On September 20, 2025, at Vu Dinh Lien Hall, University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi held a scientific conference on “Sharing Experiences in Teaching – Learning and Using English as a Second Language in Vietnamese Schools.” The event aimed to exchange pioneering ESL models implemented in schools and other contexts; present pilot outcomes and ESL products at Ulis Middle School & Foreign Language Specialized School; and discuss solutions, policies, and directions for sustainable ESL development. The conference was conducted in both in-person and online formats via Zoom Webinar.

Attending the conference from the University of Languages and International Studies were university leadership, heads of departments, the Board of Rectors, and all teachers from Foreign Language Specialized School and Ulis Middle School.

Guests included representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, educational administrators, leaders of Departments of Education and Training, school principals, teachers, parents from across the country, as well as numerous international guests.

In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Dao Thanh Truong, Vice President of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, extended his deep gratitude to the education administrators, Department of Education and Training representatives, teachers, and parents from schools nationwide, as well as distinguished guests, for their participation. He emphasized the Political Bureau’s Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW dated August 12, 2024, which reaffirmed the resolution of the Party Central Committee on “Fundamentally and comprehensively renewing education and training to meet the requirements of industrialization, modernization, and international integration,” in which English is to be gradually introduced as a second language in schools. He commended the University of Languages and International Studies for issuing and implementing a pilot resolution to develop ESL school models at its two affiliated schools, and for coordinating with Ba Vi District (Hanoi) to pilot ESL programs in three primary schools in 2024. Recalling the Political Bureau’s Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW dated August 22, 2025 on breakthroughs in education and training development, which stressed “strengthening foreign language teaching and learning, gradually making English a second language in schools,” and the recent conference reviewing the 2017–2025 National Foreign Language Teaching and Learning Project held by the Ministry of Education and Training on September 12, 2025, the Vice President expressed his hope that delegates would share valuable experiences and discuss feasible, sustainable directions for developing ESL schools.

At the conference, teachers from Ulis Middle School and Foreign Language Specialized School presented a paper entitled “The Journey of Creating an ESL School: From Vision to Practice at ULIS.” The timing marked one year of piloting the ESL school model at Ulis Middle School, with Foreign Language Specialized School also implementing it in the current academic year. Despite the challenges of these early steps, the report demonstrated the schools’ progress in gradually making English a second language. Both schools have strived to create an English-speaking environment by integrating English terminology, introducing bilingual teaching in non-English subjects, enhancing the role of English teachers as environment-builders, academic advisors, connectors, method innovators, and learning companions, and by building an ecosystem where English functions as a second language within the school.

Another paper, “Strategies for Program Development, Teacher Capacity Building, and Integrating Information Technology in the Roadmap of Making English a Second Language at Phenika High School,” was delivered by MSc. Nguyen Thi Huong and MSc. Tran Thi Quynh Le. Their presentation highlighted effective strategies for program development, teacher training, and IT application—particularly artificial intelligence—while also identifying challenges faced, lessons learned, and proposed solutions.

Ms. Le Thi Truong from Van Thang Primary School, Van Thang Commune (Chau Son, Co Do), presented “ESL in Rural Primary Education: Potentials and Challenges.” She outlined the advantages and difficulties of applying the ESL school model in rural primary schools, shared several ESL activities implemented at Van Thang Primary School, and discussed lessons learned and outcomes achieved.

With the aim of building a collaborative network for ESL-oriented general education—creating a learning environment where English is not only a subject but also a tool for study and global integration; improving the quality of foreign language teaching and learning; fostering connection and cooperation; and sharing practices for sustainable development—the Club of Vietnam ESL-oriented Schools (CVES) was established. More than 20 schools registered to join the club even during its conceptual stage. At the conference, the club was officially launched with an inaugural activation ceremony.

A lively roundtable discussion followed, addressing topics such as teaching practices, assessment, English-language learning resources, and bilingual materials in an ESL environment. Delegates exchanged views and sought sustainable approaches to enhance teaching, learning, and using English as a second language across schools nationwide.

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In closing, Dr. Do Tuan Minh, Chairman of the University Council, expressed heartfelt thanks to education administrators, Department of Education and Training representatives, teachers, parents, and guests for attending. Reflecting on the three research papers and the roundtable session, he affirmed his belief that the conference had opened new pathways for sustainably implementing the ESL school model nationwide.

With more than 3,000 delegates participating in person and online, the scientific conference on “Sharing Experiences in Teaching – Learning and Using English as a Second Language in Vietnamese Schools” concluded successfully. The heartfelt perspectives, practical models, and insightful proposals shared will serve as valuable resources for the future development of English teaching and learning in schools across the country.

Thu Trang – GV Tiếng Anh Trường THPT CNN