This paper provides an account of a project undertaken at University of Languages and
International Studies, Vietnam National University (ULISVNU) to institute an English fast‐track
program for students majoring in teaching English foreign language (TEFL) since 2001. Specifically,
it gives insights into the change we initiated and how we have managed it once we started in order
not to be overwhelmed by the process set in motion. This program can be described as a sea change
in the local context which has helped generate creative ideas for course organization, learning
activities and assessment methods. With great efforts by all stakeholders, the program has gained
encouraging success, improving the teaching and learning and rendering a better quality of
University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS) graduates.
