[UEH 50] National Forum on English-Medium Instruction (EMI) 2026: Advancing the Internationalization Strategy of Vietnamese Higher Education

19 Oct, 2026

The Forum was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Education and Training; Ms. Julie Dearden, Director of Oxford EMI, United Kingdom; Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huu, Head of the National Foreign Languages Project Management Board, Ministry of Education and Training; Assoc. Prof. Pham Thi Hong Nhung, Rector of the University of Foreign Languages, Hue University; Assoc. Prof. Vu Thi Thanh Nha, Dean of the Faculty of English Language and Culture, VNU University of Languages and International Studies; and Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Ngoc Vu, Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology.

Representing UEH were Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, President of UEH; Assoc. Prof. Pham Khanh Nam, Head of the Department of Research, Development and Global Engagement; Assoc. Prof. Pham Duong Phuong Thao, Deputy Head of the Department of Research, Development and Global Engagement; Mr. Huynh Thuc Dinh, Director of the Languages Institute and Head of the Forum Organizing Committee; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Phuong Thao, Vice Rector of UEH Honours College; Ms. Dang Thi Bach Van, Deputy Head of the Department of Human Resources and Organizational Development; Dr. Phan Thi Bao Quyen, Vice Dean of the School of Accounting and Vice President of the UEH Trade Union; together with representatives of UEH's leadership, faculty members, and experts.

The Forum also welcomed 120 delegates representing educational management agencies, educational institutions, international education organizations, experts, researchers, and lecturers.

Overview of the National Forum on English-Medium Instruction (EMI) 2026

EMI – A Driving Force for the Internationalization of Higher Education

In support of the initiative “Making English a Second Language in Schools for the 2025–2035 Period, with a Vision to 2045,” the Forum provided an academic platform for dialogue and sharing experiences in implementing English-Medium Instruction (EMI). It clarified EMI's role in the internationalization of higher education while discussing the essential conditions for translating policy directions into practical implementation at educational institutions.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung, President of UEH, shared: “Vietnam is entering a new phase of educational development, in which English is playing an increasingly important role in learning, research, innovation, and international cooperation. With its internationalization orientation, UEH hopes that the Forum will connect policy with practice, promote cooperation among educational institutions and international partners, and work toward establishing an EMI network in Vietnam and developing this model sustainably. UEH sincerely thanks the Oxford EMI experts for their partnership and for sharing their valuable experience and expertise.”

Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung, President of UEH, delivers the opening remarks at the Forum

Continuing the program, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Education and Training, emphasized: “EMI is one of the key pillars in realizing the goal of making English a second language in Vietnam. This can be achieved by expanding English-taught programs, strengthening international research capacity, and promoting innovation. The Ministry of Education and Training highly appreciates UEH's pioneering role in the internationalization of higher education and the implementation of the EMI model. I therefore believe that the discussions and perspectives shared at the Forum will generate practical recommendations that contribute to the effective implementation of national policies.”

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Education and Training, speaks at the Forum

Connecting Policy Perspectives, International Experience, and Implementation Practices

The academic sessions opened with discussions focusing on global EMI development trends, quality assurance and sustainability requirements, and the role of EMI in shaping foreign language development in Vietnamese higher education.

From both domestic and international perspectives, developing English-Medium Instruction (EMI) requires alignment among policy directions, international experience, and the implementation conditions of individual educational institutions. This raised questions about how to translate policies into concrete action plans, taking into account each institution's educational objectives, resources, and practical circumstances.

Ms. Julie Dearden, Director of Oxford EMI, United Kingdom, presents the keynote report titled “English-Medium Instruction (EMI): International Trends, Quality and Sustainable Development”

Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huu, Head of the National Foreign Languages Project Management Board, Ministry of Education and Training, shares insights on EMI within the strategic directions and foreign language policies of Vietnamese higher education

From Policy Directions to an EMI Implementation Roadmap at UEH

Alongside the thematic presentations, UEH shared its EMI implementation roadmap and practical experience, aligned with its strategy to internationalize academic programs, enhance workforce quality, and strengthen competitiveness. Developing lecturers' competencies has been identified as one of the key conditions for effective EMI implementation.

Since January 2026, UEH has delivered five EMI courses, with 120 lecturers participating. In particular, from October 14 to 16, 2026, UEH collaborated with Oxford EMI to organize the “EMI Certificate for University Lecturers” program, guided by five international experts. The program provided lecturers with opportunities to practice, exchange teaching methods, and enhance their capacity to teach specialized subjects in English.

Dr. Vo Doan Tho, Deputy Dean of the School of Foreign Languages, College of Economics, Law and Government, shares insights into the EMI Certificate for University Lecturers program at UEH

Developing Lecturers' Competencies and Enhancing the Quality of English-Medium Instruction

Alongside policy directions, the effectiveness of EMI implementation also depends on program management capacity, the quality of teaching staff, and support mechanisms for learners. Three thematic presentations focused on lecturers' professional development needs, improvements in English proficiency and pedagogical methods, and ensuring the resources necessary for English-medium teaching.

In the context of rapid technological development, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools also opens up new approaches to developing bilingual learning materials, providing language support, and improving assessment and feedback. These topics help clarify the essential conditions for enhancing quality and sustaining effective EMI implementation.

Assoc. Prof. Pham Thi Hong Nhung shares perspectives on program management and faculty development, emphasizing the relationship between EMI implementation requirements and lecturers' professional competencies.

Assoc. Prof. Vu Thi Thanh Nha analyzes emerging challenges and opportunities in developing EMI lecturers' competencies in Vietnam in the AI era

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Ngoc Vu presents the topic “Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Innovation in EMI Practice,” focusing on the application of technology and AI to support learning materials, teaching, and assessment

Toward a High-Quality and Sustainable EMI Ecosystem

The program concluded with the discussion session “Conditions for the Effective and Sustainable Development of EMI in Vietnam,” which focused on the conditions necessary for effective and sustainable EMI development in the country. The topics addressed throughout the Forum—from policy directions and program management to lecturers' competencies, learner support, and technology applications - demonstrated that EMI implementation requires a coordinated approach tailored to each educational institution's resources and educational objectives.

The discussion session “Conditions for the Effective and Sustainable Development of EMI in Vietnam” concludes the Forum

As UEH marks its 50th anniversary, the National Forum on EMI 2026 reflects the University's commitment to supporting educational development directions, advancing internationalization, and preparing learners to thrive in the global academic environment.

Through the Forum, UEH promoted dialogue among government agencies, international experts, and educational institutions while connecting academic experience with implementation practices in Vietnam. This provides a foundation for further developing cooperation programs in EMI management, lecturer development, and learner support, contributing to improved quality in English-medium instruction in higher education.

Assoc. Prof. Bui Quang Hung presents commemorative gifts to guest speakers attending the Forum

Delegates and invited guests pose for a commemorative photo

News, photos: UEH Languages Institute, Department of Communications and Partnerships