Strategies for Attracting International Students to Universities in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Abstract

Vietnamese language proficiency has emerged as a critical need for the international community, particularly for students from neighboring countries like Laos and Cambodia. Communicative competence in Vietnamese not only fosters cultural exchange but serves as a fundamental prerequisite for pursuing higher education in Vietnam. In the context of globalization, mastery of Vietnamese offers learners significant academic and professional opportunities. However, empirical evidence suggests that Laotian and Cambodian learners face substantial hurdles in acquiring the language. Primary constraints include a scarcity of specialized teaching materials, limitations in lecturers’ pedagogical expertise in cross-cultural contexts, and shortcomings within existing curricula. To address these challenges, this study proposes strategic solutions to attract international students to universities in the Mekong Delta, including developing specialized curricula, enhancing faculty professional development, and constructing a supportive learning environment. These recommendations underscore the importance of a modern, learner-centered educational approach, thereby facilitating students’ integration and success in a new academic setting.