Decision Number 4159/QD-BGDDT, issued on December 6, 2023, by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) of Vietnam, outlines a training program and certification for foreigners teaching English at language centres and IT centres in Vietnam.
This program aims to enhance the quality of English teaching and compliance with the standards set by the ministry. It is designed for native English speakers with at least a college degree, as well as non-native English speakers who hold a college degree in English or have equivalent language proficiency. The program includes 10 modules on teaching methods and skills, along with one practical module, covering 160 hours in total.
Foreign teachers who already possess recognized English teaching certificates or have relevant qualifications may be exempt from this training program. Additionally, it includes training on Vietnamese culture and the local education system to better prepare foreign teachers for working in Vietnam’s educational environment.
The program stipulates specific conditions for educational institutions to conduct the training, including necessary facilities, technical infrastructure, and the ability to develop and assess training materials. The decision supports the broader goal of improving the overall quality of foreign language education in Vietnam.
Goals and objectives
The training program described aims to equip foreign English teachers in Vietnam with effective, adaptable, and culturally appropriate teaching skills. It is designed for native English speakers with a college degree, non-native speakers with a degree in English, or any foreigner holding a college degree and a language proficiency certificate at level 5 or higher according to Vietnam’s 6-level foreign language framework.
The program’s general objective is to ensure that these teachers can meet the educational needs of Vietnam’s foreign language centres, providing high-quality instruction that respects the local cultural and educational context. Specifically, the program aims to develop teachers’ abilities in classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment, as well as their proficiency in using technology and diverse teaching methods tailored to Vietnamese students.
It also emphasises professional conduct, respect for local customs, and adherence to Vietnamese laws, ensuring that foreign teachers are well-prepared to contribute positively to Vietnam’s educational environment.
Vietnam’s booming economy has seen huge numbers of foreign firms enter the market and foreign tourists visit the country. This has created huge demand for English language courses and the proliferation of English language learning centres around the country.
Starting an English language centre in Vietnam however, can be tricky. There can be a lot of red tape and requirements and working with local authorities can be challenging. That said, firms and entrepreneurs can ease the stress and tension that comes with establishing an English language centre in Vietnam by understanding the process and its nuances ahead of time.
Program structure
The training program for foreign English teachers in Vietnam consists of 10 topics covering essential knowledge, methods, and skills for teaching English, along with an internship module. The program’s total duration is 160 teaching periods (equivalent to 120 teaching hours), each period lasting 45 minutes. It includes a balance of theory (75 periods) and practical application (85 periods).
The topics cover various aspects, such as understanding the cultural and educational context in Vietnam, different teaching methods, lesson planning, classroom management, and the use of technology and resources. The program also addresses teaching English to specific age groups, including children and teenagers, and emphasises testing and evaluation techniques.
The internship component, consisting of 20 periods, allows teachers to apply these skills in a practical setting, enhancing their ability to teach effectively in Vietnam’s diverse educational environment.
This structure ensures that teachers are well-prepared to meet the needs of students in foreign language centres across the country, providing a comprehensive approach to teaching English that is both effective and culturally sensitive.
Program Implementation Guidelines
The “Program Implementation Guidelines” for Decision No. 4159/QD-BGDDT outline the structure and requirements for training foreigners to teach English in Vietnam. Key points include:
Training Requirements
Content: Training content must strictly adhere to the program guidelines, ensuring comprehensive materials for theoretical and practical learning, self-study, and internships. All content must comply with Vietnamese laws.
Methods: Emphasise a learner-centred approach using diverse, flexible methods tailored to different foreigner characteristics. Methods include theoretical lectures, classroom discussions, practical teaching, and observation of experienced teachers.
Forms: A blended learning model with a 30:70 ratio of online to in-person training, combining various forms to enhance interaction and feedback.
Assessment and Certification
Assessment is conducted through tests and internship results, with scores given on a 10-point scale. Students scoring 5.0 or higher qualify for certification.
Training Materials
Institutions must develop materials that reflect the cultural and legal context of Vietnam. These materials should be comprehensive, accurate, and available in multiple formats like books, PDFs, videos, and exercises.
Lecturer and Institutional Requirements
Lecturers must have a master’s degree or higher in English teaching, experience with English training, and skills in technology and content development.
Educational institutions must have the capacity to develop, evaluate, and implement the program with adequate facilities and technical support.
Implementation and Reporting
Institutions are responsible for organising and reporting training results annually to the Ministry of Education and Training. Compliance with all regulations is mandatory.
These guidelines ensure a structured, effective, and culturally sensitive training program for foreign English teachers in Vietnam.
Decree 86, officially known as Decree 86/2018/ND-CP, is a key piece of legislation that regulates foreign investment in Vietnam’s education industry. It is an appurtenance to the Law on Education. Issued on June 6, 2018, this decree provides detailed guidelines on the establishment and operation of foreign-invested educational institutions and cooperation projects in Vietnam. It plays a crucial role in Vietnam’s broader effort to internationalise its education system while ensuring compliance with national educational standards and policies.
FAQ
What certification do foreign English teachers need in Vietnam?
Decision Number 4159/QD-BGDDT outlines a training program and certification for foreigners teaching English at language centers and IT centers in Vietnam, aiming to enhance teaching quality and compliance.
Who needs to do the training?
The program is designed for native English speakers with at least a college degree, and non-native English speakers holding a college degree in English or equivalent language proficiency (level 5 or higher on Vietnam’s framework).
How long does the training go for?
The program consists of 10 modules on teaching methods and skills, along with a practical internship module, totaling 160 teaching periods (120 hours) with a balance of theory (75 periods) and practical application (85 periods).
How are foreign teachers assessed?
Assessment is based on tests and internship results, scored on a 10-point scale, with a minimum score of 5.0 required to qualify for certification.
Who conducts the training?
Institutions must have adequate facilities, technical infrastructure, and the capacity to develop, evaluate, and implement the program, including creating culturally and legally compliant training materials.
What’s next?
For English teachers, specific standards related to language proficiency and teaching methodology are included within the broader framework of professional standards set by the Ministry of Education and Training. These standards and guidelines ensure that teachers meet the educational requirements and contribute to the development of student competencies.
That said, regulations in the education industry in Vietnam are prone to change from time to time. With this in mind, foreign education professionals should make sure to keep up to date with the latest developments by subscribing to the-shiv.
First published September 27, 2024. Last reviewed March 20, 2025.