August 18, 2026 | 23:23 (GMT+7)
English class in middle of ocean
PANO - While sailing thousands of nautical miles to India, officers and staff of Coast Guard Region 2 continue to hold regular English classes aboard Ship 8002. Every fluent English sentence is practical preparation for communication, coordination and the successful fulfillment of defense external affairs and maritime law enforcement missions.
From the very first lesson, Senior Colonel Nguyen Minh Khanh, Second-in-command and Chief of Staff of Coast Guard Region 2, who directly provided guidance for the class, requested that the teaching methods should be practical, easy to remember and close to the missions. Instructors focused on grammar and sentence patterns directly serving communication and external relations, introducing Viet Nam’s people, country and coast guard force, and discussing professional topics.
According to Col. Khanh, holding English classes during the voyage aims to develop the ability to use English in real-life situations. Meanwhile, the classes are a concrete implementation of the program to train and improve English proficiency for the Vietnamese Coast Guard force for the 2022-2030 period.
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Sr. Col. Nguyen Minh Khanh provides guidance on effective English-learning methods for the class. |
Major Do Dang Thinh, assistant and interpreter of the International Relations Board of Coast Guard Region 2, said that the most important method was to create a comfortable atmosphere so that learners feel confident and willing to use English. Most of the officers and personnel have studied English before and received further training ashore. Therefore, they focus on helping them review and master grammar, speak fluently and improve their conversational skills. All the lessons are linked to their daily work and activities aboard the ship, including social greetings, so that everyone can practice immediately.
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Major Do Dang Thinh (left) in an English dialogue with trainees |
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Officers and personnel at the class |
Non-commissioned Captain Nguyen Khanh Hoang, an engine-room technician aboard Ship 8002 of Naval Flotilla 21, Coast Guard Region 2, shared that learning English on the vast ocean provides experiences that are different from studying under normal conditions. What he finds most effective is that the lessons are closely connected to his duties. Through studying and exchanging with comrades, they have become more confident in listening and speaking English.
Translated by Quynh Oanh