US - Viet Nam Relations

The ceremony took place following the renewal earlier this year of the 2020 Implementing Agreement, under which the Governments of Vietnam and the United States agreed to extend the Peace Corps program in Vietnam through 2030. This extension reaffirms both nations’ long-term commitment to advancing Vietnam’s English education goals and expanding collaboration between the Peace Corps and the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET).

U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Courtney Beale emphasised the importance of this milestone, saying: “With the extension of the agreement, we look forward to welcoming more Peace Corps Volunteers like those sworn in today, and continuing to build bridges and promote mutual understanding between the people of our two countries.”

U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Courtney Beale delivers remarks at the ceremony.

After the ceremony, the new Volunteers will begin their two-year service at high schools across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, working alongside Vietnamese English teachers to support MOET’s priorities in improving English language teaching and learning. Their participation is expected to help broaden future educational and workforce opportunities for students while deepening cultural exchange between the two nations.

Peace Corps Vietnam Country Director Kim Mansaray expressed appreciation for the support of the Vietnamese Government, schools and local communities. “The work you are about to begin goes far beyond individual achievement – it is grounded in service and collaboration,” she said. “Your success as Volunteers would not be possible without the support of teachers, students, and community members.”

The Volunteers also shared their excitement as they embarked on their service. Erik noted, “The true journey begins here, now. The next two years will bring challenges but also many opportunities for growth, discovery, and friendship. We are committed to serving wholeheartedly and further deepening the ties between Vietnam and the United States.” Summer added, “Our duty is not only to be good teachers, but also to learn from the communities we serve. We are grateful to be students of Vietnam, embracing the gift of learning and growing with the people we meet. As the Vietnamese saying goes: ‘Better to ask the way than go astray’.”

Summer delivers her remarks in Vietnamese in the ceremony.

The event was attended by representatives of MOET, other Vietnamese ministries and departments, school leaders, the U.S. Embassy, Peace Corps Vietnam, international organizations, and the media.

Since welcoming its first cohort in 2022, the Peace Corps has brought more than 50 Volunteers to Vietnam to support English education projects. The program continues to highlight the shared vision of both nations to advance human resource development and foster intercultural understanding.

About Peace Corps

U.S. Volunteers and Vietnamese students participate in a traditional bamboo dance.

Peace Corps is an independent agency under the Executive Branch of the U.S. government which operates a volunteer program to provide host governments with assistance on their development priorities.  Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, over 240,000 Americans have served as volunteers in more than 142 countries.  Vietnam is the 143rd country to invite and partner with the Peace Corps.

The Mission of Peace Corps is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals: To partner with the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained individuals; To promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; To promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.