Table of Contents
1. VUS TESOL CONFERENCE: TWO DECADES OF TIRELESS CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION
For 17 years, the VUS TESOL Conference has established itself as one of the largest TESOL events in Vietnam and neighboring countries, featuring over 10 sponsoring organizations and 32,600 participants from more than 40 countries. Our goal is to create a collaborative space for all English Language Teaching (ELT) educators in the region.
This year, the tradition continued with the 2024 VUS TESOL Conference, themed “Embracing Holism in ELT for Life Education.” The event showcased 27 speakers, 24 discussion sessions including a special session called ‘The Debate’, 10 sponsoring organizations, and attracted over 1,200 participants from 33 countries.
As one of the leading organizations in English education in Vietnam, VUS consistently brings the most up-to-date teaching trends to its conference participants each year. This year, we introduced the theme of Holism in ELT. We believe that holistic education in ELT extends beyond traditional language teaching, encompassing a broader set of skills essential for the overall development of students. English is not just a language to be learned but also a tool for developing these skills and accessing more advanced learning materials.
The VUS TESOL Conferences have made significant impacts on the education industry and the ELT community. A standout feature of our conference is that it is entirely free of charge, from participant entry fees to speaker presentation fees, ensuring that this opportunity is accessible to everyone. Even with no charge, the conference maintains an international standard of professionalism in organization, from check-in to session attendance, meticulously planned to ensure a smooth experience for all.
An operation period of 20 years is highly enduring. VUS has shown remarkable responsibility through various educational development stages, including reforms, pandemic challenges, and even digital transformation. Their consistent commitment over two decades exemplifies their importance in the national education field. Events like this also provide an environment for teachers and administrators to gain experience in innovative teaching and management practices, showcasing VUS' leading role in foreign language education during the country's integration and development stage.
2. DEDICATION IN EMPOWERING THE YOUNG GENERATIONS TO BECOME GLOBAL CITIZENS
Allen Davenport, a speaker from Cambridge University Press & Assessment also shared his recognition towards the Conference:
What makes VUS TESOL Conference so special is how focused it is on teachers. The event features multiple breakout sessions that are full of practical ideas that you can take back and use in the classroom right away. All of the techniques and methods shared by the presenters here can be used to improve your teaching and eventually get better results for both yourselves and your students. This really is a special event!
VUS’ annual conferences have helped the ELT community refine its expertise, enhance teacher competency, and improve Vietnamese education as a whole. The VUS TESOL Conferences continually update new teaching trends, explore prominent academic research, and organize in-depth discussions. This year, aside from the impressive numbers mentioned above, the 2024 VUS TESOL Conference also featured ‘The Debate’, providing participants with multi-dimensional insights on the theme “Embracing Holism in ELT for Life Education.” The Conferences bring forth valuable opportunities to network with leading experts in English teaching both domestically and internationally, connecting Vietnam with the world. Additionally, the increase in teachers’ expertise presents an opportunity to bring students closer to becoming global citizens.
Sometimes, as teachers, we have so much to do and so much to think of, so an event like VUS TESOL Conference gives you ideas that you could use in your class to make your class more efficient. This year’s topic about Holism is very practical, as I believe that it is crucial for teachers to interact with the students on all facets of their life, not just on learning a language. You're never too old to learn, I have always wanted to learn more on how to do a better job in my teaching and this is exactly the opportunity that I’m looking for.
3. ‘THE DEBATE’ FIRST APPEARANCE: INTRODUCING FREEDOM OF SPEECH TO OPEN UP MULTI-PERSPECTIVE DISCUSSION
Since its foundation, the VUS TESOL Conferences have provided an opportunity for the ELT community in Vietnam and neighboring regions to exchange ideas with renowned speakers from around the world. This year’s addition of ‘The Debate’ has made it easier for participants to engage in discussions about prioritizing test scores versus real-world values and skills. During this engaging session, speakers from each side would take turns presenting their arguments. Participants could also raise concerns or share their thoughts directly, fostering multi-perspective input on the issue. Overall, ‘The Debate’ served as a friendly yet constructive exchange of ideas between speakers and participants, where everyone’s opinions were heard, respected, and impactful.
