Experience in U.S. Higher Education

The Influence of the U.S. Higher Education Model on Vietnam's Education System

From 1987 to 1995, as Vietnam transitioned to a market economy, elements of the U.S. higher education (HE) model were indirectly reintroduced. After the normalization of relations between Vietnam and the U.S. in 1995, the two countries’ increased collaboration allowed Vietnamese policymakers and the higher education community to better understand the U.S. educational system. This led to greater consensus on adopting various U.S. higher education concepts, such as:

• A three-tiered degree system (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate)
• Mass higher education
• Credit-based education systems
• The development of community colleges
• Expansion of private universities
• Accreditation and quality assurance systems

Vietnam’s government has also expressed a desire to establish internationally recognized universities, with consultation from U.S. institutions.

In Vietnam’s long-term strategic plans for higher education reform, many ideas are drawn from the U.S. model, which is considered well-suited to a market economy. Unlike previous phases, the upcoming adoption of U.S. education concepts will be direct and voluntary, potentially accelerating implementation and ensuring more sustainable results.

Lessons from U.S. Higher Education

The U.S. higher education system is well-developed and highly successful. However, Vietnam must carefully consider what aspects can realistically be adapted. The proverb, "An orange tree will bear oranges south of the Yangtze River, but may bear different fruit when planted to the north," highlights the need to account for local conditions.

Vietnam’s socio-economic context differs significantly from that of the U.S., making the adoption of U.S. education models challenging. While Vietnam’s reformed higher education system resembles the U.S. model in some ways, its operational capacity remains less dynamic.

Key Differences:

• In the U.S., market forces strongly influence higher education operations, with minimal direct government intervention.
• In Vietnam, remnants of centralized planning and state control persist, often resulting in direct intervention in educational administration.

Vietnam must craft a higher education system tailored to its unique circumstances and needs. Directly replicating foreign models rarely yields effective results. Critical reflection is necessary to determine which aspects of U.S. higher education are beneficial and which may not fit Vietnam’s context.

Distinct Features of U.S. Higher Education

1. Diversity and Variety:

• The U.S. boasts numerous types of universities serving diverse objectives, student interests, and academic capabilities.

2. Open Admissions:

• Virtually anyone with a high school diploma can attend a post-secondary institution. Although some institutions are highly selective, accessible options exist for all.

3. Mobility:

• Faculty and students can transfer between institutions. This flexibility accommodates changing interests, dissatisfaction, or evolving academic strengths.

4. Competition:

• Universities compete for top students, faculty, research funding, and institutional prestige.

5. Academic Freedom:

• Faculty and students enjoy the freedom to conduct research, engage in academic discourse, and address social issues.

6. Job Security for Faculty:

• Most higher education faculty hold full-time, stable positions, ensuring academic freedom and career stability.

7. Strong Governance:

• University presidents are selected by independent boards of trustees, rather than government officials or faculty. This ensures that governance reflects competence and institutional autonomy.

8. Student-Centered Education:

• U.S. universities prioritize teaching and student engagement, unlike a small subset of elite research institutions.

9. Diverse Funding Sources:

• U.S. higher education is accessible through a variety of funding mechanisms, including:
  • Student loans and grants
  • Institutional scholarships
  • Work-study programs
  • State subsidies
  • Family contributions

This multi-faceted funding model ensures that higher education remains within reach for most students.

Conclusion
While Vietnam can learn much from the U.S. higher education system, the country must adapt these lessons to its socio-economic realities. Thoughtful adaptation, rather than wholesale replication, will drive sustainable and effective higher education reform.