An analysis of the community college concept in the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

The purpose of this study was to discover if core characteristics exist forming a Vietnamese community college model and to determine if the characteristics would explain the model. This study utilized three theoretical orientations while reviewing the existing literature, formulating the research questions, examining the data and drawing conclusions. The exploration of the community college concept in Viet Nam was framed by human capital theory and social capital theory. Aspects of organization theory were considered to examine the community college as an emerging organization designed to increase human and social capital in Viet Nam.;Eleven of the existing 12 community colleges were examined utilizing a multiple qualitative case study approach. During June 2009, field work was conducted in Viet Nam that involved visits to the 11 case study community colleges, to the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges (VACC), and to the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, field notes from observation, document review, and photographs of the physical facilities.;Results of the study indicate that although legislation does not exist to permanently establish the higher education institutions named community colleges, a community college model does exist and is in a state of evolution. The model can be defined by a set of core characteristics which emerged from the data in this study. Five themes were particularly prominent: (a) public higher education institutions with community ownership at the provincial or city level, in conjunction with Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) oversight for academic matters; (b) multi-disciplinary programs designed to meet the unique needs of the community; (c) multi-level certificates and diplomas are conferred up through the college level (three-year) of higher education and that articulation agreements with universities enable students to earn a university bachelor's degree; (d) domestic and international partnerships actively are sought to develop social capital; and (e) scientific and technological research based on community needs as required in the 2005 Education Law.;Decision makers (e.g. policy makers, provincial leaders, community college administrators), stakeholders (e.g. the people), and domestic and international partners working with Vietnamese community colleges can utilize the findings of this study to analyze how the community college concept will enhance the higher education system without duplicating the functions of other types of colleges. This understanding is essential to the future sustainability and development of these institutions.