Internationality of a language training center (17-05-2010)

In recent years, English training centers in Vietnam have made great efforts to acquire international recognition for their certificates to confirm their training quality to their students. Few know that VUS has provided internationally recognized certificates in Vietnam for more than ten years. Moreover, VUS is leading the way in applying the latest English teaching and learning methodologies in Vietnam.

VUS – the pioneer in international quality English training

In 1997, when cross-country education programs were new to many people, VUS made a breakthrough by introducing internationally recognized programs and certificates to Vietnamese people. VUS succeeded in signing an agreement with the City University of New York (CUNY), the third biggest public university in the US. VUS and CUNY developed a standardized training program which no English training centers in Vietnam had ever done. CUNY is the oldest public university in New York and the third biggest public university in the US. It offers nearly 1400 programs, has 450,000 students, and provides modern facilities to support learning and teaching. Thanks to the cooperation between CUNY and VUS, VUS students have the opportunities to get access to modern teaching methodologies and facilities.

For the last ten years, all VUS students have been awarded graduation certificates which are recognized by CUNY and most universities in the world. This serves as a solid foundation for VUS students to further their studies in foreign countries or to work for NGOs and multinational companies. Ms Dao Diem Quyen, an alumnus of Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and VUS student, currently working for Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC) accounting firm, said: “After two years of studying at VUS, I am more confident in my English listening and speaking skills. Besides my professional knowledge, English is a key factor that helped me to be employed by PWC after three months of doing an internship there. English helps me access professional documents in English and have good performance in an international working environment.”

Dao Minh Nguyet, first prize winner of an English speaking contest (13-17 year old category) organized by the HCMC Department of Education and Training, said: “VUS helps me to be prepared for studying in the US and to realize my dream of becoming a director.”

VUS – the leader in upgrading English teaching and learning methodologies

With more than 700 qualified foreign and Vietnamese academic staff (among them nearly 200 hold Masters and Doctoral degrees), VUS constantly tries to improve its training quality. VUS teachers are given opportunities to participate in training workshops and seminars to improve their skills. They also have the chance to work directly with CUNY staff coming to Vietnam to share English teaching experience. Therefore VUS is always able to use the latest textbooks and methodologies.

A typical example of our effort to upgrade English teaching and learning is the annual TESOL conference organized by VUS. The conference introduces new concepts and trends in English teaching from all over the world. It is also a platform for thousands of English teachers across Vietnam to meet and share experience with well-known international speakers and linguists. In organizing the TESOL conference, VUS wants to share social responsibilities in improving Vietnamese teachers’ skills and methodologies. There have been four successful conferences since 2006 with the attendance of popular speakers such as Andy Curtis, Alan Maley, Stephen Thomas, David Nunan and Grant Trew.

VUS not only has qualified teachers and quality training services but also shows its professionalism by having Academic Research (AR) and Training Quality Management (TQM) teams within its organization. VUS academic management teams consist of experienced professionals that help to create an international-standard learning environment for VUS students. They administer to and assist teachers in maintaining quality training. Moreover, VUS has dedicated staff to take care of its students, organize extracurricular activities and English clubs.

With its ISO-standard system, VUS facilitates students’ learning and development to the highest level. It is the reason why VUS is always the leading center in international quality English teaching and has received lots of certificates of merit and awards, among them the Certificate of Merit of the Vietnamese Prime Minister.

VUS is an extensive English training center in Ho Chi Minh City and nationwide with an annual enrollment of more than 150,000 students and more than 1,000 teachers and staff. VUS offers a wide range of programs for children and adult learners, and has preparation courses for TOEIC, TOEFL and TOEFL iBT tests.

Source: Saigon Businessmen (Weekend edition), 7 May 2010