Vietnam

1 Chapter Basic knowledge

    • Official name of country

       Official Name                                :  Socialist Republic of Vietnam

      short form                                      : Vietnam
      international long form :  Socialist Republic of Vietnam

    • National flag

       Flag of Socialist Republic of Vietnam

    • National land / Area

       Vietnam is in the Indochinese Peninsula (called as “Indo-chine” by the French), in the southeast of Asia. The territory of Vietnam is on eastern along-shore of this peninsula, contiguous to China (north), Laos (northwest), Cambodia (west and southwest). With the specific location of The Indochinese Peninsula, a culture of this area was always strongly influenced by both of one of the most long-stranding candle of human being: Harappa Civilization and Chinese Civilization. But Vietnam, because of itself location, near China (the longest sideline is contiguous to China), it is easy to figure out that the influence of Chinese Civilization’s on Vietnamese’s culture is deeper than Harappa Civilization’s in during the development of history, culture of Vietnamese.

       

      Area                    : 331.698 sq km (includes 327.480 sq km of continent, 4.500 sq km of internal water, 2 800 big and small island, Hoang Sa island and Truong Sa island)
      Land                   : 327.480 sq km
      Water                  : 4.500 sq km

      Location         : Southeast of Asia

                  “Viet Nam” was firstly mentioned in Nguyen dynasty by Gia Long King. He requested the Qing dynasty to approve this as the official name of the country and the first time was declared officially in 1804. “Nam” means “South” and “Viet” is the name of biggest minority in Vietnam.

    • Capital

       Hanoi is officially known as the capital and largest city of Vietnam (3328,9 sq km). Its population is rank second with the population of 6.996.000 as 2014. Today, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh city, is the special urban of Vietnam. Hanoi was the capital of Vietnam from 1946 and was the capital of many feudal dynasties from 1010. Hanoi is known as the biggest culture center of Vietnam with many museums, place of historic interest, traditional culture which inspires the most popular and romantic theme of literary work and art in Vietnam.

    • Time zone

      It is applied the GMT+7 (Greenwich Mean Time) or UTC +8. Besides, Vietnam applies the ASEAN Common Time (ACT) – which was the innovation of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and used through UTC+8.
      The symbol of time zone in Vietnam is:  ICT – Indochina time. And it is used unitedly in whole of territory of Vietnam.

    • Weather

       Vietnam has many type of climate with the Savanna tropical climate in Southern, two different season: dry (from October to April) and wet (from May to September) and Wet subtropical climate in Northern with clear four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) and Tropical monsoon climate in Middle of Vietnam. The average humidity in all of year is around 84% and the temperature is from 5°C to 37°C. The annual average rainfall in Vietnam is 1.200 ~3.000 mm. And Vietnam always has to deal with many typhoons every year.
        But recently, due the global warming, the average temperature increase 0,5°C each year.

    • Population

       Vietnam has 54 ethnic with 53 ethnic minorities (14% total of population). The Viet minority (in other word called as “Kinh”) makes up 86% population, the majority resident in the delta and flat country.

      Until 31st March 2015, the current population of Vietnam is 91.903.961 people, male make up 49,4% and female make up 50,6%. The number of births is 372 063 children and the death is 129 906 people. It is computed that the population growth this year is 234 528 people and shall be continue prospecting.

      The following table is the estimation of the average percentage of increase in population in each year, was studied by General Statistics Office of Vietnam in 2009.

       

      High number of birth

      Average number of birth

      Low number of birth

      Constant number of birth

      2019

      1,01

      1,24

      0,78

      1,06

      2024

      0,84

      1,04

      0,63

      0,91

      2029

      0,64

      0,81

      0,44

      0,71

      2034

      0,46

      0,66

      0,26

      0,54

      2039

      0,34

      0,59

      0,08

      0,42

      2044

      0,23

      0,54

      -0,09

      0,33

      2049

      0,11

      0,45

      -0,24

      0,23

       

      The labor force comprises people ages 15 and older who meet the International Labor Organization definition in Vietnam, in accordance with the data of world banks, increase 883 031 people in 2010-2014 in comparison with period 2005-2009. With the abundant and young labor force and exploitation natural resource, Vietnam is becoming the attractive market. But in accordance with the estimation of the professional, the population of Vietnam shall become the population aging in 17-18 years later, earlier than 2-3 years as the estimation. It is obviously to figure out that the time of accommodation of Vietnam to the population aging is shorter than other countries (France: 70 years, United State: 35 years, Japan: 15 years).

