English Proficiency in Vietnam: Is It Good Enough for Remote Collaboration?

Admin Team July 10, 2024

As U.S. companies increasingly look to Vietnam to hire remote teams, one key question often arises: “Is English proficiency in Vietnam good enough for smooth, professional collaboration?” The short answer? Yes—especially in tech and business roles. This post breaks down the real state of English skills in Vietnam and how to set your team up for success.

English in Vietnam: A Rapidly Improving Landscape

Vietnam has made massive strides in English education. According to the EF English Proficiency Index (2023), Vietnam ranks #58 out of 113 countries—and #7 in Asia, ahead of major economies like China and Thailand. Professionals working in tech, outsourcing, and international business often speak and write English at a high level.

English Proficiency in Vietnam’s Tech and Remote Workforce

If you’re hiring remote developers, designers, or project managers, you’ll find that strong working English is the norm, especially in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Many of these professionals work in English daily, learn from English-based platforms, and have degrees from international programs.

How Vietnamese Professionals Compare to Other Talent Markets

Criteria	Vietnam	Philippines	India
Reading/Writing	Strong in tech & business	Strong across all roles	Strong in urban centers
Spoken Fluency	Moderate to strong	Very strong (official lang)	Variable by region
Accent & Clarity	Neutral, improving	Neutral, U.S.-friendly	Varies, can require adjustment

How to Ensure Smooth Communication

Screen for English: Use interviews, writing tests, or async video tools. VietAssist can help pre-vet for proficiency.
Use Clear, Written Communication: Vietnamese professionals excel with documentation. Use project tools and record quick videos for clarity.
Encourage Confidence: Build trust and normalize “imperfect” English. Focus on ideas, not accents.
Set Cultural Context: Avoid U.S. idioms or slang. Aim for direct, simple language and be explicit in expectations.

Bottom Line: Yes, English in Vietnam Is Strong Enough

English proficiency in Vietnam is not only "good enough"—in most cases, it’s more than sufficient for high-level collaboration. Many U.S. employers report that Vietnamese teams are responsive, clear in written communication, and consistently improving in spoken English. With the right onboarding and tools, you’ll find that Vietnamese professionals are exceptional remote collaborators.

👉 Ready to build a high-performing remote team in Vietnam? Book a free consultation.