Vietnam Faces Challenges in Regulating Foreign Teachers

Teaching in Vietnam as a foreigner requires meeting stringent criteria, including professional expertise, technical skills, and a clean criminal record, as stipulated by Vietnam's Labor Code 2019. Additional regulations, such as Decree 86/2018 and its amendments, further define standards for foreign educators, mandating university degrees and teaching certifications.

However, significant gaps persist in the supervision of foreign-led educational activities, particularly in private tutoring. While local People's Committees are assigned management responsibilities under Circular 29/2024/TT-BGDĐT, lax post-inspection procedures can create vulnerabilities. This highlights the critical need for comprehensive audits of foreign teachers' criminal records, qualifications, and practical abilities to mitigate risks to students.

Education extends beyond knowledge transfer; it encompasses moral development and lifestyle guidance. Foreign educators are expected to act as "cultural diplomats," respecting local customs and understanding Vietnamese children. A teacher, regardless of international credentials, whose pedagogical approach lacks cultural sensitivity or respect for the teaching environment, should face scrutiny. Parents are also urged to exercise caution, recognizing that foreign qualifications do not automatically equate to quality or ethical teaching, and that prioritizing the "foreign teacher" label over due diligence can inadvertently expose children to unqualified individuals.