External assessment for training programs of Faculty of International Studies launched

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof.Dr Pham Quang Minh shared some information about the innovations of USSH's various affairs in recent years, especially in training quality assurance.

Accordingly, USSH is a leading unit within VNU Hanoi in commencing quality assurance (QA) activities at an early time. The University defines QA as an important affair that helps improve training quality and ensure its sustainable development. Quality accreditation helps universities know their place within the education system of Vietnam as well as those around the world, find their strengths and weaknesses, thereby improving themselves and continuing to integrate educationally. Up to now, the University has had 06 programs accredited according to AUN-QA standards and 24 programs peer-assessed.

Education quality accrediation helps promote the innovations of USSH's various affairs, especially the spirit of service in administrative affairs, the strengthening of research and teaching capabilities and the spirit of international integration.

Faculty of International Studies was established in 1995 and is a leading institution specializing in this major in Vietnam. Up to now, the Faculty has formed four specialties: European studies, American studies, International relations and most recently International Development Studies, which is the first of its kind in Vietnam.

The growth of International Studies as a major has been socially recognized. In the last 20 years, the Faculty has admitted 80-100 undergraduates and around 30 master's candidates and 10 doctoral candidates. It has also received many sponsorships from international foundations for  academic activities. In the coming time, International Studies will face many difficulties and challenges. The University hopes the external assessment delegation provides realistic evaluations of the programs' weaknesses so that they can be improved.  

Assoc.Prof.Dr Le Ngoc Quynh Lam on behalf of the delegation appreciated the trust given by USSH. She said the delegation committed to do its work in an objective, transparent, and professional spirit and with the efforts by experienced members in the field of quality assessment. The delegation will work hard to provide valuable conclusions and suggestions for the development of the major International Studies.

The delegation's conclusions will be based on the University's self-assessment report; the profile of evidence provided by the University; information gathered from direct interviews with stakeholders; and observations of the Faculty's facilities, teaching sessions and surveys among its students. These sources will be compared with mission, vision and objectives of the University so specific analyses and suggestions can be offered.

The delegation is going to work at the University from April 24th to April 26th.