Programs in English

Introduction To International Relations Programe In English At Hong Banginternational University

In  the  recent  decades,  a  number  of  states,  multinational  corporations  (MNCs),  non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations have been establishing relationships  and  developing  cooperation  in  both  regional  and  international  scale.  The process of globalization has been accelerated thanks to bilateral and multilateral integrations among different countries  in many fields, such as economic investments, commercial trade, political – cultural exchanges, educational developments, media – tourism cooperation.

However, along with the integration process, we have to deal with numerous challenges like economic – financial crisis, terrorism, environmental pollution, climate changes, conflicts related to territorial sovereignty – religion – politics, migration – refugees. Thereby, it is necessary for  countries and organizations to increase significantly collaboration in order to tackle global problems. International Relations (IR); hence, has appeared to deal with these issues.

International Relations (IR) is an inter-disciplinary field and one of the majors in Political Science.  IR  emphasizes  on  investigating  the  interactions  between  state  governments, international   organizations   and   non-governmental   organizations   within   regional   and international issues, namely, Economic – Politics – Cultural relations, International security, International laws, Negotiation – Diplomacy, Public media, and other global affairs.

Although IR is an emerging major in Hong Bang International University, HIU is the only institution in Vietnam which offers IR program entirely in English. As a pioneer, we aim to train young generations to have extensive knowledge, multi-dimensional thinking, good foreign language skills in order to provide high-quality resources for future job markets, especially the current period when Vietnam is now growing integration and developing.

1. Why should you choose IR program in English at HIU?

At HIU, IR students will approach international relations through interesting subjects relating to politics, diplomacy, economics, law, sociology, psychology, history, geopolitics, media, culture, mainstream theories, and ideology in IR. They are instructed by highly professional the academic team of experienced and enthusiastic lecturers, 100% them hold overseas postgraduate degrees from advanced countries.

Besides,  students  are  also  equipped  with  essential  skills  during  their  studies  such  as negotiation  –  diplomacy  skill,  critical  thinking,  public  speaking,  research  writing,  public relations, information analysis and synthetic, effective time management through team work.

Especially, IR students have the outcome standard equivalent to IELTS 6.5 and another optional foreign language from basic to intermediate level such as Japanese, Chinese, or Korean. With above high outcome standard, students will numerous job opportunities with high competitive ability on domestic and international job market.

From the second year, IR students at HIU will be referenced to do internship at diplomatic agencies, consulates, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, domestic and foreign businesses in order to assist students to gain practical experience and career orientation. In addition, students also have the opportunity to participate in student exchange programs,  cultural  exchanges  at  international  organizations  and  foreign  universities  in partnership with HIU.

What are the career prospects and opportunities for IR students in English program at HIU?

With a favorable environment for peaceful and stable development, Vietnam has been increasingly developing and integrating deeply, thereby enhancing the proactive role, and position  of  Vietnam  in  international  arena.  Therefore,  by  possessing  inter-disciplinary knowledge, professional skills and proficiency in at least one foreign language, IR graduates can become potential candidates in the following fields and professions:

•    * Diplomat, international negotiator, policy researcher and analyst  at state agencies such as the external relations office, consulates, embassies and international organizations.

•    * Brand  promoters,  external  affairs  specialist,  human  resource  management,  public relations, event organizer in companies, multinational corporations, and international organizations.

•    * Project manager, project coordinator, media representative, assistant, volunteer at NGOs, and international organizations.

•    * Teaching and conducting research in political science, international relations, foreign policy,   international   economic   relations,   international   organizations   at   colleges, universities and research institutes.

3. What did students say about the International Relations program at HIU?

‘As the first generation of International Relations major (English Program) at HIU, I was fortunate to learn and receive dedicated guidance and support from lecturers of the Department. All lecturers have diverse and profound knowledge about the world through the process of studying, researching, and  working  abroad  such  as  UK,  Australia,  USA,  Japan,  Korea,  etc.  In addition, I and my classmates also had the opportunity to learn the updated of  the  international  relations  program,  which  has  been  modified  by enthusiastic lecturers of the department. Instead of focusing only on politics, the revised program features a variety of business and media subjects that can suit individual interests and broaden our career paths and employment opportunities upon graduation. To sum up, the revised IR program in 2020 is a flexible version of the original program that can provide IR students with more career options based on their interests and competencies in various areas of IR’

(Huynh Cat Vy, International Relations student, cohort 2020)

‘Personally,  I  think  international  relations  is  a  major  that  can  provide information about most aspects of society. If you are a “fan” of history, philosophy, politics, or you are simply someone who is always ready to know everything in your daily life, then this major is probably the right choice for you.’

(Nguyen Tram My My, International Relations student, cohort 2020)

‘I have a special interest in English, I really love this language when I was young. Later, when I grew up, I had chance to expose English through books and movies. By chance, once I saw that Hong Bang International University was  recruiting.  When  I  was  consulting  many  different  professions,  I confused  between  studying  English  language  or  Tourism  and  Travel Management. The name International Relations came across as a savior so that I decided to choose IR in English. I thought I would like to study something related to global issues, so I decided to learn it through the global language, English’.

(Vo Thi Thanh Truc International Relations students, cohort 2020)

During my time studying at HIU, I was able to participate in  two  extracurricular  trips to visit the Ao Dai Museum in District 9, and a two-day experience trip to Vung Tau City and both were unforgettable  experiences. I have  learned a lot of valuable knowledge  about different   cultures,   history, and religions. Besides, I also made   many   new   friends from different majors. I really appreciate these trips because they motivate me to remain  effective  academic results.’

(Pham Tuan, International Relations student, cohort 2020)

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities offers outstanding study programs which meet international standards and provides students the most practical experience. The modern and well-equiped facilities and enthusiastic, knowledgeble and experienced lecturers ensure the best study environment for students. The learner-centered approach and project-based learning method with the combination of academic theory and pratice will help students develop their full potential of qualities and competencies. A wide and tight network with corporates and academic institutions domestically and internationally with the determination of “Bringing students to corporates" and “Bringing corporates to the university" provide students the broad choices in internship and the best employment opportunities. The global mindset and adaptive ability of our students ensure their success in a competitive, international and multicultural working environment.