Within the VUS community, every teacher and teaching assistant carries a role that stretches beyond the classroom:
V-Connector. To be a V-Connector is to walk alongside students with the heart of a guide, the spirit of a mentor, and the passion to inspire confidence for every step of their journey.
The voices of Vietnamese teachers, expatriate teachers, and teaching assistants are bridges that connect knowledge, collaboration, and shared dreams. Guided by four core values, they nurture confidence, kindness, and unity, inspiring students to dream with courage. This is how VUS brings to life its promise: “Empowering Aspirations, Together!”
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Confidence – The strength that empowers V-Connectors to create meaningful connections
At VUS, confidence is nurtured step by step, built through effort and support. For every V-Connector, it begins with the encouragement they receive in workshops, grows stronger through the constant support of colleagues and staff, and shines brighter as they take on new challenges. Over time, this journey helps them not only understand their role more clearly but also discover the courage to stand tall and inspire every learner they meet.
We see building confidence in our teaching assistants as an essential part of the journey. They quietly support the classroom, and from that, raise their voices with sincerity:
“I feel happy to have bonds with members of VUS. Although teaching assistants are from all over, we still have chances to meet and enhance knowledge together through online training workshops. After attending the workshop, I understood the solution and was 80 percent more confident when performing at work. Based on theories of classroom management and working attitude towards different subjects that Teaching Quality Manager (TQM) have imparted to us, I had profound insights about my job. The situations offered in the workshop are realistic. In the past, I used to find one of those situations difficult to deal with, reporting study situations to students’ parents, for instance. I hope that I will have a chance to join similar sharing sessions in the future.”
For Mr. Nam, the journey from being an assistant to confidently taking on teaching was made possible thanks to the dedicated support of the VUS staff:
“I had always wanted to work at VUS as a teacher ever since I was a teaching assistant. I started putting together all the paperwork I would need to apply for my dream job as soon as graduation was approaching. Being a teaching assistant and being a teacher are two different aspects, but fortunately, I was lucky to not be on my own through this shift of my life. I was able to complete my major transition because of the “bridge” built with assistance from everyone, including the teachers, Teacher Care staff and the Training Quality Manager (TQM) at my campus. They were a great help to me because they gave me advice on how to apply theories into practice and what to do to get ready for my next chapter. All their support connected at one point, and that really helped me achieve my dream.”
In addition, Mr. Phillip’s long journey with VUS has shaped his confidence and strength, helping him overcome challenges and become truly accomplished in every aspect of his work at the campus.
“What I love the most about working at VUS is the stability and the ability to do different things. I have been working here for a few years now so I understand my job well and have quite a lot of things that I can do. I can take a look at the lessons in the book and know exactly how my class that day should be organized. Because I have got acquainted with the types of classes, I can also comfortably take over classes whenever I have to substitute for other teachers. VUS really made teaching easier with their student levels system where they categorize students based on age and English level, which I couldn’t find anywhere else. Working here is comfortable, with all the connections and support I received in every aspect of the job.”
From teaching assistants to Vietnamese and expatriate teachers, each story shows that confidence at VUS is built step by step through care, support, and shared experiences. With this strength, every V-Connector brings inspiration to the classroom and helps students believe in themselves.
Caring – The heart of every V-Connector at VUS
Caring is one of the core values that shape a V-Connector. At VUS, it is reflected in the way colleagues support one another, in the joyful atmosphere created by the staff, and in the special attention teachers give to every student. These simple acts of kindness build trust, nurture growth, and bring positive change each day.
For many teaching assistants, true care is not only shown in the classroom but also in the bonds they build with colleagues and students. Ms. Quynh shared her story:
“Even though I am not majoring in teaching, the motivation that makes me want to stay in this position for a long time is meeting my colleagues every time I go to work. Although everyone has different backgrounds, everyone is connected because of the common goal of training. Through these connections, I received a lot of love from my students. On the days when I had to take days off and return to work the following day, I received a lot of attention from teachers and students. On the last October 20, the students actively coordinated with each other, planning to go to class early to decorate the classroom and create a surprise for the teachers and me. If one day I leave the job, the bond between everyone here will be the most cherished thing to me.”
Moreover, care at VUS is not only about professional growth but also about the everyday support that makes their work meaningful. Mr. Hai described this feeling beautifully:
“Working at VUS is incredibly enjoyable because there is always assistance in every aspect of work here. As for professional development, it is safe to say that during my career, VUS is where I learned the most thanks to the support given by colleagues, TQM and TC employees. Additionally, small gestures from the security guards helping me get my motorcycle or campus staff members preparing snacks during breaks make it very heartwarming for me and allow me to concentrate on teaching. All those small details work together to create a professional and fulfilling workplace where everyone is valued and intimately linked.”
Sometimes caring means noticing the little things that others might overlook. One teacher recalled a touching story of how understanding a student’s passion opened the door to real connection:
“There was a kid in one of my classes who loves drawing. During my lessons, he kept on drawing and didn’t look like he was paying attention, but if I asked him something, he always knew how to answer them. At first, I didn’t allow him to draw in my classes, but it turned out that if he didn’t draw something, his attention couldn’t be fixed and he could get disruptive. That was when I started allowing him to draw so he could control his attention. Everything went well since then and one day, he came to class with a comic drawn by himself. He showed it to me and it was a comic about teacher Carlo. That really made me feel very happy and made me think that my effort in helping him was appreciated.”
Collaboration - V-Connectors building bridges for lasting success
Collaboration is at the heart of what it means to be a V-Connector. At VUS, teamwork is more than simply working side by side; it is about building bridges across differences, turning diversity into shared strength, and moving forward together. Whether it is teachers supporting one another, staff ensuring every class runs smoothly, or teaching assistants connecting students with their teachers, collaboration is what makes the journey sustainable and fulfilling.
