Our Language
Courses
Ready to start learning? Explore the Vietnamese language courses we offer at Brown University.
Course Catalog
Whether you’re starting fresh or building on what you know, our Vietnamese courses at Brown University are here to support your learning journey with the Vietnamese language. Pick the level that matches your journey and explore what it offers.
VIET0100 & VIET0200
Beginner Vietnamese
New to Vietnamese? Start here! Learn the basics and build a strong foundation in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
VIET0300 & VIET0400
Intermediate Vietnamese
Ready to level up? Dive deeper into the language, enhance your skills, and start holding conversations with confidence.
Intercultural Competence Certificate
The Certificate in Intercultural Competence recognizes your ability to apply language and cultural knowledge to bridge differences, challenge biases, and contribute to a just and peaceful world. This certificate is designed to prepare you for a future of collaborating with people from all over the world —whether in business, academia, social justice, or any field that brings people together from around the globe.
At Brown, you can earn this certificate with a focus on Vietnamese. By combining language courses, area studies, and experiential learning, you’ll develop the skills to navigate and contribute to multicultural environments while deepening your understanding of Vietnamese culture.
For more details on requirements, visit the Center for Language Studies (CLS) website.
Vietnamese Language
Program in the News!
Brown offers its first Vietnamese classes – Brown Daily Herald [https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2021/10/u-offers-its-first-vietnamese-classes] 
Vietnamese artist Xuân-Lam Nguyễn blends tradition and contemporary art [https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2024/12/vietnamese-artist-xuan-lam-nguyen-blends-tradition-and-contemporary-art]
Offering Vietnamese “reflects a kind of acknowledgment (of) Southeast Asian history and (its) place in academia.”
Kaitlan Bui ’22
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions? Here are some common questions that Cô Trang receives from students in the beginning of the semester. If your question is not here, feel free to contact Cô Trang at trang_tran@brown.edu.
Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the Vietnamese courses?
There are no prerequisites for enrolling in VIET 100. However, VIET 100 and VIET 200 must be taken together as a sequence. To enroll in VIET 300 or VIET 400, students must either complete both VIET 100 and VIET 200 or take a placement test.
What materials will I need for these courses?
Students will need a textbook, which will be outlined in the course syllabus. An electronic device is also required to do in class exercises or access online resources, along with pencils or pens for completing written exercises.
How are the courses structured?
Each unit in the course has an introduction and background information where students will learn vocabulary, followed by group and individual exercises to enhance understanding. Courses will include class presentations and oral/in class exams. Students are expected to attend TA hours each week. Some classes may include field trips to the local Providence community.
Are there any cultural or community events related to the Vietnamese language program?
Yes! We host Vietnamese Teaching Assistant (TA) language tables where students can engage in conversations about Vietnamese culture. In addition, the Vietnamese Language Program and the East Asian Studies Department regularly organize cultural and community events. To stay updated on upcoming activities, sign up for our newsletter on the homepage!
What is the expected workload for these courses?
The workload varies depending on the course level. In general, students are expected to attend class daily, participate in TA and instructor office hours, and complete exercises to reinforce their learning.
Tiếng Việt @ Brown 