Today’s Vietnam is preoccupied with becoming one of Asia’s leading economic tigers by growing its international trade connections.

To achieve that objective, it has invested heavily in public education, including pre-school programs in rural areas and making the Internet available to students throughout the country.

It also encourages students to learn English, the universal language of the business world.

Thus English is taught in most rural and city elementary schools, a sharp contrast from 20 years ago when anyone caught learning it was subject to arrest because of resentment over the American presence during the Vietnam War.

Now, youngsters rush up to English-speaking tourists and shout out: “Hello, my name is …” and “How are you?” and “It is very good to meet you. Goodbye.”

- William B. Ketter