      The following table is the estimation of Vietnam’s population in age structure from 2010 to 2050, studied by The United Nation in 2008:

       

      2010

      2015

      2020

      2025

      2030

      2035

      2040

      2045

      2050

      Children (0-14)

      26,3

      25

      23,4

      21,9

      20,4

      19,2

      18,3

      17,7

      17,2

      Working age (15-59)

      65,8

      65,9

      65,6

      64,7

      63,8

      62,5

      60,9

      59,0

      56,7

      Older (60+)

      7,9

      9,1

      11

      13,4

      15,8

      18,3

      20,8

      23,3

      26,1

    • Language

       The main language is Vietnamese, which also is known as the language of “Viet” or “King” minority. And Vietnamese is also the national language in Vietnam, in accordance with Article 5.1 of The Constitution 2013. It is the mother language of 85% population in Vietnam and the secondary language of ethnic minority. The International Organization for Standardization classified Vietnamese in code “vi” (ISO 639-1) and “vie” (ISO 639-2).
        The Vietnamese language is strongly influenced by the Chinese language. Words called as “Han Viet”, which have the origin from Chinese with the pronounce in Vietnamese method, was changed by the time and became the Vietnamese, combine with the original Vietnamese words to make the Vietnamese vocabulary become more complicated and plentiful. Some professional, such as Mr. Le Nguyen Luu, estimates that, the Han Viet words are used frequently, up to 80% in professional thesis.
        However in the past, from early 11th century, Vietnamese people also had the own language. Although the origin of this language is Han script but it was created and changed into own Vietnamese’s language named as “Nom”, it is similar to the current Vietnamese. Almost Vietnamese can understand this but only the persons, who studied can write and read this language.
        Unlike other Western Countries, there is no official foreign language in Vietnam. But the most popular foreign language in Vietnam is English, others are: Russian, French, Japanese, Chinese,

    • Currency

       Vietnam dong is the official currency of Vietnam, is issued and controlled by the State Bank of Vietnam. The ISO 4217 currency code for the Vietnam dong is VND. 1000 VND = 100 coin or 10 hao, however because of “coin” and “hao” unit is too small, those are not issued anymore. The word “dong” in Vietnamese means “money”, and it also be used as the foreign currency which is unpopular. “Dong” was be used as the word means “money” both in the Northern and Southern of Vietnam in the time Vietnam had two different government (1954-1975). In Northern, it was called as “Dong Vietnam dan chu cong hoa”. Besides, it was named as “Dong Vietnam cong hoa” in Southern. Before of this period, when Vietnam was dominated by France, the currency of Vietnam is piastre, it means “Dong” or silver and called as “Dong Dong Duong” in Vietnamese.

    • Religion

       According to The public proclamation of Heiner Bielefeldt - speakers of The United Nation - on 31st July 2014, there are 24 billion Vietnamese people have religion (made up 26,7% of total of population in Vietnam). The percentage of religions in Vietnam is:

       

      Number of people who have religion

      Percentage (% of total of population)

      Buddhists

      11 billion

      12,2%

      Catholics

      6,2 billion

      6,9%

      Caodaism

      4,4 billion

      4,9%

      Hoahaoists

      1,3 billion

      1,4%

      Muslims

      75.000 people

      0,083%

      Baha’is

      7.000 people

      0,008%

      Hindus and other religions

      1.500 people

      0,002%

      Total:

      25,493%

      By above-mentioned data, it’s easy to figure out that Vietnam is the diversified religion but one of the least religion country. We can see that many largest religions of the world almost have the followers in Vietnam. However, comparison of number of religions, the number of people officially have religion in Vietnam is smaller (approximate 25,493% of total of 90 billion population in 2014). Most of Vietnamese people are considered as no religion people although they have the habit to come to church, pagodas very holiday of year.

