Strong international diplomacy skills are becoming increasingly vital as Vietnam integrates with the world. They are essential for the country’s prestige and intra-governmental political and business affairs. We talked with Dr. Tran Xuan Hiep, Dean of the DTU Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, to learn more about the International Relations major, in preparation for the 2019 enrollment season.
Dr. Tran Xuan Hiep
Reporter: International Relations relates to diplomatic and global issues and interactions between non-governmental organizations, multinational companies and so on. Can you give us more information about the course?
Currently, DTU is the only university offering a major of International Relations in Central Vietnam, other universities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city teach it there too.
International Relations has become a popular recent choice for incoming applicants and diplomacy studies are an integral part of this major in Vietnam and internationally. Graduates will be equipped with an in-depth understanding of international culture, economics, politics and social issues. The major focuses on developing mature, knowledgeable and self-confident students who can quickly adapt to different environments and careers.
Reporter: Global integration is accelerating development in all countries. At DTU, International Relations graduates can gain the best education and find the best jobs. Can you tell us about the qualifications required in this field and potential career prospects?
All developed countries concentrate on training the highest levels of diplomatic experts in the peaceful development of ongoing, changing bilateral and multilateral relations. Skillful International Relations graduates are strongly positioned to benefit from this trend in a fast-growing country like Vietnam.
Diplomats can work for the government or in other fields, in local or foreign businesses, in hospitality and tourism, the media, with NGOs, in education or by continuing university research studies in foreign affairs, national security and defense. DTU offers the only Master’s degree programs in Central Vietnam.
DTU organizes regular International Relations meetings
Reporter: Where are DTU graduates currently employed?
Over the past 2 years, the employment rate of International Relations graduates has doubled. Currently many of them are on paid internships, including Nguyen Thi Thanh An at the Binh Dinh Department of Foreign Affairs; Hoang Trong Thang at the Department of Science and Technology & International Cooperation (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment); Bui Thi Ngoan at the Bac Can Women’s Union; Truong Thi Xuyen at the Danang Trade Promotion Agency; Hoang Tien at PeaceTrees Vietnam, in Quang Tri province; Le Ba Khanh Thanh as Director of Entertainment at the Eden Hotel; and Vo Van Loi at the Danang MB Bank.
Reporter: Students in International Relations must be proficient in English and communications. How does DTU teach them these skills?
Currently, there are 3 foreign lecturers in International Relations, Professor Ulas Basar Gezgin, Dr. Elena Katyshevtseva and Dr. Tymofii Brik. Their students are exposed to special foreign languages which are taught with advanced learning methods. Students will become fluent in English/Chinese/Japanese.
The course will also develop the essential International Relations soft skills, such as Cultural Diplomacy, Public Relations, the Art of Negotiation, International Business Economics, Diplomatic Events, Public Speaking and so on.
The advanced PBL (Problem-Based Learning/Project-Based Learning) teaching method is used in International Relations education, and an International Relations and Foreign Languages clubs have been established to help students broaden their practical experience.
Reporter: Recently, more and more high-scoring applicants have chosen to study International Relations at DTU. What do you think of that?
The major offers a variety of career prospects for graduates. A large number of applicants have High School graduation scores of over 20, including Nguyen Thi Khanh Hoa from Quang Binh province with 23; Nguyen Thi Phuong Anh from Quang Tri province with 24; and Hoang Tu Trinh from Lam Dong province with 25, and the International Relations major fully meets their needs.
In 2019, DTU will award the following scholarships to International Relations applicants:
- DTU scholarships worth 1 to 5 million vnd each to International Relations applicants major with a High School Graduation Exam three-course grade average three points higher than the minimum admissions grade.
- Scholarships of 500,000 to 2 million vnd each for applicants with a High School transcript of 22 or more.
- Direct enrollment preferential first-year scholarships, worth 5 million vnd each, for applicants who have won:
Consolation prizes (or higher) in national skilled student contests.
Consolation prizes (or higher) in national science and technology contests.
Or contact:
DTU Enrolment Center
254 Nguyen Van Linh, Danang
Hotlines: 1900 2252 - 0905 294 390 - 0905 294 391
Website: http://tuyensinh.duytan.edu.vn
Email: tuyensinh@duytan.edu
(Media Center)