Roles of Internationalization in Developing Vocational Education & Training in Vietnam: Challenges and Opportunities from Experts’ and VET Institutions’ Point of View in Times of Multiple Crisis

In an increasingly interconnected world, internationalization has emerged as a potent force influencing educational paradigms, including VET systems. This study explores how international collaborations, partnerships, and knowledge exchange can catalyze the enhancement of VET programs in Vietnam, aligning them with global standards and practices. Through a comprehensive analysis of expert opinions and institutional perspectives, the research illuminates the potential for internationalization to augment the quality, relevance, and marketability of VET graduates, thus contributing to the nation’s economic development and competitiveness on a global scale. However, these aspirations are juxtaposed against a backdrop of multiple crises, ranging from health emergencies to socio-economic disruptions. The paper investigates how these crises can both impede and stimulate the integration of internationalization within Vietnam’s VET sector. By examining the strategies employed by VET institutions and experts to navigate these challenges, the study identifies adaptive mechanisms and innovative approaches that harness internationalization as a tool for resilience and renewal. Ultimately, this research encapsulates a nuanced exploration of the roles of internationalization in the development of VET in Vietnam, underscoring the intricate balance between challenges and opportunities, and spotlighting the insights of experts and VET institutions as they steer education towards a more globally relevant and crisis-resilient future.