NDO/VNA – The Ministry of Education and Training has issued a circular promulgating the general education programmes of the first foreign languages to be taught in Vietnamese schools as mandatory foreign languages, including Russian, Japanese, French and Chinese.

The first foreign language subject is taught from grade 3 to grade 12, in compliance with the provisions of the General Education Programme of the Ministry of Education and Training.

According to the general education programme, Vietnamese students are required to learn one foreign language (the first foreign language) and can choose to learn at least one other foreign language (the second foreign language) in accordance with their aspirations and the ability to meet their needs of educational institutions.

At present, English, Russian, Japanese, French and Chinese are the first foreign languages taught in Vietnamese schools. The ministry is also piloting the teaching of Korean and German as first foreign languages.

The circular will become effective on August 16.