BUV and CEFALT collaborate to transform language education and lifelong learning in HCMC

In May, the British University Vietnam (BUV) and the Center for Foreign Affairs and Languages Training (CEFALT) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined forces to enhance language education and lifelong learning.

The collaboration, officially signed by BUV Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President Professor Rick Bennett and CEFALT Director Mai Anh Thai, aims to elevate language teaching standards and foster continuous learning opportunities.

The signing ceremony, graced by Emily Hamblin, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, and Tran Phuoc Anh, Director General of the HCMC Department of Foreign Affairs, marked a significant milestone in this endeavor.

An MoU signing ceremony is carried out by Professor Rick Bennett (front left), BUV Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, and CEFALT Director Mai Anh Thai (front right). Photo courtesy of BUV

The partnership focuses on enhancing foreign language training and English education through innovative teacher training programs and exchange initiatives.

This will also spearhead joint research and development initiatives to improve educational approaches, including modern teaching methods and the incorporation of AI into education.

BUV’s School of Pathways, English, and Lifelong Learning and CEFALT will jointly develop the HCMC Lifelong Learning Centre at CEFALT to promote British education and exchange knowledge between BUV and partners, organizations, and businesses.

Emily Hamblin, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, speaking at the meeting. Photo courtesy of BUV

Hamblin said that BUV, known as the premium U.K. education hub in Vietnam, has been a beacon of British education excellence in Vietnam.

"Since 2008, the university has also continually demonstrated its commitment to providing world-class education and fostering international partnerships," she said. "Likewise, CEFALT's dedication to enhancing language proficiency and professional skills aligns perfectly with BUV's vision for holistic education."

Hamblin also believes that the promotion of training programs for educators, staff, and professionals in English language proficiency and essential skills is about more than just improving individual capabilities; it is also about uplifting Vietnam's capacity in human workforce development, empowering communities, driving innovation, and fostering lifelong learning.

Representatives from BUV and CEFALT attend the signing ceremony. Photo courtesy of BUV

Professor Dr. Raymond Gordon, BUV Vice-Chancellor and President, added, "BUV and CEFALT are committed to enhancing the quality of the workforce by implementing comprehensive train-the-trainer programs, ensuring that educators are well-equipped to inspire and educate future generations. This partnership embodies our shared vision of fostering a vibrant, knowledgeable, and skilled community."

CEFALT Director Thai stated that the collaboration extends beyond academic pursuits.

"Together, we envision the establishment of the BUV-HCMC Lifelong Learning Center at CEFALT, a testament to commitments to promote the British education system and foster knowledge exchange within the vibrant landscape of Ho Chi Minh City," Thai said.

The initiative is the latest effort by BUV to bridge Vietnam and the U.K. and connect people through education, as it has done for the past 15 years.

BUV is currently the first and only international university in Vietnam authorized to deliver university degrees from the U.K.

It is also one of Vietnam's first 5-star QS-certified institutions, as well as the first university in Vietnam and ASEAN to receive global quality accreditation by the Quality Assurance Agency for UK higher education.

Its dynamic curriculum is designed to stay ahead of industry trends by combining theory and practice, ensuring that all students are employed or pursuing higher education within three months of graduation.

The expansive 6.5-hectare campus, with a total planned investment of US$165 million, embodies sustainability and offers an enriching environment for academic and personal development.