Today, 4 October 2018, the British Council in Vietnam officially opens the British Council English Language Teaching and Education Centre at Floor 1–Viettel Building, 285 Cach Mang Thang Tam street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Mr Ed Vaizey, the British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Vietnam, and Mr Simon Hunt, Director of Business, English, British Council East Asia, along with senior managers of the British Council in Vietnam, distinguished guests, partners, news agencies, media and students attended to witness this remarkable event.
The grand opening also marks the important milestone of the 25th Anniversary of the British Council in Vietnam. The new centre, equipped with modern facilities and equipment, meets all the requirements of new teaching methods, providing the opportunity to effectively support students to develop and improve their English skills for their future education and career.
The British Council English Language Teaching and Education Centre is one of the three newly opened centres in Ho Chi Minh city. This demonstrates the commitment of the British Council to education as a strategic focus in its operations in Vietnam, as well as an important area in the cooperation between the UK and Vietnam. Our brand new, modern premises are part of a global network of nearly 50 countries and are purpose-built to British Council international standards to offer a top-quality teaching and learning environment. Our new Academic English and High School programme for High School learners will help them develop the 21st century skills and confidence they will need to succeed in their future careers. The new centre is equipped with a brand new computer-based testing facility, which is specially designed for computer-delivered IELTS. Mr Jon Glendinning, Director of English and Language Services, added: ‘From October 2018, IELTS candidates can choose to take the computer-delivered IELTS which includes Listening, Reading and Writing, while Speaking is still conducted face-to-face.’
Speaking at the event, Ms Donna McGowan- Country Director of the British Council in Vietnam- stated: ‘With more than 80 years of experience in teaching English and also in creating educational opportunities in over 100 countries, we are more than a language and exams centre, and our customers can benefit from opportunities to broaden their knowledge of key global issues, as well as improve skills needed to be successful in pursuing future study and career.’
Mr Ed Vaizey – The British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Vietnam – spoke: ‘2018 marks the 45th anniversary of ambassadorial relations between the UK and Vietnam and the British Council’s 25 year anniversary; this new centre will enable UK to deliver more impact in cultural relations, creating more opportunities for individuals and organisations to engage with, trade with the UK.’