The University of Minnesota Language Center is launching a brand-new Vietnamese language sequence specifically designed for heritage learners — and it’s available this summer!
This is a meaningful opportunity for students who grew up with Vietnamese at home but want to deepen their language skills in a structured, supportive environment. The sequence offers two courses:
- VIET 1015 – Vietnamese for Heritage Learners I
- VIET 1016 – Vietnamese for Heritage Learners II
Both courses are online, use free open educational resource (OER) materials, and are designed to accommodate various proficiency levels — so students can find the right fit regardless of where they’re starting. The curriculum prioritizes conversational skills, includes multiple varieties of Vietnamese, and weaves in cultural elements throughout. VIET 1016 can also count toward the CLA second language requirement at UMN.
Minnesota is home to one of the highest concentrations of Vietnamese communities in the Midwest, and this course sequence reflects a real commitment to serving those students. Summer is a challenging time to launch a new program, but its success this season is key to advocating for offering it during the academic year — especially as some universities have been scaling back their Vietnamese language offerings.
If you know students who are looking for Vietnamese language courses, they don’t have to be enrolled at UMN — students outside the Big Ten can join as non-degree students.
👉 Learn more and find enrollment links here: cla.umn.edu/language-center/undergraduate-students/languages/vietnamese
Please share widely — every enrollment helps make the case for keeping Vietnamese language education alive and accessible!
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