AI is reshaping English‑as‑a‑Second‑Language (ESL) teaching in Vietnam. Understanding how the technology helps classrooms while still needing human teachers is essential for anyone following education trends.

The author explains that AI can generate dictation sentences, cartoons and games for classroom use, cutting the many hours teachers previously spent creating material and reducing mistakes. He also adds that AI is very good at highlighting basic English errors, which speeds up marking and review for teachers.

However, the author stresses that AI cannot create personal connections, motivate students, or convey the nuanced verbal communication that teachers provide. Because language learning depends on interaction, this gap limits AI’s ability to fully replace teachers.

National media reports say Vietnamese teachers’ English communication skills are at an all‑time low, which raises the need for foreign ESL teachers. In response, many businesses tried replacing foreign teachers with AI, saving about 75% on labor costs. Yet, those companies have largely returned to traditional models because AI lacks the connection to nuanced communication.

The author, an expat teacher, pays for an AI subscription to develop new classroom content. He finds that the more he uses AI, the better the material becomes, and the more his own teaching improves.

Overall, AI brings valuable resources that can boost efficiency and enrich lessons, but it cannot replace the human element of connection and motivation. Vietnamese ESL education therefore benefits from AI while still relying on skilled teachers.