Community Colleges in Vietnam

• In Event: The internationalization of higher education and national reactions to critical trends: A student research panel

Abstract

Changes in the economy and reform movements in Vietnam have led to a great change in the higher education system since the 1980s. Despite an increasing number of students who receive a higher education, and a shift from Soviet- to Western-style education, the greatest problem affecting higher education institutions in Vietnam today is access. A review of the extant research suggests that Vietnam has adopted the US community college system as a means to improve access for Vietnamese students, while also internationalizing the Vietnamese education system through partnerships with community colleges in Western nations. Increasing enrollment and government support of this initiative demonstrates a bright future for the educational prospects of Vietnam. However, a lack of direction and framework within the system for the community colleges also poses a threat to the community college system and its further development and expansion.

Author

• Lisa Reid, The George Washington University