A new trend among travel enthusiasts

When plans for New Year 2026 trips are already in place, many young people choose to upgrade themselves rather than simply shop for new clothes. From engaging in simulated conversations with artificial intelligence (AI) about menus in Paris to learning how to bargain at night markets in Seoul, the “craze” for AI-powered crash courses in foreign languages is helping young people step into the world with the confidence of global citizens.

A young person makes use of spare time to study English via the Duolingo application through interactive lessons with virtual characters. Photo: Le Duy

AI becomes a “conversation tutor”

Unlike traditional learning methods that focus heavily on grammar and written exercises, today’s AI tools place strong emphasis on speaking skills and conversational reflexes. A number of applications widely used by young people include ChatGPT, ELSA Speak, Duolingo Max, Speak AI and Praktika, as well as conversation-learning websites such as Talkpal, Loora and Cambly AI.

A common feature of these platforms is their ability to generate context-based simulated conversations. Learners can role-play as tourists, shoppers, hotel guests or even immigration officers to practice speaking with AI using their real voices. The system provides instant feedback, points out pronunciation mistakes, suggests more natural expressions, and can even adjust difficulty levels to match the learner’s proficiency.

Phan Thuy Duong, a resident of Long Khanh Ward who frequently travels independently, said that ahead of her trip to the Republic of Korea in late 2025, she did not enroll in a Korean language class but mainly practiced speaking with AI. She used ChatGPT and a pronunciation training app to rehearse situations such as ordering food, asking prices and inquiring about subway routes. The AI sounds quite natural, and when she makes mistakes, the application corrects them immediately, making her feel less embarrassed than speaking in front of a real person.

Similarly, Tran Thi Thuy Linh, 22, a student at Dong Nai University of Technology, said she began intensive English practice with AI while planning a trip to Europe. “I do not need perfect pronunciation or advanced grammar, just basic communication skills and some local vocabulary used in certain places where I plan to visit. AI helps me practice speaking every day, even at midnight. For someone with limited time like me, this is a very convenient solution”, Linh shared.

In reality, most young people joining this trend do not place much emphasis on earning certificates or achieving academic proficiency, but rather on practical, usable communication skills. This is also why AI is increasingly favored over traditional language classes, which often require fixed schedules and higher costs.

An irreversible trend

Not limited to young travel enthusiasts, the trend of practicing foreign-language speaking skills with AI is gradually spreading to many other social groups, especially office workers, small traders and freelance workers who need basic communication skills but lack the time to attend long-term courses at language centers. For them, AI has become a flexible, cost-effective and “good-enough” learning solution amid busy work schedules.

Nguyen Van Hoa, owner of a souvenir shop in Bien Hoa Ward who frequently interacts with foreign customers, said he began practicing English with AI in mid-2025. His goal was not to speak fluently or master complex grammar, but simply to greet customers, introduce products and answer basic questions. Each day, he spends about 10 to 15 minutes talking with AI, repeatedly practicing familiar scenarios, and has found the results quite clear.

According to Hoa, the biggest advantage of learning with AI is the absence of psychological pressure. Learners can make mistakes, correct them and repeat as many times as needed without fear of being judged. “For older people like me, this is very important. If I had to speak in front of a class or a teacher, sometimes I would feel too embarrassed to speak,” Hoa shared.

However, Hoa also acknowledged that his vocabulary and expressive ability remain at a basic level, sufficient for daily work but not yet adequate for more in-depth communication.

Alongside its clear benefits, learning foreign languages with AI also reveals several limitations. AI can simulate conversations and correct pronunciation errors, but it is difficult to fully replace real human-to-human interaction. Some learners report that they speak quite fluently when practicing with AI, but become confused in real-life communication because native speakers talk fast, use slang or speak with local accents.

Commenting on this issue, Le Tuyet Trinh, a lecturer at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Dong Nai University, said that the use of AI by young people and working adults to learn communication skills is an inevitable trend in the context of rapid technological development and growing demand for flexible learning. However, AI should only be seen as a supporting tool and cannot fully replace the role of teachers and real learning environments.

AI helps busy people practice communication quickly and flexibly, save costs, and reduce the fear of speaking. The tool is well suited to short-term needs such as travel, sales and basic communication. However, AI should only play a supporting role and cannot fully replace solid language foundations or real-life interaction.

“AI has a major advantage in helping learners overcome psychological barriers, especially the fear of making mistakes when speaking. However, to use a foreign language effectively and sustainably, learners still need a foundation in pronunciation, vocabulary and sentence structure. If learning relies solely on AI without proper guidance, progress will be very limited”, Le Tuyet Trinh noted.

By Le Duy – Translated by Dang Huyen, Thu Ha