The status of English language education in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) in the era of Doi Moi, or economic structuring that began in 1986, is analyzed. Background information is given on the history of English language training in Vietnam since 1975, the municipality of Ho Chi Minh City, the emergence of Doi Moi policy, policy concerning licensing of language schools, school structure and administration, enrollment, availability of instructional materials, and the design of the foreign language certificate program, a system of written examinations administered by the ministry of education. Four programs, two of them evening programs, are then described in detail, including information on program structure, instructional materials used, curriculum design, teaching methodology, student profile, and teacher profile. Notes on additional schools observed are also presented. Appended materials include one standardized English examination, an English translation of the application form required to open a foreign language school in the city, and a sample unit of one set of instructional materials. Contains 4 references. (MSE)