The session brought together eight JICA volunteers involved in Japanese language instruction and 12 Vietnamese Japanese language lecturers currently teaching at major institutions including: University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi; University of Languages and International Studies - Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Hanoi University; Hai Phong University; Quy Nhon University; University of Foreign Languages - Hue University; University of Foreign Languages - University of Da Nang; and Dalat University.

These Vietnamese lecturers are the daily collaborators of the JICA volunteers in their Japanese teaching activities.

Although each university has its own curriculum, teaching materials, and learning goals, the JICA volunteers observed common challenges among students - especially shyness in conversation, weak pronunciation, and reluctance to engage with native speakers.

They also noticed that students' motivation to learn Japanese tends to drop, particularly at advanced levels.

To address these issues, the volunteers and their colleagues organized workshops to exchange experience and strategies for improving the quality of conversational classes, making lessons more engaging, designing effective assessments, and boosting student motivation. They also studied typical case examples to draw useful insights.

At the event, Mr. Kobayashi Yosuke, Chief Representative of the JICA Vietnam Office, shared updates on the current state of Japanese language education in Vietnam and outlined the factors that may affect it in the future. He reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s Japanese education efforts and its broader socio-economic development through grassroots activities carried out by Japanese volunteers.

Japanese language education is one of the key areas of focus under JICA’s Volunteer Dispatch Program. Currently, 10 Japanese language education volunteers are working in Vietnam.

Launched in 1995, the JICA Volunteer Dispatch Program marks its 30th anniversary in Vietnam in 2025. The first three volunteers were assigned to teach Japanese at Vietnam National University, Hanoi Foreign Trade University, and Hanoi University of Languages. Over the past three decades, more than 750 JICA volunteers have served in Vietnam, contributing significantly to grassroots socio-economic development.

Their work spans a wide range of sectors including Japanese language education, healthcare, rehabilitation, local development, tourism, and support for children and people with disabilities.

PV