       The most popular religion in Vietnam is Buddhist. Buddhist was disseminated directly in century 3rd BC from India. The word “Buddhist” was translated as “Bụt” or “Phật Tổ” (“Phật”) in Vietnamese. The influence of Buddhist can be figured out that the appearance of “Bụt” many times in the legend or old stories as the kind-hearted character. Buddhist affected deeply in social and ideology of many feudal dynasties in Vietnam, such as: Early Le dynasty, Ly – Tran dynasty. Some kings and government officers in Ly- Tran dynasty was the Buddhist monks. Most of Vietnamese monks of Buddhist are following the Zen (Ch’an) sect, Tinh Thinh Tong sect, Mat Tong sect, and Theravada Buddhist.

        Religion is the delicate ground. There was many occurred wars and disputes due to religion matters, such as Crusades (1095-1291) - was called upon by Pole and implemented by King and Aristocrats- with the symbol was rood, they wanted to recover the government of Christianity and Holy land at Jerusalem; or French Wars of Religion (1562-1598)- was the civil war of French, between the Catholic Party and Protestant Party. Although the underlying causes of this civil war was the power struggle between Giuse Family and Bourbon Family but we cannot deny that religion was one of the main and direct reason caused the French Civil War. In addition, after World War II, religion matter is the reason has been causing 70% of number of occurred wars in the world. However, in spite of diversification of kind of religions, it said that Vietnam was the moderate country in terms of religion.  There are some reasons to make Vietnam becomes the moderate religion country, detail:

        Frist, almost the Vietnamese people believe spiritual factors and respect for religion, even some people usually come to church and pagodas but Vietnamese people are only affected by religions on the formal respect such as: making make ceremonial offerings, coming to church,　but not deeply on tenets of faith.

         Secondly, because of influence of Confucius. Confucius was disseminated in Vietnam with Kanji and gradually became the important basis of ideology of Vietnamese. During the history of feudal dynasties of Vietnam, Confucius and Buddhism always conflicted with others to take over the government of ideology of Vietnamese. This dispute was along with history of feudal dynasties of Vietnam. For example, Buddhism was prosperous in the Ly dynasty, besides, Confucius was the main ideology in Later Le dynasty. However, in  spite of in the most prosperous period of Confucius in Vietnam, all of kings and his court never denied completely the valuation of Buddhism or vice versa. In 1070, Ly Thanh Tong king built Temple of Literature (“Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam”) – was considered as the first university in Vietnam and later, became the place of worship of Confucius and his students. The first Confucianist examination was set up in 1075 and after that, all of children of king and aristocrats of Ly dynasty was taught the Confucius ideology. In accordance with above, we can see that unlike other religions, both of Confucius and Buddhism in Vietnam are generous to each other. 

      A part from that, the main theory of Confucius is about three relationship between: King – I; Father – child and Husband – Wife. Along with time, with Buddhism, it became the basis of manner of Vietnamese. That’s why comparison to other religions, the influence of Confucius is stronger. And due to only affected on the manner of people, it makes religion of Vietnam becoming more moderate.

          Finally, because of deep and strong of Vietnamese folk religion. Folk religion in Vietnam means the worship of Gods. And people in each city, village maybe worship to their own God. It contributes Vietnamese to become the heterogeneity and  tolerance religion.

      One of the most effective Vietnam folk religion in Vietnam is Dao Mau – means the worship of mother goddesses of Vietnam. The origin of Dao Mau is from the legends, the fairy tales, hero, … in order to respect the role of women in the social. Dao Mau is the system of religion, includes at least 3 branches of religion. Because of this folk religion, the role of women in Vietnamese social was honored.

    • Typical history event of Vietnam:

       Before 2BC:

      2BC-938:    Period of domination by Northern invaders. This period put the strong foundation on the influence of Chinese’s culture on Vietnamese’s. During this period, there were 2 times the Vietnamese people got the independence in 40-43BC with the Trung Sister dyansty and in 544-602BC with Early Ly dyansty.

      939AC:     With the victory in Bach Dang River, Ngo Quyen King restoring sovereign power in the country, and was advanced by many successive dynasty afterwards.

      1010:          Ly Cong Uan King, he was the first king chosen Dai La (nowadays named as “Hanoi”) as the capital. After moving his court to the new capital, he named it “Thang Long” (it means the dragon is flying up). Thang Long was be the Vietnam’s capital until 1802 when Gia Long king moved his court back to Phu Xuan (Hue). He still kept the name of city but the meaning of “Thang Long” was different from the one was given by Ly Cong Uan king and in other courts.

