Education cooperation remains a key pillar of the Vietnam-Canada Comprehensive Partnership, with approximately 21,000 Vietnamese students studying there.

Former Vietnamese Ambassador to Canada and Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam-Canada Friendship Association Nguyen Thi Hoi shared this view during a roundtable discussion on bilateral education cooperation on December 20.

Counsellor for Cooperation and Development at the Canadian Embassy in Hanoi Brian Allemekinders. Source: VUFO

Echoing similar sentiments, Brian Allemekinders, the Counsellor for Cooperation and Development at the Canadian Embassy in Hanoi, emphasized that Vietnam is one of Canada's crucial and fast-growing international enrolment markets.

Allemekinders said academic research is experiencing robust growth within Canada, with university research ranking second, surpassed only by the private sector.

He expressed optimism that the program would serve as a platform for students to better understand the educational and research environments in both countries, thereby contributing to the strengthening and development of Vietnam-Canada relations.

During the seminar, speakers from various agencies, including the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Education and Training), the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam, the Canadian Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, York University, and former study abroad students, addressed numerous concerns shared by parents and a significant number of Vietnamese students.

Topics covered included the recent status of Vietnam-Canada education cooperation, opportunities and challenges, the current regulations and procedures of the Canadian government related to study abroad in Canada, experiences in adapting to the living and studying environment in Canada, scholarship policies of Canadian universities, and job opportunities during and after graduation.

Discussions revealed that Canada has become a preferred study destination for Vietnamese youth. Currently, Vietnam leads in Southeast Asia and ranks fifth in the world in the number of international students in Canada, with approximately 21,000 Vietnamese students studying there.

Many of these students have excelled in scientific research and innovation, contributing significantly to the development of both Vietnam and Canada. In recent years, universities and educational institutions from both countries have actively implemented various activities, including organizing training cooperation programs, scientific research initiatives, digital transformation in teaching and learning, and student exchanges, lectures, potential internship programs, and job opportunities for graduates.

Delegates at the seminar.

Speaking at the seminar, Nguyen Nang Khieu, Secretary General of the Vietnam-Canada Friendship Association and Deputy Head of the Americas Department of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations emphasized that the 21,000 Vietnamese students studying in Canada serve as ambassadors and bridges for people-to-people exchanges, helping to promote the country's image and national culture.

To actively contribute to fostering educational exchanges and cooperation between the two nations, the Vietnam-Canada Friendship Association plans to enhance and broaden relationships with partners, including universities, colleges, high schools, and research institutes in Canada, said Khieu.

He added that the Union aims to organize academic exchange activities, discussions, and seminars with Canadian counterparts while also building a comprehensive database on the Canadian education system, the status of Vietnam-Canada educational cooperation, and the experiences of Vietnamese international students in Canada and Canadian students in Vietnam.

This information will be made available to organizations and individuals, including those interested in studying abroad in Canada, he added.

It also intends to facilitate increased delegation exchanges, such as inviting Canadian universities, colleges, and high schools to send delegations of teachers and students to Vietnam for cultural experiences, including homestays, he continued.

“There are plans to invite Canadian students in Vietnam to participate in cultural activities, organize groups of Vietnamese schools to visit Canada, attend summer camps, and immerse themselves in Canadian culture,” Khieu said.

As a bridge between universities, colleges, and high schools in Canada and Vietnam, the Union will collaborate with the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam and universities, colleges, high schools, and study abroad consulting firms to organize Canadian cultural and educational exhibition events.

Khieu made a specific request to the Canadian Embassy and authorities to pay more attention to policies supporting Vietnamese international students, including scholarships and job opportunities during and after their studies.