96 students recieved 2014-2015 English access microscholarship program

The fourth and final step to launch the latest iteration of an English-language mircoscholarship program for disadvantaged Vietnamese students have completed, announced the US Embassy Hanoi.

Accordingly, some of 96 outstanding secondary and high school students from less developed districts of Bac Ninh, Son La, Lao Cai and Quang Ninh provinces will be sponsored to take after school English classes at local English language centers for two years with a total of 360 hours of instruction.

US Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Mr Terry J. White presented scholarships to 25 students from Bac Ninh province on August 7. (Photo: giaoducthoidai.vn)

This program helps students to improve English skills, thus creating opportunities for jobs, opening a window to new ideas, and making better contribution to families and the society.

“With hard work, your improved English can qualify you for participation in scholarships for high school or university-level study in the US. Lack of English is a traditional hurdle for otherwise deserving applicants for Fulbright and many other US exchange programs.

The access program helps overcome this obstacle and makes these programs more inclusive”, said US Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs, Mr Terry J. White.

Funded by the US State Department, the program started in Vietnam in 2009. So far, over USD500,000 have been spent for 250 Vietnamese students.

This program for talented 13 to 20 years old from non-elite backgrounds provides a foundation of English language skills through after school classes and intensive summer sessions.

Participants are able to gain a better understanding of US culture and values, increases their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their countries, and improves their chances of participating in US educational and exchange programs and scholarships.

The students were selected via a competitive process that included nomination by their schools, clearance by the Departments of Education and Training, an English language placement test, and application screening and in-person interviews by the US Embassy Hanoi.

This year, Cleverlearn English Language Center Vietnam, Oxford English Academy Vietnam, Lao Cai Teacher Training College and Tay Bac University were selected to provide English language training for students.

(Source: CPV)