The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, will become one of the institutions authorized to administer the IELTS certification exam administered by the British Council.

In his welcoming remarks to the delegation, Rector Hoang Anh Tuan expressed his gratitude to Ms. Donna McGowan and the leadership team of the British Council in Vietnam for their favor, attention, and cooperation with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. In his speech, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized the position and prestige of the British Council in Vietnam as one of the leading organizations in foreign language training and educational cooperation (study abroad, international conferences) in Vietnam. Especially in the current trend, the standardization of internationally recognized foreign language certificates is a significant advantage for Vietnamese students applying for admission to international, private, and public schools from secondary to university and postgraduate levels. Furthermore, receiving proper training and achieving high-level international English certificates is also an important gateway to opening many opportunities for Vietnamese students to seek scholarships for studying abroad or high-paying jobs. Therefore, collaborating with a reputable organization and major brand like the British Council will enable the school's staff and students to improve their English proficiency, access advanced teaching methods and skills, and seek more study opportunities in the United Kingdom and other countries.

Representing the British Council in Vietnam, Ms. Donna McGowan expressed her delight at visiting and receiving such a warm welcome from the Rector and leaders of the university. She shared: The British Council is an international organization for cultural cooperation and educational opportunities from the United Kingdom, established in 1934 and now operating in over 100 countries. The British Council has been present in Vietnam since 1993 and has become a reputable organization in English language training and international cooperation in education. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities is one of Vietnam's leading universities in training and scientific research in the field of social sciences and humanities. Therefore, we are very much looking forward to comprehensive cooperation with the university in many areas: training (improving the foreign language proficiency of students and lecturers), scientific research (organizing international conferences), and introducing study abroad opportunities.

To provide a legal basis for long-term future cooperation, the two sides officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding on educational cooperation (valid for 2 years), which includes the following main contents:

- To support students and faculty in accessing information about the United Kingdom in general and the UK education system in particular.

- Organize examinations to test and assess the English proficiency of lecturers and students according to international standards.

- Develop the professional skills of English language instructors, both in terms of language proficiency and teaching methods.

- To enhance understanding of study opportunities in the UK and within the British Council network for students and faculty of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

During the signing ceremony, Ms. Donna McGowan, on behalf of the British Council in Vietnam, presented the certificate recognizing the University of Social Sciences and Humanities as one of the institutions authorized to administer the British Council's IELTS certification exam. This is an important milestone marking the effective cooperation between the two institutions and also provides a very favorable opportunity for students and staff of the university to study for and take the IELTS exam from a highly reputable and internationally recognized organization.

The signing ceremony was a great success. Both sides exchanged commemorative plaques and meaningful gifts, and took souvenir photos.