Vietnam mandates foreign language clubs in high schools, universities

A decision to this effect was signed Friday by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, according to the government news portal.

It aims that at least 10 million people aged 6-30 learn foreign languages and global integration skills by 2030.

To achieve this goal, authorities and schools should maintain at least one foreign language club, especially in English. Free foreign language courses could also be opened for young people in the area, the program states.

Starting this academic year, English has become a compulsory school subject for students from the third to 12th grades in Vietnam. The 100-million-strong country is currently ranked 60th out of 111 countries and territories for its English proficiency, according to a ranking issued earlier this month by EF Education First.