Vietnam aims to teach Japanese from grades 3 to 12 nationwide

This initiative is part of a recent framework agreement in education cooperation between the ministry and the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, Ha Noi Moi (New Hanoi) newspaper reported.

Under the guidelines issued by the ministry, localities are encouraged to consider teaching Japanese as the first foreign language in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, based on student demand and actual conditions.

In areas where Japanese is already taught as a second foreign language in middle and high schools, authorities will continue to support and stabilize its instruction.

The agreement outlines Japan's commitment to support schools offering Japanese language programs within its budgetary limits.

This includes dispatching Japanese language experts to assist in curriculum development and textbook compilation, providing learning and reference materials, and offering training courses to enhance teachers' proficiency and teaching methods.

Additionally, Japan will facilitate annual visits for students, teachers, and school administrators to Japan for language study and cultural exchange.

Japanese language education in Vietnam began as a pilot program in the 2003-04 academic year, initially as a second foreign language, the ministry said.

Since the 2016-17 academic year, some schools have started teaching Japanese as the first foreign language.

In 2021, the ministry issued a general education program for Japanese as the first foreign language, allowing students nationwide to choose to study Japanese from grade 3.