      1010-1945:   During this period, Vietnam went through 9 dynasties: Later Ly, Tran, Ho, Later Le, Mac lords, Trinh lords, Nguyen lords, Tay Son, Nguyen. Vietnam had brilliant period and attain successive achievements in economy, cultural, social and particularly in education field. Women were holding an important role not only in the social but also in the politics. Vietnam was known as the strong military in Ly- Tran dynasty through three times of glorious victories over Mongol Empire’s invasion. Besides of Mongol Empire’s invasion, Vietnam was invaded one time by Ming dynasty in the Chinese 4th domination (1407-1427) and was divided by civil war between Mac lords (South) and Trinh lords (North) (1545-1777).

      Although we cannot deny the influence by Chinese on Vietnamese culture, regardless of military intervention of Chinese during the development period of Vietnam, the Vietnamese was not be equated same as Chinese. It had the unique style, particularly in art field such as: Cheo, quan ho, cai luong, water puppet, Dong Ho art,…

      In this period, Vietnamese also earned some important step forward in education field such as: Built Temple of Literature in 1070 by Ly Thanh Tong King and was reconstructed during the Tran dynasty (1225–1400) and in the subsequent dynasties, became the place for studying of  royalty and other members of the aristocrats from 1076 to 1252. In the third Nguyen Phong- 1523, Tran Thai Tong King changed “Quoc Tu Giam” into “Quoc hoc vien”, opened for all of people. In 1484, the stone stele was created in Temple of Literature by Le Thanh Tong king in order to respect examiner who reached the high score and level from the national examination in 1442. There are many literary works was made in this period such as: Nam Quoc Son Ha by Ly Thuong Kiet – This poem is considered as the first dependence declaration of Vietnam or “Complete Annals of Đại Việt”- the official historical text was complied by the royal historian Ngo Sy Lien in Later Le dynasty or “The Tale of Kieu” (“Truyen Kieu”) by Nguyen Du,…

      1945-1954:   The unification under Nguyen dynasty, which was the last court in Vietnam ended by the attack on Da Nang coast in 1858 of French, started the period that Nguyen court was dominated and Vietnam became one of France’s colony (French Indochina period). After 13 years depending on French, the Nguyen dynasty finished when Bao Dai king’s- the lastest king of Vietnam- the declaration of abdication on 25th September, 1945. The French Indochina period ended in 1945 when the Japanese military overthrown the French’s control and took over the government. After Japanese military lost in the World War II, the Vietnam Revolutionary Army took the control and Vietnam became the independent country by the “Declaration of Independence”, which was spoken by Ho Chi Minh President on 2nd September. After this mark, Vietnam went to the period called revolution against France. This war finished after the victory of Dien Bien Phu on 30th April 1954 when French government agreed the Genève Agreement 1954.

      1954-1975:    After the withdrawal of France’s military, The United State military took over and set up a government called “Viet nam Cong hoa” in Southern. During the period of 1945-1975, Vietnam was divided into two regions with two different governments. In the North, the authority government was the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the direction of economic developing was socialist-oriented and planned economy.

      1976:              Socialist Republic of Vietnam was established, capital in Hanoi.

      20/09/1977:    Vietnam became the member of The United Nation

      1975-1979:     Southwest war with Red Khmer Regime

      1979:              North war with China

      1875-1986:    Implemented the economy policy that was Vietnamese government launched Five-Year Plans in agriculture and industry aiming at recovering after the war and building socialist nation. Government held a decisive part in the national economy. Family economy and collective economy were encouraged while capitalist economy was restrained. Foreign trade and assistance were mainly depended on Soviet Union and its socialist allies.

      1986:           Implemented the revolutionary policy, open the economy market. In December 1986, the 6th congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam was taken place. At the congress, delegates reached consensus on a reforming program. Since 1986, Reform has been launched in economy, politics and society. Beside state and collective sectors in economy, private and foreign sectors are recognized.

      1988:           Sea battle with China

      1995:           Vietnam became the member of ASEAN

      1998:           Vietnam became the member of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)

      2007:           Vietnam became the member of WTO

      2008:          After 1 year 8 months negotiation (from January 2007), on September 2008, at high-level meeting at Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, Vietnam signed the Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan (JVEPA)

      2010:        From November 2010, Vietnam started negotiating Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and now are in the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiation.

