Following an exhaustive search, a cohort of nine ELT scholars from across Viet Nam are all set to embark on their two-year journey with Ulster University. British Council in Viet Nam is committed to providing opportunities for English language teachers to access world-leading continuing professional development opportunities and reach their fullest potential. So, as part of our UK/Viet Nam Season 2023 in collaboration with Ulster University, nine fully-funded scholarships for English language teachers from Viet Nam have been made available.
Following two briefings in April and May, some 140 applications were received. From this impressive long list, some 22 were shortlisted for online interview with a presentation task. From this shortlist, the final cohort of nine have now been selected. In line with our equality, diversity and inclusion policy and our intention to support and promote the development of English language teaching and learning across Viet Nam, we have selected a group who represent the diversity of Viet Nam’s ELT community: six women and three men; four from the north, two from the centre and three from the south of Viet Nam; and representing five schools, three universities plus one language teacher working with the government schools sector in Nghe An.
'I am deeply honoured to have been selected as one of the nine scholars. I am incredibly excited about the prospect of connecting with the other scholars and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet them and the other lecturers from Ulster University', said Nguyen Thi Van An, a lecturer from Hue University of Foreign Languages and International Studies on hearing the news.
Meanwhile, Ngo Le Nhat Hoang, from Phan Boi Chau High School, Khanh Hoa expressed his joy for this… 'life-changing opportunity. 'I am fully committed to making the most of it and spreading the course's values as widely as possible. My current and future contributions to English education in Viet Nam will definitely be shaped by this wonderful opportunity and the next two years'.
The cohort have already met virtually and Bui Hoang Anh, a lecturer from Hanoi Pedagogical University 2 has already demonstrated the sense of community and initiative of the group by creating a Facebook group so that all the scholars can connect with one another, both for support and also to fulfil their commitments.
Over the next few months, the scholars will continue their preparations, and it is hoped that at the end of August the scholars can meet in person by participating in VietTESOL International Convention in Hanoi.
Over the next few months, we will feature them here. So, stay tuned and follow them on their professional journey as they commence their studies.