Van Lang University Joins Korean Language Teacher Training Program Supported by the Korean Ministry of Education

Korean has been introduced on a pilot basis as a first foreign language in Vietnam’s general education system. The expansion of this initiative has led to a growing demand for qualified Korean language teachers, particularly in the southern region, where human resources remain limited due to the shortage of specialized teacher training institutions in Korean language education.

As part of a Korean Language Teacher Training Program funded by the Korean Language Education Center in Ho Chi Minh City (representative of the Korean Ministry of Education), three universities have been designated to implement the program across three regions of Vietnam. Van Lang University is the only private institution assigned to oversee the southern region, in collaboration with the University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and the University of Foreign Language Studies – The University of Danang in the northern and central regions, respectively. This regional structure provides more effective access for learners pursuing careers in Korean language teaching within the general education system.

The program, developed and coordinated by the Korean Language Education Center in Ho Chi Minh City, focuses on training content for teaching Korean at the general education level. Throughout the course, participants engage in both theoretical and practical sessions led by Vietnamese and Korean instructors, including simulated classroom teaching and pedagogical exchange. The curriculum is structured to standardize classroom practices, help participants understand lesson planning, student assessment, and classroom management in school settings.

After completing the professional training course at Van Lang University and receiving the certificate of general education classroom management proficiency, participants may continue by enrolling in the Teaching Certificate in Korean Language Pedagogy at the University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi. This program is a part of the teacher training pathway developed by the Korean Language Education Center in Ho Chi Minh City, and is offered free of charge. It aims to strengthen pedagogical competencies and standardize teaching qualifications in line with school requirements, enabling participants to improve their expertise and teaching skills before applying to general education institutions currently piloting the Korean language program.

According to the organizers, maintaining the Korean language teacher training program throughout multiple regions aims to increase the number of qualified and capable teachers. Van Lang University’s role as the coordinating institution for the southern region contributes to addressing the regional demand for Korean language teachers and highlights the role of private higher education institutions in the broader language workforce development ecosystem.

News & Photos: Faculty of Korean Language and Culture