Chinese Language students at Pacific Ocean University receive comprehensive training in the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), while also delving into the culture and economy of the billion-people nation.
Phan Vu Uyen Minh, a second-year student, shared that with the need to use the language, she could have opted for short-term training courses at language centers. However, she chose a formal education program at the university.
This is because the teaching materials at the university have undergone rigorous quality control. Students receive systematic training in the four essential language skills, along with knowledge related to Chinese culture, history, economy, politics, and people.
“Even if students have never studied Chinese before, they can rest assured to start their university journey smoothly. As someone who had no prior knowledge of Chinese, I achieved the HSK4 certificate in my second year and started working part-time at a translation company before that,” Minh added.
Similar to Uyen Minh, Nguyen Doan Vy actively participates in clubs and workshops organized by the Faculty of Languages to accumulate knowledge. In 2022, she won the Encouragement Award at the Khanh Hoa Provincial Chinese Speaking Contest.
According to Vy, the training program at Pacific Ocean University is student-centered. Therefore, students have the opportunity to participate in various academic activities, allowing them to learn based on their own abilities and individual learning paths. Among these activities, Vy was most impressed by the “Try Being a Chinese Language Teacher” program. She became more mature and confident after participating in this activity.
In addition, the university also equips Vy with skills in translation and interpretation, teamwork, presentation, CV writing, and interview skills. “The university emphasizes these skills from the first year and throughout the entire program. As a result, graduates have an advantage and make a better impression on employers,” Doan Vy shared.
According to students at the university, understanding the culture and working style of Chinese companies through international exchange activities and cultural learning, rather than just focusing on the four language skills, is a crucial factor in successfully fulfilling roles in Chinese businesses.
Dr. Truong Anh Tuan, Head of the Chinese Language Department at Pacific Ocean University, also affirms that foreign language studies in general, and Chinese in particular, are always fields with great potential, especially in the context of international integration. Students in this field have the opportunity to experience learning with young Chinese people through cultural exchange programs and study-in-place programs. From their second year, students can apply for affiliated scholarship programs to study abroad and receive degrees from Guangxi University (China) or other institutions in China.
Therefore, the university strengthens the knowledge and skills of students through specialized workshops on interacting with Chinese businesses, CV preparation, and job interview skills. The advantage of diverse business and international cooperation also provides a foundation for students to accumulate additional competencies.
“Chinese Language students from their second year onwards can participate in internships with an average salary of 7-10 million VND. In their fourth year, they can sign contracts and apply for various positions in businesses and diplomatic agencies,” Dr. Tuan confirms.
Pacific Ocean University has established a school-enterprise cooperation model to provide students with practical experience during their formal training program. In the Chinese Language major, students have the opportunity to visit companies that use Chinese, translation companies, and language centers. This “open classroom” helps students gain a deeper understanding of the actual working environment and shape their future career aspirations.
Simultaneously, through academic activities and competitions such as the “Chinese Eloquence Contest” or “Try Being a Chinese Teacher,” students can develop their expertise, enhance their confidence in public speaking, and improve their presentation and argumentation skills. In addition, the university organizes cultural festivals and Chinese singing contests to inspire a love for learning Chinese and create an effective environment for communication, teamwork, and time management skills.
Currently, Pacific Ocean University has a vast network of strategic business partners, including Vietjet Air, HD Bank, Phu Long Real Estate, and over 400 other corporations and units. As a result, Pacific Ocean University students in general, and those majoring in Chinese Language in particular, can participate in paid internships and apprenticeships at these companies from their first year. The university also guarantees 100% employment for its graduates upon graduation.