      2011:       Started negotiation from October 2008 and officially ended in November 2011,  Vietnam and Chile came to a conclusion, signed the Vietnam – Chile Free Trade Agreement. This agreement officially took effect of January 2014.

      2015:       The negotiation of Free Trade Agreement with South Korea started 3 years before (August 2012), on May 2015 , two of governments agreed and signed the agreement. A part from this, after 2 years 9 months of negotiation (from March 2013), Vietnam and the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia announced to virtually finish FTA talks on December 15, 2014 and signed the Free Trade Agreement Vietnam - Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

    • Education system

       The education system in Vietnam is divided into 5 levels, 12 grades. 3 levels in these 5 basic levels of education in Vietnam are the compulsory education. Preschool level is for children from 3 months old to 6 years old in accordance with Article 25 Law on Education. And according to Article 26.1. in Law on Education, children can start studying at primary school when they are 6 years old. One grade lasts in 1 year, usually starts from September of this year to May of the next year. The detail as the following:

      No.

      Level

      Year

      Grades

      Age

      1.     

      Preschool (Mam non)

      4

      Pre-school playgroup

      3-4

      Kindergarten

      5-6

      2.     

      Primary school (Tieu hoc)

      5

      First

      6-7

      Second

      7-8

      Third

      8-9

      Fourth

      9-10

      Fifth

      10-11

      3.     

      Junior high school (Trung hoc co so)

      4

      Sixth

      11-12

      Seventh

      12-13

      Eighth

      13-14

      Ninth

      14-15

      4.     

      High school (Trung hoc pho thong)

      3

      Tenth

      15-16

      Eleventh

      16-17

      Twelfth

      17-18

      5.     

      University (Dai hoc)

      4-5

       

      18-23

      A part from above levels, base on the content of education, education in Vietnam can be divided into many kinds, such as: vocational and technical training and post-secondary education, The vocational and technical training is the education system that aims to equip students with practical knowledge, know-how and skills. In comparison to traditional education, this kind of education focuses on the technical skills and how to work but not a theoretic training and an in-depth study. The post-secondary education is an optional final stage of formal learning that occurs after secondary education. It includes 2 levels: Master of Arts (MA) which means “Thac si” and Doctor which means “Tien si” in Vietnamese. The students usually have to study 2 years for MA Degree and 2 years for Doctor Degrees. Additionally, there are some in-depth study position upper than Master of Arts and Doctor level, which used for the persons who focuses on research, such as: Associate professor, Associate Professor Ph.D.

            The purpose of preschool level is helping children to develop the physical, emotion, intelligence, aesthetics; setting up the first ground of personality and preparing for children to start studying in first year of primary school. For example, in the preschool, children were taught to recognize the right and wrong simple behavior activities, encouraged to do initiatively the simply work and find out about the around world.

             From primary level to high school level, students study many subjects such as: Vietnamese Language, Mathematics, Morality, Science (Biology, Chemistry – after eighth grade, Physics), History, Geography, Basic Techniques, Music, Arts, Foreign Language (mostly taught English and French. Some others like Japanese, Chinese, Russian,… are taught in specialized school) and Physical Education. The curriculum is issued and decided by Ministry of Education.  In the end of each level, it has the final graduation examination, but the High-school Graduation Examination is considered as the most important examination. In the past, the High-school Graduation Examination are separate from Entrance University Examination but in this year, students took part in only one examination and the result was used for evaluation for both of High-school Graduation Examination and Entrance University Examination.

      Vietnamese students were evaluated that they were not good at the physical activities and club activities. Exactly, in the past, there was rare to have the club in school but today, club activities are became more and more popular in Vietnam education, particularly in high school in big cities. Most of club activities in high school are sport club such as: football, basketball, … and baseball is more and more popular in social of high students recently.

           It is said that studying in university is the biggest goal of every high school students. It is same as in Asia country like China, Korean or Japan, The Entrance University is the most important and difficult examination in the study life. They believe that studied hard-working and pass in good university can help them to get the success career. The Vietnamese parents also care so much about the result of the Entrance University of their children. That is why the pressure of Entrance University in Vietnam is bigger much more than others.

