Online Language Training with Shibaura Institute of Technology and FPT University of Vietnam

The Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) Center for International Programs, in collaboration with FPT University of Vietnam, has implemented an online English training program for students. The program was conducted over a two-month period during the summer vacation in three two-week cycles, with a total of 110 students from SIT participating in the program.

FPT University was established by FPT Corporation, a major Vietnamese IT company, and brings together outstanding faculty members from all over the world to provide a practical curriculum. The program is structured around a curriculum of English lessons taught by native English speakers. In addition to improving their language skills, participants are also be able to enhance their online collaboration, project management, presentation, and other skills.

A total of 110 SIT students – Sixty first-year students, twenty-four second-year students, fourteen third-year students, five fourth-year students, and seven graduate students – were divided into small classes with different levels of instruction. One participant commented that "we struggled at the beginning but were able to improve in no time as we gave it our all," and "the program was very useful".

In the course evaluation survey, 94% of the students felt that their English skills had improved and that the program was highly satisfactory.

Due to the impact of the 2020 coronavirus, cross-border travel was restricted and many international exchange programs were cancelled or postponed. Cooperation was made possible in this program, however, with the help of the FPT University, which began teaching online at an early stage. SIT and FPT University will continue to work together to build an attractive program in the future.