Teaching and learning foreign languages on a voluntary basis

Teaching in a foreign language is not new for international schools and many private educational institutions in large urban areas. However, this form is quite new for public general education institutions and continuing education institutions.

English exchange program for students of Dinh Bo Linh Primary School (Bau Sam residential area, Long Khanh ward, Dong Nai province). Photo: File photo

To ensure fairness in foreign language teaching 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 (hereinafter referred to as Decree 222, effective from September 25, 2025).

Fundamental difference

Nguyen Van Toan, an English teacher at a foreign language center in Tran Bien Ward (Dong Nai Province), explained that under the general education curriculum for foreign languages, schools and students choose one among several languages, such as English, French, or Japanese, to teach and learn as they would any other subject in the official textbook program, like Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry. The goal is to help students develop a new tool for communication.

Through this process, students build and enhance their communication skills in the chosen foreign language across listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Teaching in a foreign language refers to the use of a language other than the national mother tongue, such as English, French, or Japanese, to deliver knowledge and lesson content to learners. This approach may involve teaching individual subjects or an entire curriculum in that language.

Also, according to Nguyen Van Toan, the General Education Foreign Language Curriculum and the Foreign Language Teaching Program are similar in that they learn and teach in a foreign language rather than in Vietnamese, but they are fundamentally different. Therefore, Decree 222 stipulates: Teaching and learning in a foreign language must stem from social needs, the voluntary participation of learners, and the requirement to ensure educational and training quality, contributing to promoting Vietnam's education, traditions, and culture. In contrast, the General Education Foreign Language Curriculum is compulsory for general education students.

To clarify the legal definitions of the General Education Foreign Language Curriculum 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 that the regulation applies only to general education institutions, continuing education institutions, vocational education institutions, higher education institutions, and schools operated by state agencies, political organizations, socio-political organizations, and the armed forces (collectively referred to as educational institutions), to individuals teaching and learning in a foreign language, and to agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in foreign language instruction.

At the same time, Decree 222 does not apply to foreign-invested educational institutions that deliver entire curricula in a foreign language at the general education, continuing education, vocational education, or higher education levels. It also does not govern the teaching or learning of foreign language subjects or foreign language modules.

Pham Thi Nguyet, Principal of An Hao Primary School (Tran Bien ward):

Decree 222 specifies professional requirements

Decree 222 has specified the professional and vocational requirements for teachers participating in teaching subjects in foreign languages. Accordingly, teachers must meet the professional, vocational, training, and fostering qualifications required for each educational level and training level. Regarding foreign language proficiency, teachers teaching at primary and secondary levels must have at least level 4 foreign language proficiency according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam or equivalent; High school teachers 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 piloted teaching Math and Science in English from the 2024-2025 school year. In the 2025-2026 school year, the school will implement it widely for all 5 grades, based on the voluntary participation of parents. After implementation, more than 730 out of over 1,000 students registered to study. All participating teachers meet the standards according to Decree 222.

By: Hai Yen

Can one study in a foreign language without being proficient in it?

Tuyet Hanh (residing in Bien Hoa ward, Dong Nai province) shared: Her child studied English from grade 1 to grade 12 and further practiced listening and speaking skills at centers with foreign teachers. Thanks to this, she confidently allowed her child to pursue a training program in English, majoring in business administration at a university in Ho Chi Minh City.

In contrast to Tuyet Hanh's confidence, Ms. H.T. (residing in Bu Gia Map commune, Dong Nai province) stated: Her daughter's English subject only achieved an average score after the high school graduation exam. This hindrance affected the choice of university according to her preferences, as well as the majors related to English test scores.

"Because we live in a remote area, my child was exposed to English much later than students in urban schools, where the language is introduced as early as kindergarten or the beginning of primary school. There are also no language centers nearby for extra classes. As a result, my child's English skills rely entirely on school lessons and self-study," said H.T.

Also, because students' foreign language abilities vary from place to place, many parents expressed concern when there was information on social media that many public and private schools would soon apply compulsory foreign language teaching.

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

By: Doan Phu

Translated by: Mai Nga - Minho