Institutional and Cultural Challenges in Korea–Vietnam Dual Degree Programs: Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Implementation

This study investigates the implementation and challenges of programs between South Korean and Vietnamese universities, with a particular focus on Busan University of Foreign Studies and its partner institutions in Vietnam.As globalization intensifies academic mobility and international cooperation, dual degree programs have emerged as a strategic model to cultivate globally competent professionals.However, differences in credit systems, academic calendars, language proficiency, curricula, and assessment standards have hindered the smooth operation of such programs.Using a mixed-methods approach combining legal review, case studies, and institutional data, this paper identifies key structural and cultural barriers in program implementation.It further analyzes the status of Vietnamese students in Korea and Korean students in Vietnam to contextualize the current state of academic exchange.The study proposes a multi-layered policy framework: short-term solutions such as standardized credit recognition and enhanced language support; medium-term strategies involving curriculum alignment and evaluation harmonization; and long-term recommendations including legal reforms and advancement toward joint degree programs.The findings suggest that dual degree programs can evolve into sustainable platforms for academic and cultural exchange if supported by coordinated institutional policies and government-level collaboration.