's determination and strong investment in improving students' foreign language proficiency. In addition, the provincial Department of Education and Training also cooperates with international organizations in the field of education to create opportunities for students to access a real-world English-speaking environment. Specifically, the non-governmental organization For Peace (VFF) has sent 9 international volunteers to serve as judges at the Provincial English Public Speaking Contest for the 2024-2025 school year, thereby creating an opportunity for students to showcase their language proficiency and global communication skills.

Career guidance and the introduction of overseas study opportunities are also receiving special attention from educational institutions in the province. Many schools have actively organized collaborative activities and study abroad counseling programs. Nguyen Cong Tru Primary, Secondary, and High School (Nam Dinh City) organized a Career Counseling Day with the participation of two experts from Korean universities to introduce scholarships and study abroad programs in Korea. Le Hong Phong Specialized High School, in collaboration with the Russian Science and Culture Center, organized sessions introducing university training programs and study abroad opportunities in the Russian Federation. These activities have expanded learning opportunities for students and helped teachers and parents stay updated on global educational trends.

In particular, in the field of vocational education and training (VET), units have collaborated internationally to build a high-quality workforce. A prime example is Nam Dinh College of Economics and Technology, which has strived to find markets and create job opportunities for its students through international collaborations in vocational training. Specifically, the college organizes many activities to promote overseas employment for graduates, such as implementing the "Japanese Agricultural High School Project"—the first model in the country combining a regular high school program with a vocational training program and Japanese language. After three years of general education, students receive a high school diploma and a vocational diploma (meeting the Specified Skills Standard 1) to work for businesses in Japan; they also receive a Japanese language certificate at level N4 or higher. In 2024, the school collaborated with the Vietnam-Germany Bridge Association to organize a work experience trip to the Federal Republic of Germany for 16 college students; and in coordination with the Center for Overseas Labor (Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs), organized a conference to introduce labor export programs such as: the EPS program (South Korea), the IM Japan program (free labor export to Japan); programs to Taiwan and the Federal Republic of Germany… with low costs, transparency, and convenience for workers.

In accordance with Decision No. 1600/QD-TTg dated December 19, 2024, of the Prime Minister approving the Project on International Integration in Education and Training until 2030, Nam Dinh province recently issued a plan to implement the project on international integration in education and training until 2030. The overarching goal is to improve the quality of human resources, serving socio-economic development and innovation for sustainable development. Specifically, the plan aims to develop an internationalized education environment with at least one administrative unit participating in UNESCO's global network of learning cities by 2030. Simultaneously, it strives to have preschool and general education institutions implementing integrated programs combining Vietnamese and international education curricula. This represents a significant step towards creating a multilingual and multicultural learning environment, enabling Nam Dinh students to confidently reach out to the world.

In addition, the plan includes making English the second language in schools, with the goal of 100% of secondary school students meeting the foreign language proficiency standards according to the new general education program; continuing to promote foreign language training programs, attracting foreign teachers, and expanding the teaching of science subjects in English. Schools are encouraged to participate in international quality assessment programs to raise the quality of education in the locality.

Expand international cooperation in teaching, research, and student and faculty exchange; attract international experts and scientists to work at educational institutions in the province. Encourage the development of internationalized school models and twinning programs between secondary schools and foreign educational institutions to share management models, teaching methods, and research collaborations.

Enhance the capacity of staff and teachers and raise public awareness of international integration. Organize training programs, both domestically and internationally, for education administrators and teachers. Simultaneously, promote awareness campaigns to enhance understanding of international integration in education throughout society, fostering consensus and support from parents, students, and the community.

With strong determination, Nam Dinh province is making gradual efforts to build a comprehensive international integrated education ecosystem to open opportunities for students in the province to access the knowledge of the world, and also as a way for the province to improve the quality of its human resources and promote rapid and sustainable socio-economic development.

Text and photos: Minh Thuan

Source: https://baonamdinh.vn/xa-hoi/202504/tang-cuong-hoi-nhap-quoc-tetrong-giao-duc-vadao-tao-46a2570/