For English to truly become a second language in schools, experts say systematic, professional investment in human resources, teaching staff and facilities, as well as strong determination from institutional leaders, is essential. This was the message shared at the seminar on “Developing English as a Second Language at National Economics University (NEU),” held on the morning of May 29, 2025.

An overview of the seminar

External delegates attending the seminar included Nguyen Hong Dao, Head of the Development Division, Department of Teachers and Education Administrators, Ministry of Education and Training (MOET); and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Ngoc Thach, Chair of the University Council of Hanoi University.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President of NEU; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat, Chair of the Science and Training Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Ha, Chair of the Advisory Council; and Dr. Le Anh Duc, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs. Also attending were leadership representatives from schools, departments, faculties, institutes and centers; scientists, experts, paper authors, and University faculty and staff.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, speaks at the seminar

Speaking at the seminar, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, emphasized that NEU needs to invest systematically and comprehensively, while seeking new “paths” and approaches to pioneer the adoption of English as a second language in the education system.

The President expressed his hope that, through the seminar, lecturers would share valuable experiences as well as difficulties and obstacles in teaching and learning English, thereby addressing these issues and creating a supportive learning environment in which English becomes a commonly used language among NEU students and lecturers.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Ngoc Thach, Chair of the University Council of Hanoi University, presents a paper on advantages and challenges in making English a second language at higher education institutions

Dr. Le Anh Duc, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs, presents a paper on the current use of English as a second language in teaching and scientific research at NEU

Dr. Le Anh Duc, Head of the Department of Academic Affairs, argued that “making English a second language” at a higher education institution is not simply about “teaching more English,” but a process of transforming the language system toward academic equality, with English used alongside the mother tongue in all research, teaching and professional communication activities. “A language is considered a second language at a higher education institution when it has equal standing with the first language within the university’s organizational structure—that is, when it is granted the same degree of ‘legitimacy’ in policy documents, academic programs and learning assessment systems. At the institutional level, this is reflected in the inclusion of English in regulatory documents, such as regulations on learning outcomes, thesis acceptance procedures and research reports, rather than treating it merely as a separate ‘foreign language subject,’” Dr. Le Anh Duc said.

According to Dr. Le Anh Duc, teaching and scientific research provide a solid foundation for making English a second language in schools. To qualify as a second language at a university, English must meet all of the following conditions: it must be used as an official language of instruction in part or all of an academic program; be used in scientific research and international publication; and appear regularly in internal materials, conferences, professional forums and university management tools. In addition, systems for quality accreditation, learning outcome standards and language proficiency training must be established on an equal footing with other core academic criteria, such as professional competence and critical thinking skills.

Dr. Le Anh Duc proposed that one important solution for developing English as a second language in schools is to build a comprehensive bilingual academic ecosystem. This would aim to create a bilingual academic environment in which teaching materials, learning resources, internal information portals, bulletin boards, learning management systems and communications all have parallel Vietnamese and English versions. This would not only help learners and lecturers access information conveniently, but also enable them to naturally develop the ability to think in academic English.

Experts and educators also agreed that making English a second language in schools requires an environment in which students can practice listening, speaking and communication skills. Classroom teaching alone is insufficient; the most important task is to create an environment where students use and interact in English every day as a habit. This includes creating an international learning environment for students by renewing content and programs to attract international students and prepare domestic students to work in a global environment.

Dr. Nguy Thuy Trang, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Business English, presents a paper on implementing EMI in higher education: international lessons and applications at NEU

Dr. Nguy Thuy Trang, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Business English, shared that EMI—the use of English to teach specialized subjects outside the field of language studies—is increasingly being adopted by universities worldwide as a strategic solution to enhance academic competitiveness. EMI is not simply about translating textbooks, but about a comprehensive structural transformation of the bilingual university model, in which English becomes a primary tool for teaching, research and governance.

To develop English as a second language at NEU, Dr. Nguy Thuy Trang argued that the University needs to clearly establish EMI as a pillar of its university development strategy for 2025-2035, supported by specific policy documents. As an initial step, it could develop a “University-wide EMI Implementation Framework” covering vision, goals, targets, a roadmap and accreditation mechanisms. This framework should be accompanied by quantitative assessment indicators, such as the proportion of EMI courses by major, the proportion of lecturers meeting standards, the proportion of students participating in EMI classes, satisfaction levels and academic English proficiency outcomes.

Alongside this, the English-language academic environment should be expanded both inside and outside the classroom. “An authentic academic environment is a necessary condition for EMI to become a structural component of a bilingual university. If English is present only in the classroom, learning will be perfunctory and limited to passive receptive skills. Conversely, if learners and teachers operate within a multidimensional English-language academic ecosystem—from classrooms, libraries and seminars to extracurricular academic activities—the effectiveness of EMI will be significantly multiplied.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Anh Duc, Director of the Center for Business English, presents a paper on English language training based on the application of information technology and artificial intelligence to support learners

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Anh Duc, Director of the Center for Business English, proposed increasing the application of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize English learning, and establishing an English proficiency assessment system suited to each student.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council of NEU, speaks at the seminar

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council of NEU, said that, given its current conditions, the University has a relatively solid foundation for moving toward the goal of making English a second language in the institution. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, making English a second language throughout NEU is no easy task and requires systematic, coordinated investment in both people and facilities. This includes investing in a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing lecturers, students and administrative staff. Despite the many difficulties and challenges, the University Council has identified this as a goal that must be achieved.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President of NEU, speaks at the seminar

Delegates exchange views and contribute ideas at the seminar

Delegates attending the seminar pose for a commemorative group photo

Additional photos from the seminar:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

News and media outlets covering the seminar:

Dai Bieu Nhan Dan: Developing English as a second language at NEU

Giao Duc & Thoi Dai: Building a comprehensive bilingual academic ecosystem

Tien Phong: Making English a second language in schools

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.