      The Entrance University is hold from 3rd July to 10th July, divided into 2 terms every year. Normally, candidates take three exams for the fixed group of subjects they choose. There are many fixed groups of subjects:

      Group A

      : Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry

       

      Group A1

      : Mathematics, Physics, English

       

      Group B

      : Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry

       

      Group C

      : Literature, History, Geography

       

      Group D

      : Literature, Mathematics, Foreign Language.

        The are some small groups is divided depending on the foreign language

        Detail:

       

       

       

      D1: English. But there are  also French, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin and Korean.

       

       

      D2: Russian

       

       

      D3: French

       

       

      D4: Chinese

       

       

      D5: German

       

       

      D6: Japanese

      Besides, these, there are also other groups for artistic and cultural education:

      Group H

      : Literature, Colored Painting, Pencil Drawing

       

      Group M

      : Literature, Mathematics, Singing and Expressive Reading, Instrument Performance (optional)

      Group N

      : Literature, Tone and Melody, Vocal

      Group R

      : Literature, History, Journalism

      Group S

      : Literature, Theatrical Talents

      Group T

      : Mathematics, Biology, Sports

      Group V

      : Mathematics, Physics, Drawing

      In the past, students who want to enter university have to take 2 big exam (high school graduation examination and entrance university examination). But from 2015, the regulation of entrance university examination has been changed. Students will have only one exam called high school graduation examination with at least 4 subjects (math, English and literature and one subject students can choose by themselves) And the score they got will be the foundation to decide they can study in the university they registered or not. So, from this year, students only have one exam.

      However some high level University will request their candidates for taking another the test such as biology, physics or chemistry test. So it will be the same as every years, candidate who want to enter the high level university must take 2 exams, one is high school graduation examination and another is The University’s entrance exam.

      Normally, the curriculum of university in Vietnam lasts 4 years. However, in some specific school, this period can last longer. For example, the curriculum for engineer at Hanoi University of Science and Technology lasts for 5 years; at Hanoi Medical University students have to study for 4 ~6 years depending on which major they follow (General Practice Department: 6 years, Traditional Medicine Department: 6 years),…

      Hereinafter is the list of top of universities in Vietnam:

      Name of University

      Location

      Top Major

      Hanoi University of Science and Technology

      Hanoi

      Technology

      Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology

      Hanoi

      Technology

      Hanoi Medical University

      Hanoi

      Medical

      National Economic University

      Hanoi

      Economic

      Foreign Trade University

      Hanoi

      Economic

      Ho Chi Minh University of Science and Technology

      Ho Chi Minh

      Technology

      Hanoi University

      Hanoi

      Language

      Hanoi Law University

      Hanoi

      Law

      Vietnam National University

      Hanoi

      Technology, Language, Economic, Law

      (VNU’s the best major is Language and Economic)

      National University of Civil Engineering

      Hanoi

      Construction

      Ho Chi Minh City University of Science

      Ho Chi Minh

      Technology

      Academy of Finance

      Hanoi

      Economic

       

      School in Vietnam has 3 kinds: public school, private school and international school. Basically, the curriculum in three kinds of above-mentioned school have to follow the basis issued by Ministry of Education, but because of actual demand of students and characteristic, the international school usually to teach students in mutual-language and following the education standard of country which the mother-company is. Obviously, the school fees at private school and international school are usually higher than the public school.

      According to the data of Ministry of Education in 2013, the table of number of schools in Vietnam is as the following:

       

      Level/ Kind of school

      2011-2012

      2012-2013

      Preschool

      Nursery

      Total

      28

      34

      Public school

      22

      24

      Non-public school

      6

      10

      Kinder garden

      Total

      2,560

      2,807

      Public school

      2,400

      2,549

      Non-public school

      160

      258

      Pre-primary

      Total

      10,584

      10,707

      Public school

      8,028

      9,146

      Non-public school

      2,556

      1,561

      Primary school

      Total

      15,337

      15,361

      Public school

      15,243

      15,266

      Non- public school

      94

      95

      Secondary school

      Total

      10,243

      10,290

      Public school

      10,223

      10,269

      Non-public school

      20

      21

      High school

      Total

      2,350

      2,425

      Public school

      2,034

      2,064

      Non-public school

      316

      361

      College

      Total

      215

      214

      Public school

      187

      185

      Non-public school

      28

      29

      University

      Total

      204

      207

      Public school

      150

      153

      Non-public school

      54

      54

       

      Education of Vietnam in history.

