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Strengthening friendships

The seminar "Training and development of human resources: Studying abroad at university and apprenticeship in the Federal Republic of Germany" was held on October 24 in Hanoi (Photo: Dinh Hoa).

The seminar on Vietnam-Germany cooperation in training and development of human resources for higher education and vocational training in Germany was held in Hanoi, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Federal Republic of Germany (1975–2025). Nearly 200 delegates participated, including representatives of German agencies such as DAAD, AHK, Goethe-Institut, GIZ and organizations and individuals operating in the field of German language training and study abroad consultancy.

At the seminar, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association Nguyen Toan Thang said that despite the geographical distance, Vietnam and Germany maintain a close relationship through many generations of Vietnamese people who come to study, research and work in Germany. He believed that human resource cooperation between the two countries not only brings socio-economic benefits, but also contributes to strengthening the friendship between the two peoples. This workshop will bring many practical ideas and proposals, promoting Vietnam-Germany cooperation more and more deeply, effectively and sustainably, he said.

On the other hand, Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, emphasized that over the past 50 years, Germany has not only been Vietnam's leading partner in trade and investment, but also a partner for education and training cooperation and active labor cooperation. Germany has become the world's leading "destination" in terms of academic and industrial environment, training tens of thousands of Vietnamese officials, doctoral students, students and workers. Vietnam is the only country in Southeast Asia with more than 100,000 students, students and workers who have studied and worked in Germany, mastering the German language and culture.

In the context of the current complicated and unpredictable international and regional situation, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations in recent years has made efforts to effectively implement people's foreign affairs activities with new approaches, diverse contents, and rich forms to strengthen the friendship between the Vietnamese people and Germany. This event is a vivid testament to the spirit of initiative and innovation on the basis of closely following the requirements of developing high-quality human resources in the context of the country's international integration.

Substantive and sustainable cooperation

Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations spoke at the event (Photo: Dinh Hoa).

Germany is currently one of the most important partners of Vietnam in Europe, with comprehensive cooperation in many fields, especially education, vocational training and high-quality human resource development. The current German economy needs to add a large number of foreign workers to maintain growth and meet the requirements of industrial development. That is one of the reasons why Vietnam is considered a reliable partner in supplying skilled human resources.

The learning and working environment in Germany is modern, professional and disciplined, bringing many opportunities for long-term development, becoming an attractive destination for Vietnamese youth. The demand for human resources in Germany is forecast to continue to grow sharply over the next decade.

Germany is also increasingly open in its policy of attracting international human resources. Many programs have recognized training degrees in Vietnam, creating conditions for workers to go to Germany to work immediately or shorten the additional training time. The German government also implements policies to encourage long-term settlement and allow citizenship for international students and professionals living and working in Germany.

According to Dr. Bui Cong Tho, Head of the Representative Office of the State of Hesse in Vietnam (Germany), scholarship activities, youth exchanges and research cooperation between the two sides have become a symbol of friendship, humanity and effectiveness – a foundation for expanding cooperation in higher education and developing high-quality human resources.

Since 1991, the Hessen Scholarship Program has been implemented continuously, awarding from 150 to 250 scholarships each year to Vietnamese students with difficult circumstances but excellent academic achievements. To date, more than 8,000 students have received support from this program.

The event not only provided information about study abroad, vocational training and employment opportunities in Germany, but also marked the launch of the Vietnam-Germany Education and Employment Association (VGECA). This is an initiative to promote study and work in Germany in a more transparent, professional and efficient way, meeting the needs and expectations of both sides.

Open opportunities, challenges go hand in hand

Germany is currently one of the most important partners of Vietnam in Europe (Photo: Dinh Hoa).

The discussion noted that the German labor market is opening up many new opportunities for Vietnamese youth, there are still some challenges regarding Vietnamese students in Germany, as well as support programs from relevant German agencies and organizations.

Referring to the opportunities and challenges in Vietnam-Germany human resource development cooperation, Nguyen Tuan Nam, President of the Vietnam-Germany Education and Employment Branch, said that the language barrier is still one of the major obstacles for Vietnamese students. The challenge stemmed from the lack of orientation to learn German from the early stages. He emphasized that the German certificate at level B1 is only the beginning of the process of integration and effective work; learners need to continue to hone to improve their language, thinking, and communication skills.

The Vietnam-Germany Education and Employment Association is promoting cooperation with educational institutions and businesses in Germany to improve the quality of training, support the formation of a clear career mindset, and at the same time become a reliable bridge between Vietnamese students and German partners, Nguyen Tuan Nam said.

In addition to student education, the workshop also discussed issues related to teacher training and support for labour migration. Sabine Wilmes, Deputy Director of the Goethe-Institut Hanoi, said that through the "Early Integration" program, the Institute organizes cultural orientation courses, soft skills training, vocational interview training, and personalized counseling for those who want to study, work or participate in vocational training in Germany. The program helps participants better understand the living and working environment, thereby minimizing risks during migration.

However, besides the open opportunities, the German market also places increasing demands on the quality of international human resources. Good German language proficiency, cultural adaptability, working skills in a modern industrial environment, and the spirit of proactive integration are required. Methodical preparation from language, skills to professional attitude is considered a key factor in ensuring sustainable integration and long-term success in Germany.

The Vietnam-Germany Education and Employment Association is promoting cooperation with educational institutions and businesses in Germany to improve the quality of training (Photo: Dinh Hoa).

In recent years, in Vietnam, there has been a lot of inaccurate or misleading information about studying and working in Germany. Many students, students and parents do not properly understand the nature of vocational training programs, leading to a lack of preparation in German, life skills, and career orientation, or setting expectations that are not close to reality.

Also, organizations and individuals have taken advantage of Germany's open-door policy and the lack of information of parents to seek profits, even committing fraudulent acts, affecting the interests of learners, the reputation of cooperation between the two countries, and the image of the Vietnamese community in Germany.

There is an urgent need to have an effective coordination mechanism, strengthen supervision and build a common voice among genuine units operating in the field of study abroad and employment in Germany, in order to ensure transparency, professionalism and towards the sustainable development of the market.

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