The Debate was one of the most interesting parts of the Conference as it offered different perspectives and insights from the debaters. Us participants had the chance to say something about the matter too, which made it feel like our opinions had their own weight and that we were not in a passive role. Another great thing about The Debate was that the end result was decided totally by the participants through real-time voting, ensuring a fair and inclusive competition between the two sides. I enjoyed this part a lot.
4. TRAINING FOR VUS TEACHERS EXTENDS FAR BEYOND VUS TESOL CONFERENCES
With a mission of providing international quality English education for the young generation of Vietnam, VUS puts a strong emphasis on teaching quality. Beside our annual VUS TESOL Conference, we regularly host free workshops at our campuses as an opportunity for our teachers to engage with the most up-to-date teaching methods, thus strengthening their teaching foundation.
As part of the Academic team responsible for providing professional development opportunities for teachers, Mr. Steven Happel, VUS Senior Academic Manager, shared his thoughts:
VUS offers extensive support for its teachers beyond the VUS TESOL Conference. We organize teacher training events both at our campuses and on a system-wide level. Each campus has a senior teacher or lead teacher dedicated to providing professional development for teachers. Our entire academic team is focused on teaching and the growth of our teaching staff at VUS. We continuously support our teachers through mentoring, workshops, and observations. It's an ongoing process of developing our teachers at VUS.
5. CONCLUSION
To conclude, the VUS TESOL Conference stands as a beacon of excellence in the ELT community, consistently providing an unparalleled platform for professional development, networking, and collaboration. Over the past 18 years, it has grown to become one of the most significant TESOL events in Vietnam and neighboring countries, thanks to the unwavering support of sponsors, participants, and dedicated educators. The conference’s commitment to accessibility and high standards, coupled with its focus on practical, impactful teaching strategies, ensures that it remains a vital resource for educators striving to improve their practice. The recent 2024 VUS TESOL Conference has once again demonstrated the contributions we make to the community. For further details about this year’s Conference, you can read more at: https://teachenglish.vus.edu.vn/vus-tesol-2024/
As we look to the future, VUS will continue to play its part in fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Together, we can elevate the standards of English education in Vietnam, empowering both teachers and students to achieve their full potential on a global stage.
With nearly 30 years of experience in English education in Vietnam, VUS has grown its network to 73 campuses and more than 2,700 qualified teaching staff nationwide.
VUS is proud to be recognized with two awards at the Vietnam Technology Excellence Awards 2025, honored as an Inspirational Brand at APEA for two consecutive years, and acknowledged through various national and international awards.
When joining VUS, teachers and teaching assistants enjoy a wide range of practical benefits that support long-term growth and commitment:
- Stable income: Steady and fair rewards for your efforts, allowing you to focus on teaching and growth.
- Ongoing professional training: Structured onboarding with entrance workshops and continuous support via sharing sessions and the Training Hub, led by Teaching Quality Managers holding master’s or doctoral degrees and extensive teaching experience.
- Modern, international-standard facilities: Diverse teaching tools, updated materials, and well equipped classrooms for a professional working environment.
- Engaging internal events: Activities that create opportunities to relax, connect with colleagues, and recharge your energy.
- Supportive colleagues: Work with a team that is always ready to share, support, and grow together.
- Clear career advancement: A transparent career path with many opportunities to challenge yourself and grow into higher roles.
VUS offers a professional workplace where you can strengthen your skills, grow your career, and inspire young learners across Vietnam:
– Expatriate Teachers: Experience teaching in Vietnam with international standards, integration support, and career development opportunities.
– Vietnamese Teachers: Continuously sharpen your expertise while helping students reach out to the world.
– Teaching Assistants: The first step to explore the teaching profession and gain valuable real-life classroom experience.
Start your teaching journey with VUS today!