      During the period from the King Hung dynasty to the time when Ngo Quyen King achieved a victory over China in 938 AC, there was no official documents mentioned about the education (with the meaning is teaching and learning words). But basing on some documents described about the achievement of Governor Sy Nhiep of Giao Chi State in education field, we can figure out that, even if in this duration, there were some Vietnamese people could write and read.

      The concept of “education” was mentioned in documents officially in the Ly dynasty. One of the most reason, in my opinion that although there were many people could write and read but “education” did not take the important role in this time, is before of Ly dynasty, Vietnam was in the troubled time. This country was dependence in 938 AC, thanked to the victory in Bach Dang River of Ngo Quyen King. However, after he died, due to a conflict of succession, Vietnam was failed into the Anarchy of the 12 Warlords, also the Period of the 12 Warlords, was a period of chaos and civil war. Although this civil ended in 968 AC, thanked to Dinh Bo Linh, who respected as Van Thang Vuong and was replaced by the era of Dinh Dynasty but it lasted no long. Vietnam was soon be failed again into the chaos until 1009 AC, when Ly Cong Uan became the King and led his court to open the bright and long stable period in feudal history for Vietnam.

      Ly dynasty was the first government in Vietnam set up the examination in education. The curriculum in this period were Four Books and Five Classics, History of Southern, Northern Dynasties  and Book of Bach Gia Chu su  and Kanji (Chinese language) was the official language. Even if the Vietnamese in this period was influenced strongly by Buddhism and Daoism and Confucius’s impact was weaker than the after, but the students in Ly dynasty was taught not only Buddhism’s doctrine but also Daoism and Confucius.

      Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) was built in 1070 by Ly Thanh Tong King and Quoc Tu Giam was built in 1076 by Ly Nhan Tong King is considered as the first university in Vietnam. However, this is the first public school in Vietnam, not the first school. Before Temple of Literature, there was many private school was established by functionaries or aristocrats. The first private school was Bai An (Bái Ân), established by Ly Cong An. He was the aristocrat of Ly Family, same as Ly Cong Uan King, he was also a student of Ly Van Hanh - Buddhism monk and functionary under Ding dynasty, he was the person who had the important contribution to support Ly Cong Uan to become the king.

      Together with curriculum, Ly dynasty also took care of examination to choose the talent for country. The first examination was held on February 1075 under Ly Nhan Tong’s court and Le Van Thinh became the first person, who came first in a test of Vietnam. The other examinations was held under Ly dynasty is same as below:

      Year

      King

      Name of examination

      Subjects

      Note

      1076

      Ly Nhan Tong King

       

      Written, math, law

       

      1086

      Ly Nhan Tong King

       

      Literature

       

      1152

      Ly Anh Tong

      “Dinh” examination

       

      “Dinh” examination was the highest level examination, was held in King’s castle. The candidate was tested directly by the King.

       

      1165

      Ly Anh Tong

       

       

       

      1185

      Ly Cao Tong

       

       

       

      1193

      Ly Cao Tong

       

       

      To choose people who would support at the King’s school

      1195

      Ly Cao Tong

       

       

       

      1213

      Ly Hue Tong

       

       

       

      Although the King in Ly dynasty paid much attention on education but the examination did not followed the orthodox method and defined cycle. Within 66 years, from 1068 to 1152, there was no record to show that any examination was held in this period.

      Thanked to the examinations, many talents were discovered and the first legal system was made under Ly dynasty.

      To inherit and advance the curriculum and rules of examination in Ly dynasty, Tran dynasty hold the first examination in 1232. However, the time of cycle of examination was set up in Tran dynasty, detail: The examination would be held seventh each time, use “Tam khoi” system (it means there were only 3 candidates who had the highest result would be appointed). From 1255 to  1275, Tran dynasty chosen 2 candidates who had the highest mark to become “Trang nguyen”, one candidate was from northern province (called as “King Trang Nguyen”)and another was from Thanh Hoa, Nghe An province (called as “Trai Trang nguyen”). The purpose of this policy was enhancement of education development in southern provinces. In 1304, Tran dynasty set up the system and contents of each examination. In 1396, Tran Thuan Tong King issued the policy of regulations on “Huong” exam (the exam in provinces) and “Hoi”exam (the exam in center school). During 175 years, there were 14 examinations (official: 10, secondary: 4) with 283 candidates passed and were appointed. 