Collaboration at VUS is built on trust, sincerity, and the willingness to grow together. Mr. Son Thien shared how these values come alive in daily work with colleagues:
“The members of VUS form strong bonds with each other no matter how long we have worked. The teachers are all friendly and sincere; accordingly, we create a happy atmosphere in the classroom together without difficulty. When working with the new teachers, I observe the ineffective ways of teaching and honestly give suggestions to them after the class. I simultaneously tell the TQM about the situation so that the new teachers can get support in improving their teaching methods. Through constructive contributions, teachers have been active in recognizing and changing to integrate into the teaching culture at VUS. As a result, the students can absorb lessons easily, and I am also more connected with teachers.”
True collaboration at VUS goes beyond tasks and titles. It is the invisible bond that connects every member, from teachers to staff, in a shared mission for students:
“VUS has an ‘invisible circle’ that connects everyone on a mission of bringing the best quality of teaching to students. This is evident in the daily working environment, where everyone supports each other to the best of their ability. Oftentimes I don’t need to say it out loud, but with silent observation and time spent working together, my fellow colleagues and manager recognize the obstacles I’m facing and proactively help me when they can. On festive occasions, when everyone has the opportunity to gather together, like last Halloween, teachers, teaching assistants, Teacher Care staff and the TQM, security guards and other campus staff all joined hands to decorate the campus. At that time, there was no distance, no job difference or age gap anymore. There were only sweet memories that we made for students, for everyone around, for myself and for VUS.”
Collaboration at VUS is not limited to the classroom. It extends to every part of life, helping new members feel supported both professionally and personally. An expatriate teacher shared this experience:
“I have only been here for over one month, but I have got better acquainted with my new job thanks to the support from everyone at my campus. The training workshops hosted by VUS have given me many interesting ideas about what games to use during lessons and how to manage the classes more effectively. If I ever had any problem with teaching, the TQM would advise me to help me solve all those problems, such as on how to include ICQ and CCQ questions in my lessons or how to make connections with my students. Other expat teachers, besides their tips about classroom management, also helped me out a lot with my new life in Vietnam. They would guide me on what apps to download or where to go shopping so I can quickly get used to the new environment.”
Aspiration - V-Connectors turning challenges into milestones
Aspiration is what keeps every V-Connector moving forward. At VUS, it is seen in the courage to face challenges, the persistence to learn and grow, and the determination to turn ambitions into achievements. From the classroom to the community, this spirit drives teachers, assistants, and staff to go beyond limits and inspire students to dream bigger.
Aspiration often begins with personal change and grows into the desire to inspire others. Mr. Khoa shared how their own journey at VUS has become the first step toward a greater mission:
“I used to have no prior knowledge of the English language before studying at VUS. Thanks to taking courses here, I can communicate fluently with foreigners at the present; therefore, I am very grateful and admire the teaching methods of the teachers at VUS. In the era of globalization, good English communication is like a bridge between oneself and the world. Thereby, I also want to be one of the people who bring great values to help and connect people who have similar situations to me to make progress in their learning. The first step to achieving that goal is to return to being a teaching assistant at VUS because this job led me to the teaching path and connected me with this sacred mission.”
Aspiration is not only about setting goals but also about staying true to a lifelong mission. One teacher, with three decades of dedication, shared a heartfelt reflection on why this path has always been his calling:
“There are two reasons why I chose and stayed with this teaching career for 30 years. One is because I want to continue the teaching tradition of my family and lead students up the ladder of success. The second reason is that when I was still in school, I realized that I could do something to help change the English proficiency of Vietnamese students in the globalization era, so I chose this profession. When I first started, I taught with youthful enthusiasm; When I have had more experience, I teach with the expertise that I have accumulated. And now, I teach with passion, the passion to become a bridge connecting my students with foreign languages and the vast knowledge of the world. And I chose VUS as the place to accompany me on the journey to realize that sacred mission. Because here, I received the most precious gift of my teaching life – a close-knit family.”
Aspiration often grows from small steps into bigger dreams. One expatriate teacher reflected on how the journey from shyness to confidence has shaped new goals and a deeper joy in teaching:
“Education was what I studied in university, so I really wanted to work in the teaching field. When I came to Vietnam and started my career here, I formed great connections with the students. It was the good bond with the teacher that made them love learning, and as for me, that bond also motivated me to do something for them. I began this job as a very shy teacher with no confidence. I had only 1 or 2 short-term goals back in that time. But currently, when I have gotten better, I have many more goals for my teaching career. Yet the most significant thing that I now aim at is to make the class as fun and interactive as possible, because seeing the students enjoying learning and improving day by day, knowing I am the reason, is what makes me really happy.”
Aspiration at VUS is never a solitary journey. V-Connectors are the heartbeat of VUS: teaching assistants show quiet determination, Vietnamese teachers devote themselves with lifelong passion, and expatriate teachers bring courage as they embrace a new land. Together, these voices show that aspiration is not just about reaching goals, but about turning every challenge into a milestone and every dream into a shared future.
Every story shared by our teachers and assistants reflects one truth: being a V-Connector is more than a role, it is a calling. Confidence, Caring, Collaboration, and Aspiration are not abstract words but living values that guide every action, every lesson, and every connection we build at VUS. Together, they form the heart of an educational community where growth is nurtured, joy is shared, and futures are shaped.
The journey of a V-Connector is never walked alone. It is about standing side by side, empowering one another, and inspiring students to dream without limits. If you are ready to turn challenges into milestones and passion into purpose, let your journey begin here.
Join us at VUS and become part of a community where we are truly empowering aspirations, together!
