Nearly 290 Lao and Cambodian students begin Vietnamese language studies at Friendship School 80

The Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association Central Committee presented flowers to celebrate the opening ceremony at Friendship School 80. (Photo: Friendship School 80)

In his speech at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Van Phuc emphasized the special traditional friendship between Vietnam and its neighbors, Laos and Cambodia. He noted that during high-level visits, the leaders of these nations consistently affirm their commitment to prioritizing and strengthening the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, and Vietnam and Cambodia. Each year, the Vietnamese government awards hundreds of scholarships to Lao and Cambodian officials and students to study in fields where Vietnam excels. Similarly, Laos and Cambodia also offer numerous scholarships to Vietnamese students.

Friendship School 80 is a pioneer in conducting Vietnamese language exams and issuing certificates for foreign learners using digital platforms, aligning with the digital era. It also organizes activities that foster solidarity and closer ties among the peoples of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

To achieve the academic goals for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond, Deputy Minister Nguyen Van Phuc urged the school’s faculty and students to continue improving the quality and effectiveness of comprehensive education. He emphasized the importance of modern teaching tools and applying information technology in Vietnamese language instruction and school management.

Principal Chu Kim Phuong shared that for the 2024-2025 academic year, the school is hosting 286 international students, including 154 from Laos and 93 from Cambodia. These students are enrolled in the Vietnamese preparatory course before advancing to high school, university, or postgraduate programs. Most of them are beneficiaries of agreements between the Vietnamese government and the governments of Laos and Cambodia. Additionally, 39 core high school teachers of chemistry and biology from the Lao People's Democratic Republic are participating in professional training and IT application workshops.

A key strength of Friendship School 80 is its Vietnamese language preparatory program for Lao and Cambodian students. Here, the students live and learn alongside more than 1,000 Vietnamese high school students, an ideal environment for practicing Vietnamese./.