    • The relation between Japan and Vietnam

      　The relationship between Vietnam and Japan was laid the foundation by Japanese and Vietnamese traders when they crossed over ocean and did business with others in the 16th century. Both of governments officially made the relationship on 21st September 1973. This relationship between two countries was developed and being advanced by two governments.

       　Both of Vietnam and Japan are in Southeast of Asia, influenced by the Yellow River civilization. Under the influence of Yellow River civilization, it’s easy to figure out some many common point between Vietnamese’s culture and Japanese, such as the origin of traditional written language (Kanji in Japanese and Han Nom of Vietnamese ancients stem from Chinese written language)  and pattern and style on the clothes of Vietnamese and Japanese ancients, particularly clothes of king and aristocrats.

      　Japanese culture is well- known in Vietnam, particularly in the young people. Almost culture is known by manga, anime, cosplay, J-pop, …  Many culture festival have been held in Vietnam every year contributing to popularize the Japanese culture to Vietnamese.

      　Until May 2015, there are 606 Japanese enterprises in Northern and around 1.200 enterprises in Southern in accordance with the data of The Japanese Business Association in Vietnam. This is one of the main effect on the number of Vietnamese chosen Japanese to become their secondary language apart from English.

      And Japan is one of the most choices of Vietnamese students for studying aboard in accordance with the public data of Ministry of Education and Training in 2013 about top 10 of countries where Vietnamese students chosen to study aboard:

      No.

      Country

      The number of students (people)

      1.     

      Australia

      26.015

      2.     

      United State

      19.591

      3.     

      Japan

      13.328

      4.     

      China

      13.000

      5.     

      Singapore

      10.000

      6.     

      France

      6.700

      7.     

      Taiwan

      6.000

      8.     

      United Kingdom

      5.118

      9.     

      Russia

      5.000

      10.  

      Germany

      4.800

       

      Nowadays, Vietnam is one of top three of countries which has the number of students studying in Japan. Most of them are studying in the Japanese language schools before taking part in the university test or finding job in Japan. According to the research of The Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education, the number of students came to study language in Japan increased suddenly, particularly in 2013 and 2014:

                 Year

                        (Students)

       

      Country

       

       

       

       

      2007

       

       

       

      2008

       

       

       

      2009

       

       

       

      2010

       

       

       

      2011

       

       

       

      2012

       

       

       

      2013

       

       

       

      2014

      China

      15.798

      17.968

      26.632

      29.271

      22.408

      18.093

      18.250

      16.118

      Vietnam

      646

      607

      847

      1.087

      1.410

      2.039

      8.436

      13.758

      Nepal

      595

      517

      839

      943

      1.221

      1.371

      3.095

      4.779

      Korean

      9. 235

      10.528

      8.360

      6.708

      3.484

      2.675

      2.386

      2.081

      Taiwan

      1.890

      2.228

      2.304

      1.924

      1.395

      1.425

      1.425

      1.837

       

      It is easy to figure out that Vietnam overcame Korean to become the country in second rank which has students studying in Japanese language school in Japan.

      　In the economy field, Japan guaranteed Vietnam for national treatment and the most favored nation status from 1999. Until now, Japan in the best trading partner of Vietnam.

      　There are 18.529 projects of Japan are taking effect in Vietnam (until June 2015), it makes Japan becomes the best country, which have FDI capital in Vietnam (around 14,3% total of FDI project in Vietnam). Most of investment projects of Japan in Vietnam are in the processing industry field, make up 83,3% total of investment capital amount of Japan in Vietnam. The second field attracts many investment capital of Japanese is real estate (with the capital makes up 4,4% total of investment capital amount).  Until June 2015, Japan has invested in 49/63 provinces of Vietnam, most are in Thanh Hoa province with 10 projects have total new and increase capital up to 9,68 billion VND, the second is Hanoi city with 661 projects have 4,1 billion VND of investment capital and the third is Binh Duong province with 348 projects with 3,85 billion VND of investment capital.