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Humanistic policy

Xayyachack Mathmany, from Savannakhet province in Laos, is studying Vietnamese to prepare for admission to a training major at Thai Nguyen College. He mentioned that in Vietnam, he received enthusiastic support from teachers and Vietnamese students, which helped him complete his tasks successfully. Scholarships have provided international students and their families with the security needed to focus on their studies and complete their courses, enabling them to return home and contribute to their countries.

Xayyachack Mathmany is one of 241 Laotian students at Thai Nguyen College. Understanding the challenges faced by international students, especially those from Laos, the college provides favorable conditions for their living and studying. They arrange specialized classes according to the students' preferences, provide separate dormitories, organize collective kitchens, and promptly encourage and reward students.

Thai Nguyen College organizes the Lao and Cambodian traditional new year Bunpimay 2567 and Chol Chnam Thmay 2568 for Lao and Cambodian international students at the school in April 2024. (Photo: tnc.edu.vn)

In recent years, Thai Nguyen province has trained about 1,100 students from tLaos and Cambodia. At the 19th session, the People's Council of Thai Nguyen province, term XIV, 2021-2026 tenure, issued a Resolution stipulating financial support for international students from the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Kingdom of Cambodia. The Resolution specifically stipulates the financial support regime for Lao and Cambodian students in long-term training programs to take entrance exams or enroll in college systems at training establishments under the People's Committee of Thai Nguyen province that has suitable programs that meet the needs of the two countries' students.

The policy has been implemented for many years, with over 100 international students supported every year. In 2024 alone, 144 international students will be supported (including 70 Lao and 74 Cambodian students).

Accordingly, each student from Laos and Cambodia who is enrolling on a long-term college training program (including a Vietnamese language course for entrance exams or admission to this system) at training establishments under the People's Committee of Thai Nguyen (not yet benefiting from training and fostering support policies of the Vietnamese Government, localities and other Vietnamese agencies and organizations from the State budget) is granted economic support from the State budget for one course.

Finnancial support for training facilities, VND 3.1 million/person/month, is estimated and settled by the training facility according to regulations. Period for support is based on actual months of study, not exceeding the approved training program.

In addition, each international student is supported with VND 3.7 million per person per month for living expenses. The support period is based on the actual months of their study and does not exceed the approved training program of the institution. Students also receive an initial personal support of VND 5.38 million per person per course. Funds are provided through training institutions to support international students and are given once for the entire course, covering items like clothes, school bags, blankets, sinks, and other necessary items. Travel cost support of VND 4 million per person per course is also provided. The total support cost in 2024 is about VND 22 billion, an increase of VND 2 billion compared to previous school years.

Nguyen Nang Dac, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association in Thai Nguyen province, told Thai Nguyen reporters that the Resolution helps encourage and motivate international students from Laos and Cambodia to actively study and improve their knowledge. This is crucial for establishing the training funding support regime from the provincial budget for these students. Additionally, it strengthens training cooperation, fosters friendship, and consolidates long-term relations between Vietnam and Laos, Cambodia, as well as between Thai Nguyen province and these countries.

Create favorable study conditions for Lao students

In addition to universities and colleges in Thai Nguyen, other educational institutions in Vietnam also prioritize creating the best conditions for Lao international students during their studies and internships. This support helps Laos train human resources to serve its economic and social development.

Laotian students visit lychee gardens in Luc Ngan district, Bac Giang province (Photo: Thanh Luan).

According to data from the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports, Vietnam is training the most human resources for Laos compared to other countries, with more than 10,000 Lao students studying at universities and colleges in Vietnam. This collaboration spans across 54 provinces and cities in Vietnam.

Speaking at the conference summarizing the training and management of Laotian students studying in Vietnam for the 2023-2024 school year and outlining the training directions and tasks for the 2024-2025 school year on July 12, Khamtanh Somvong, Cultural Education Counselor of the Lao Embassy in Vietnam, expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support from Vietnamese authorities, ministries, departments, and schools. This support, both material and spiritual, has created favorable conditions for Lao students to study and conduct research. Lao international students have shown great enthusiasm for their studies, working hard and remaining determined to overcome obstacles.

He suggested that Vietnamese training institutions increase entrance testing, reassess knowledge, and consider Laotian students the same as Vietnamese students. Additionally, he recommended selecting individuals with genuine ability, knowledge, ethics, and qualifications. The ministries of education of both countries should jointly reform and improve the basic Vietnamese language teaching program for international students before they come to Vietnam.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Van Phuc acknowledged that the training of Laotian students continues to achieve many positive results, with quality steadily improving. The international students have diligently studied and practiced, with many receiving rewards and a high graduation rate. He urged schools to provide more scholarships for Lao students and expressed confidence that the training of human resources for Laos will see many positive changes and increasingly meet the expectations of both countries.

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