International Conference "Teaching Vietnamese as a second language:Theoretical and Practical issues" co - organized by Faculty of Vietnamese studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University - Hochiminh city and Faculty of Vietnamese studies and Vietnamese language for foreigners was held in Phan Rang city, Ninh Thuan province on August 5 and 6, 2008.

The conference brought together over 60 professors and scholars specialized in teaching Vietnamese language from different countries such as USA, France, Australia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, etc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Sen, Rector of University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University - Hochiminh city was present at the Opening ceremony and gave an Opening speech, emphasizing the significance of developing Vietnamese studies as a leading academic discipline, as well as the need of creating a forum for academic exchange in teaching Vietnamese as a second language.

With over 19 research papers presented followed by lively discussion, the international conference "Teaching Vietnamese as a second language:Theoretical and Practical issues" has truly become a dynamic forum for exchange of experience and ideas as well as constructive academic debate. The conference ended with the proposal for establishing the Association of Teachers of Vietnamese as a Second Language and the invitation to all delegates to come together again in summer 2009 at the 7th International Conference of Teaching Vietnamese as a second language.