With the approval of the Regional English Language Office, the U.S. Embassy and Thanh Hoa People’s Committee, the International Education Center at Hong Duc University held an opening ceremony for the English Access Microscholarship Program on October 27, 2023. Twenty-five students from different high schools in Thanh Hoa city were honored to receive this prestigeous scholarship.

25 outstanding high school students received the scholarship certificates at the Opening Ceremony

The event welcomed the atttendance of Ms. Mary Beth Polley, Councellor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy; Mr. Jerrold Frank, Director of the Regional English Language Office, U.S. Embassy and representatives from Thanh Hoa Department of Education and Training; Department of Foreign Affairs and other provincial organizations.

From Hong Duc University, Dr. Hoang Nam, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Hoang Thi Mai, Vice President; representatives of the university’s departments and organizations and 25 Access students.

The delegation of U.S. Embassy and representatives from Thanh Hoa Department of Education and Training; Department of foreign affairs and other provincial organizations attended the event

In its cooperation with international partners, Hong Duc University has had the most effectively collaborated programs with the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. During the period from 2020-2022, International Education Center, Hong Duc University was selected by the U.S. Embassy to implement the English Access Microscholarship Program in Thanh Hoa for 50 high school students of Thanh Hoa high school for the Ethnic minorities. The program brought numerous benefits to the participants with 100% access students admitted to reputable universities nationwide, 7 students selected for the student exchange program with the University of Montana, the USA and 6 others participated in the Access summit Event for access students from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Following the success and effectiveness of the English Access  Microscholarship Program 2020 - 2022, International Education Center, Hong Duc University has been appointed by the U.S. Embassy to implement the 2023-2025 English Access Program. The program provides opportunities for disadvantaged high school students to enhance their English language proficiency, improve their communication skills, self development, and achievements in their studies. It aims to increase their understanding of US culture and environment awareness and provide a foundation for students to actively improve their English skills in order to pursue scholarship opportunities abroad study.

Mr. Jerrold Frank- Director of The Regional English Language Office, U.S.Embassy and Dr. Hoang Nam- Vice President of Hong Duc University awarded the Scholarship to students

Addressing at ceremony, Ms. Mary Beth Polley, Councellor for Public Affairs U.S. Embassy acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the contributions of Hong Duc University, especially International Education Center, in the implementation of educational initiatives of U.S. Embassy. Ms. Mary Beth Polley also stated that the English Access Microscholarship Program is not only about English language course but a comprehensive program to equip students with the necessary skills for their success in the 21st century. Throughout the 360 hours of training, students not only enhance their English proficiency but also develop essential soft skills, IT skills, and other practical competencies in preparation for today's globalized world.

Mrs. Mary Beth Polley- Councellor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy addressed the speech at the Opening Ceremony

Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Hoang Thi Mai, Vice President of Hong Duc University, congratulated 25 students on their official admission to the program and expressed her hope that the students would effectively take this valuable opportunity to improve their English language skills, develop soft skills in communication,  self-development, teamwork and take a more active approach in in planning and study to seek scholarship opportunities for education in modern, advanced international learning environments.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Thi Mai, Vice President of Hong Duc University delivered her speech at the Opening Ceremony

Dr. Nguyen Hu Quyet- Director of the International Education Centre gave an announcement of Scholarship Decision.