Hanoi University

Hanoi university is known for teaching a wide variety of foreign languages, so students are often proficient in languages like English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, German, and Thai. However, a recurring issue is that many students are extremely shy when it comes to speaking with foreigners. Even though they may be able to speak English or other languages, they often pretend they cannot or avoid conversation altogether. This shyness is not limited to students—some language teachers, including those teaching Spanish, French, and Japanese, also shy away from using the languages they teach in real-world interactions. On multiple occasions, foreign visitors have reported that these teachers would avoid or ignore greetings in the languages they teach, creating an awkward and disappointing experience. Despite these challenges, the university has made significant improvements since 2017. New buildings have been constructed, and the overall facilities have been upgraded, reflecting better infrastructure and possibly a stronger reputation. Nevertheless, one persistent issue remains: the behavior of some security guards. Instances of verbal abuse from guards, both towards locals and foreigners, have been reported. There was even a case where a Japanese student was brought to tears due to aggressive shouting from a guard. This raises concerns about the university’s standards for its security staff, as it appears some guards lack basic customer service skills or even basic respect for others. Foreigners visiting the university are advised to approach the older, calmer security guards, as the younger ones are often irritable and unprofessional, sometimes distracted by watching TV. In conclusion, while the university has seen many improvements, it still faces significant cultural and behavioral challenges that hinder its full potential as a welcoming and internationally-minded institution.