Keynote Speakes - INTESOL Conference 2026

NTESOL Conference 2026 - "Towards English as a Second Language in Vietnam: Pedagogical, Policy, and Practice Perspectives".

Vietnam is entering a critical stage in its language education development, with English increasingly positioned not merely as a foreign language, but as a second language for education, employment, and international engagement.

INTESOL Conference 2026 provides an academic and professional forum to examine what it truly means to move from English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to English as a Second Language (ESL) in the Vietnamese context.

This transition raises fundamental questions about curriculum design, teaching methodology, assessment practices, teacher education, learner identity, language policy, and classroom realities across educational levels.

The conference welcomes researchers, teacher educators, practitioners, policymakers, and graduate students to critically explore how English can be taught, learned, assessed, and lived as a second language in Vietnam and comparable ESL-emerging contexts.

Participation in the conference is free of charge, supporting inclusive and nationwide academic exchange.

KEYNOTE SPEAKS 

"Integrating Debate-Based Pedagogy to Support Vietnam’s Transition from EFL to ESL".

Dr. Nguyen Thuy Hong Van
INTESOL Worldwide Trainer

Abstract

Vietnam is undergoing a major change in English language education, moving from the traditional model of English as a Foreign Language toward a more communicative English as a Second Language orientation. This keynote explores how debate-based pedagogy can help learners use English more confidently, think critically, examine evidence, and respond meaningfully to different viewpoints. By integrating classroom debates into English teaching, the presentation highlights practical ways to strengthen communication, engagement, and critical thinking in Vietnamese classrooms.

Biography

Dr. Nguyen Thuy Hong Van is the Founder of VEDUCON and INTESOL Vietnam, the Master Franchise of INTESOL Worldwide in Vietnam. With more than 30 years of experience in education, she has made significant contributions to teacher development and educational innovation. She is also the author of ALAP’s certified teacher training course, Teaching Debate: A Professional Training Course for Educators. Guided by her belief that “sharing knowledge brings happiness,” Dr. Van is dedicated to empowering educators and bringing critical thinking into classrooms across Vietnam.

"Transfer of Pedagogical Models: The Experience of Naberezhnye Chelny State Pedagogical University in Digitalization and Internationalization of Education".

Prof. Alfinur Galiakberova
Naberezhnye Chelny State Pedagogical University, Russia

Abstract

This keynote presents the experience of Naberezhnye Chelny State Pedagogical University in integrating digitalization and internationalization into teacher education. It discusses the design of digital trainers, simulators, video lessons, and animated learning resources for teacher preparation, including support for students with disabilities. The presentation also examines international cooperation in teaching Russian as a foreign language and considers how this model may be adapted for countries transitioning from a foreign-language model to a second-language model.

Biography

Alfinur Azatovna Galiakberova is a Russian educator and economist currently serving as Rector of Naberezhnye Chelny State Pedagogical University. She holds the title of Candidate of Economic Sciences and Associate Professor. Her leadership focuses on digital transformation, innovative teaching practices, teacher training, and international partnerships that strengthen educational quality and regional development.

"From Now to Next: Developing Essential Future-Ready Skills"

Ada Hou
Senior Academic Services Consultant, National Geographic Learning

Abstract

In a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and global connectivity, language proficiency alone is no longer enough. This keynote explores how English language classrooms can become spaces for developing future-ready skills such as adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, and global competence. Participants will discover practical strategies for embedding these skills into English language teaching and helping learners become confident, capable, and prepared for the future.

Biography

Ada Hou is a Senior Academic Services Consultant for National Geographic Learning based in Beijing, China. With more than a decade of experience in English language teaching and teacher training, she has worked with language institutions and private schools. She holds the TEFL International English Teaching Certificate, the National Senior High School English Teaching Certificate of China, and Cambridge TKT and CLIL Certificates. Her academic interests include student engagement, learner autonomy, and the integration of authentic materials into English language teaching.

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: April 5, 2026 

Notification of Abstract Acceptance: May 5, 2026 

Full Paper Submission Deadline: June 5, 2026 

Notification of Full Paper Acceptance: July 5, 2026 

Conference Date: August 7, 2026 

Proceedings Publication (PDF): September 30, 2026