Vietnam's 2024 English Proficiency Index ranking reached 498 points, ranking 63rd out of 116 countries and territories, in the low proficiency group. Thus, this year's ranking has dropped 5 places compared to 2023, from 58 to 63.

This score continues to put Vietnam above the global level of 477. However, this year's results have ended a two-year streak of Vietnam's English proficiency reaching the average level.

In 2022, Vietnam escaped the low English proficiency group, reaching 502, ranking 60th in the world and up 5 places compared to the previous year. Last year, Vietnam continued to improve, rising 2 places to 58th.

Hanoi scores down, Hai Phong rises to top 2

In terms of geographical area, the Red River Delta leads the country with 522 points, followed by the Southeast region with 517 points.

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Photo: Thanh Hung

Regions such as the South Central Coast (505 points) and the Northeast (497 points) also performed well. In contrast, regions such as the Central Highlands (485 points), North Central (472 points) and Mekong Delta (464 points) had lower proficiency scores.

At the city level, urban centres consistently show the highest levels of English proficiency. The capital Hanoi tops the country with a score of 524, followed by Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City with the same score of 523.

Hanoi's proficiency level decreased by 14 points compared to last year while Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City increased by 7 and 4 points respectively.

Other cities such as Nha Trang (521 points), Da Nang (516 points), Vung Tau (497 points), Can Tho (488 points), Hue (487 points) and Thanh Hoa (479) also recorded positive results.

Teaching quality is still uneven

The above results are drawn from the 2024 Global English Proficiency Index (EPI) report published by Education First (EF) on November 13, 2024.

This is the world's largest survey of English skills. This year's EPI is based on an analysis of test results from 2.1 million non-native English speakers aged 18 and over around the world.

In addition, in October, the IELTS test co-organizer released data on global IELTS results for 2023-2024. The average IELTS score of Vietnamese candidates decreased by 0.5 points compared to 2022. In particular, the Listening and Speaking skills decreased by 0.1 points, lower than the global average.

It can be seen that the current education system still faces a number of challenges that affect Vietnam's English proficiency scores. Although English has been widely taught in schools and the English learning movement has spread, the quality of teaching is still not guaranteed to be consistent.

Although language skills training, especially Listening and Speaking, has been implemented, it has not been very effective. In crowded classes with limited English lessons, students have few opportunities to practice fully.

For example, in Singapore, where English is the main language, students not only learn theory but also practice it regularly in real-life communication situations. Similarly, in Nordic countries such as Sweden and Finland, English teaching starts early and students have many opportunities to communicate directly with native speakers.

In addition, the clear regional differences are also a notable factor. Large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City always have higher English scores thanks to better access to resources such as highly qualified teachers and many private tutoring centers.

Affluent families can easily invest in after-school English courses for their children, while students in rural areas or low-income families do not have access to these opportunities.

These disadvantages make it difficult for students in less developed regions to improve their English proficiency. As a result, the regional disparity in English proficiency has dragged down the national average.

'English teacher stutters when communicating with foreigners' I once witnessed a high school English teacher stuttering and then falling silent during an exchange with an American colleague. It is worth noting that this is not an isolated case.
Vietnam's English proficiency index drops

Vietnam's English proficiency index drops

Vietnam ranked 63rd out of 116 countries surveyed for English proficiency, down 5 places from 58 to 63 in 2023.
'Studying English for decades but still can't say a complete sentence'

'Studying English for decades but still can't say a complete sentence'

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