1. Introduction
In the context of global integration, diversifying the subject and model of training is an essential requirement, a criterion for evaluating the role and position of a university. Hung Vuong University, in addition to carrying out its mission of providing qualified human resources for the socio-economic development of Phu Tho province and neighboring provinces, has initially recorded some achievements regarding the training of foreign students, especially Lao ones. Providing courses not only in the language of Vietnamese but also in professional expertise and related skills, the school has been building up a dynamic image domestically and internationally.
2. Contents
2.1. Teaching Vietnamese to Lao students
Cooperation in education and training between Vietnam and Laos is among priority emphases clearly stated in polices and included in directions given by senior leaders of both countries. The leadership of Phu Tho province and those of Laos's provinces have well followed this. A large number of Lao students have gone to Phu Tho for study. Currently, Hung Vuong University is being seen as a quality and prestigious training center for Lao students.
Hung Vuong University started to provide Vietnamese courses to foreigners in 2008. At first, only Lao students were involved in. Until now, with the expansion of international cooperation, the school has attracted those from China and Korea. As of 2015, Hung Vuong University has provided 05 Vietnamese courses for international students. After each course (1 to 2 years), the students were able to competently perform the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and could communicate successfully with local residents. Some of them even met employment requirements and got a job in Vietnam.
The signing ceremony of handing over Lao students between the provinces of Oudomxai and Phongsali - People's Democratic Republic of Laos and Hung Vuong University
Based on cooperation agreements between the province of Phu Tho and the provinces of Oudômxai, Luang Namtha, Phôngsali (People's Democratic Republic of Laos), the training of Lao students has been carried out constantly and regularly since 2008. Hung Vuong University welcomes 10 to 15 students for each course. All of them take 1 year to learn Vietnamese before being taught professional expertise. This stage is a fundamental one because while studying abroad, the local language is of decisive significance for other tasks. Being aware of this, Hung Vuong University always puts a heavy focus on teaching Vietnamese to Lao students. Learning from programs designed by educational institutions having a long history of teaching Vietnamese to foreigners such as Vietnam National University of Hanoi, Thai Nguyen University, Hanoi University of Education, Hong Duc University, International Development Language, etc., it has developed an innovative program which suits all types of learners, ensures continuity and variety, and balances theoretical components with practical ones. Besides, all teachers engaged in teaching Vietnamese to foreigners have gradually been specialized towards intensive training in order to ensure effectiveness. Solid expertise, enthusiasm, dedication and creativity in teaching methods are their outstanding features. The convergence of these factors have led to notable achievements in the teaching of Vietnamese to Lao students at Hung Vuong University, enabling them to make a choice of various disciplines for further study.
2.2. Training professional expertise for Lao students
After 1 year of studying Vietnamese, when the language barrier is removed, Lao students choose to enroll on various subjects. For the past years, the fields of study chosen by Lao students have been diverse from natural sciences to social sciences, from economics to education, or arts, such as Vietnamese Studies, Mathematics Teaching, Informatics Teaching, Chemistry-Biology Teaching, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, Horticulture, Animal Husbandary-Veterinary Medicine, Music Teaching. The diversification of training fields for Lao students is also a strong point which helps to make training models of Hung Vuong University more appealing.
Hung Vuong University held the Vietnamese Contest for Lao and Korean students
On getting professional training, Lao students often encounter difficulties in Vietnamese language of specific majors. These obstacles are removed in many ways by Hung Vuong University, with a special attention given to the collaboration between them and Vietnamese students. The establishment of learning groups and clubs which have both Lao and Vietnamese students as members is a model that provides efficiencies. Vietnamese students help their Lao friends with reading textbooks, even with teachers' lectures. This not only helps them get a better understanding of Vietnamese, but also more importantly it creates a confident mood and friendliness between the students.
Testing and assessing the professional expertise of Lao students are held at different levels and in different times. From regular tests to middle-module and ending module ones, Lao students are always evaluated objectively. Some tests get low grades, which is unavoidable, but the objective assessment is generating a motivation for them, consequently, at the end of the course, many of them get good results.
Honored Guests and the The Management Board of Hung Vuong University handed over the Certificate of Graduation and took a picture with new Lao Bachelors of Arts at the 2015 closing ceremony
2.3. Training skills and Vietnamese exchange
Along with professional training is skills training. This is also a very important task, because skills are the key for students to perform other work. Both professional skills and living skills are what Hung Vuong University get interested in and create conditions for students to practice. Practical learning programs and internships have brought about practical results in professional skills for learners.
First prize-awarded talent contest by Lao students from Hung Vuong University
One of remarkable achievements regarding the training of Lao students is that the school regularly took part in or chaired Vietnamese contests with Northern universities. These programs were held at different locations (Thai Nguyen University, Tay Bac University, Hong Duc University, Hung Vuong University) in various forms. For every exchange, in addition to competing for a better understanding of specialized or Vietnamese culture-related knowledge, Lao students were also given a chance to show off their ability to use Vietnamese. Not just listening and speaking, they also demonstrated their talent for singing, dancing, and especially giving an oral presentation in Vietnamese. Despite a modest number of students participating in each contest, with thorough practice and careful and detailed instructions from teachers, Lao students from Hung Vuong University passed all tests excellently and successfully, and got high prizes (2012 excelent storytelling award in Thai Nguyen, excelent oral presentation in 2013, 2014, 2015 in Tay Bac, Hong Duc and Hung Vuong). These results prove that the training of Lao students at Hung Vuong University not only has the depth of expertise but also ensures diversity and comprehensiveness, making a name for Hung Vuong University itself.
Van Na Sy - a Lao student from Hung Vuong University - with his excellent oral presentation
Throughout the stay of Lao students at Hung Vuong University, the management, assistance and counselling for them were carried out regularly. The school created favorable conditions for them to get a look at Vietnam's culture and history.
After having studied hard at Hung Vuong University, Lao graduate students mostly met the requirements of socio-economic development of Laos, becoming a diplomatic bridge between the people of two countries.
3. Conclusion
It can be said that from teaching Vietnamese to professional and skills training, Hung Vuong University has confirmed its role in the training of foreign students apart from the training of local students. Once the training of foreign students is strengthened and enhanced in terms of quality, the school will be making much contribution to promoting international relations. In particular, the training of Lao students is not only a vivid evidence for the neighbouring relationship between Phu Tho - Vietnam with the provinces of Oudômxai, Luang Namtha, Phôngsali - People's Democratic Republic Laos, but above all, it largely contributes to consolidating the longlasting friendship between the two countries Vietnam - Laos.