The Challenges of Vietnamese Youth in Becoming Global Citizens

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the concept of being a global citizen has gained importance. Global citizens are individuals who can live and work in different countries, crossing boundaries of space, time, and culture. They contribute to the global community through their work, which benefits not only themselves but also others around the world. To become a global citizen, one needs to possess knowledge about their own country and the world, as well as global skills such as internet literacy, global communication skills, proficiency in global languages, and a global consciousness. The foundation of being a global citizen lies in having a strong sense of self and one's nation. Global consciousness is about integrating new ideas and concepts without losing one's cultural identity. It is a delicate balance of embracing modernity while still preserving the traditional beauty of one's nation. This process can be described as "integrating but not dissolving." For Vietnamese youth to become global citizens, they need to make conscious efforts in studying and cultivating knowledge about their own country, the world, and global trends. Acquiring knowledge is not enough; they also need life experiences to develop essential life skills. It is crucial for them to form global thinking, global consciousness, and national consciousness in a proper manner. However, Vietnamese youth face significant challenges in becoming true global citizens. One of the main obstacles is the lack of interest in national and world issues, trends, opportunities, and challenges. Many young people are not actively engaged in understanding the global context and its implications for their lives. This lack of interest hinders their ability to develop a global consciousness. Another challenge is the limited proficiency in foreign languages. The international working environment often requires language skills that Vietnamese people have not yet effectively developed. This limitation restricts their ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. To overcome these challenges, Vietnamese youth need to prioritize the development of global skills. They should actively seek opportunities to improve their language proficiency and engage in activities that broaden their understanding of global issues. Additionally, educational institutions and the government should provide support and resources to enhance global education and promote cultural exchange programs. In conclusion, becoming a global citizen is a journey that requires continuous learning and adaptation. Vietnamese youth have the potential to become global citizens, but they face challenges such as the lack of interest in global issues and limited language proficiency. By addressing these challenges and prioritizing the development of global skills, Vietnamese youth can contribute to the global community and thrive in the interconnected world.