Vietnamese Studies is a scientific discipline that researches Vietnam. It is interdisciplinary and influenced by the field of area studies. This major is currently offered by many higher education institutions across the country with diverse career opportunities.
A scientific discipline researching the country and people of Vietnam
Regarding the unique aspects of this major, Associate Professor, PhD Huynh Ngoc Thu - Head of the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, stated: "Vietnamese Studies has a close relationship with the field of area studies. This is a scientific discipline with an interdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from other scientific fields such as History, Cultural Studies, Ethnology, etc."
The Vietnamese Studies program trains students to develop a profound understanding of Vietnam's uniqueness.
For example, the History major focuses on understanding historical processes and events, whereas Vietnamese Studies looks at the characteristic aspects of history. Or, regarding Religious Studies, we do not delve into the formation of religions, but rather focus on the differences of these religions as they exist in Vietnam.
From this clear understanding of Vietnam's characteristics, students will apply it in their future careers, leveraging the unique aspects of the country to promote tourism, culture, and the nation's language."
It is known that the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City has a 26-year history of training. In the early days, the faculty only admitted international students. Beginning in 2021, the faculty admitted its first cohort of Vietnamese students.
Attracting learners with diverse career opportunities
According to information from Associate Professor, PhD Huynh Ngoc Thu, in addition to the major in Research and Tour Guiding (Tourism orientation), the Vietnamese Studies major at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City also trains students in Research and Teaching Vietnamese culture and language (orientation in Teaching Vietnamese to foreigners).
Students pursuing the Vietnamese Studies major are taught general knowledge and professional education knowledge (including foundational and specialized knowledge).
Foundational knowledge with courses such as Ethnology, Literature, Religious Studies, etc., will build a foundation for students to understand Vietnam. Afterward, students will learn specialized knowledge in two directions: Tourism and Teaching Vietnamese to foreigners.
Students choosing the specialization of Research and Teaching Vietnamese culture and language (orientation in Teaching Vietnamese to foreigners) learn additional modules such as Vietnamese Phonetics, Vietnamese Grammar, and Vietnamese Teaching Methodology.
Mr. Thu affirmed: "If students only grasp teaching methods, they will not be able to explain all the complex issues of the Vietnamese language, which are linked to cultural movements, the interaction between ethnic groups, etc. Therefore, students following the Teaching Vietnamese to foreigners orientation will be equipped with a depth of cultural knowledge (regional culture, ethnic culture, linguistic characteristics, etc.) in addition to teaching methods."
The Head of the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies added: "We always take a learner-centered approach, liberal education, and promote student proactiveness.
Besides that, the faculty also pays attention to applying theory into practice through two practical and internship sessions. Especially, the internship period is an opportunity for students to come into contact with employers, learn to supplement necessary skills, and thereby adapt better to future work.
Additionally, the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies has a wide international cooperation network, giving students the opportunity to go on exchanges at universities in Taiwan (China), Indonesia, etc. At the same time, the faculty's Center for Teaching Vietnamese to Foreigners is a favorable environment for students to participate in the process of practicing and testing teaching methods."
Associate Professor, PhD Huynh Ngoc Thu - Head of the Faculty of Vietnamese Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
Combining theory with practice to conquer knowledge
From a student's perspective, Phan Trinh Ngoc Anh - K01 student of the Vietnamese Studies major (for Vietnamese students), University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, shared:
“I chose to study Vietnamese Studies because I wanted the opportunity to learn thoroughly about the land and people of Vietnam in aspects such as history, geography, culture, etc.
When studying this major, I get to explore historical tales in relation to today's life. Especially, I get to meet, interact, and exchange with international students. This further motivates me to want to learn more about the field of Vietnamese Studies.
The Faculty of Vietnamese Studies is currently training in two specialized orientations: Tourism and Teaching Vietnamese to foreigners. I am currently following the Tourism orientation.
In the future, I hope to work in the field of politics - diplomacy, applying interdisciplinary knowledge of diplomacy to promote Vietnamese culture to international friends.
Besides that, I also hope to continue studying at the faculty to enhance professional knowledge and skills necessary for work related to diplomacy, tourism, and teaching."
Phan Trinh Ngoc Anh - K01 student of the Vietnamese Studies major (for Vietnamese students), University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
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