Vietnam is looking to Finland’s successful education model for inspiration as it works to train over 200,000 teachers to teach English by 2030. Photo: Tuổi Trẻ News.
As Vietnam pushes to make English a second language in schools, education experts are turning their eyes to Finland’s acclaimed education model for guidance. The Ministry of Education and Training estimates that by 2030, Vietnam will need more than 220,000 additional teachers capable of teaching in English, including 12,000 for preschools and nearly 10,000 for elementary schools.
Finland, where English is taught early despite Finnish and Swedish being the official languages, is often cited as a model for effective bilingual education. According to RAB Consulting, Finnish teachers typically hold master’s degrees and possess excellent English skills. Vietnamese children moving to Finland tend to integrate faster if they have a solid English foundation, said RAB Consulting’s director and co-founder Tran Xuan Dieu.
Vietnamese universities are now looking to similar approaches, expanding English clubs, language training partnerships, and international exchange programs. Dr. Bui Hong Quan from Ho Chi Minh City University of Education noted that while many Vietnamese teachers meet basic language standards, few feel confident teaching young children in English — a gap Finland’s comprehensive teacher education could help address.
Education experts in Vietnam also highlight the role of modern teaching methods. At DOL English, academic director Ha Dang Nhu Quynh points to “Linearthinking,” a Vietnamese-developed approach that blends language and logical thinking — a skillset that could complement the Finnish emphasis on critical and independent learning.
As Finnish universities explore deeper partnerships in Vietnam, educators say stronger English capacity among local teachers could open the door to broader cooperation — from classroom development to joint research and training programs.