As Vietnam’s international school sector surges, choosing the right academic environment for your child has never been more crucial. This guide, featuring insights from Ms. Hoang Ha Minh, CEO of Westminster Academy—a premier educational center in Hanoi known for its pioneering tutoring methods—will help parents and expats make informed decisions for their children’s education.
According to online newspaper Dân trí, the number of new international schools in Vietnam has increased by 5% over the past two years, making the country comparable to Japan and placing it among the top five globally in this regard. Statistics from ISC Research reveal that Vietnam now boasts more than 120 international schools from preschool to high school levels, predominantly located in major cities. Compared to 2019, these schools have surged by 42%, accompanied by a 30% increase in student enrollment. The curricula offered at these schools are diverse, including Cambridge (CAIE), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Advanced Placement (AP) programs, with the Cambridge program being the most prevalent at 35.4%.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of parents increasingly preferring to enroll their children in international schools within Vietnam or in international education programs. This shift reflects significant changes in the criteria for selecting schools. With the rising number of schools (from preschools to high school), mainly in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, parents are heavily investing in their children’s education.
Surveys indicate that some families allocate up to 50% of their spending to send their children to international standard schools, with average tuition fees ranging from 500-900 million VND per year Families with higher incomes typically spend around 20-25 million VND per month for their children to study at private, high-quality bilingual schools. Additionally, in the era of globalization and development 4.0, Vietnamese parents are choosing international schools to provide their children with a global learning environment, fostering personal development and proficiency in foreign languages, thus laying a solid foundation for future overseas studies.
The increased demand for international schools in Vietnam is closely linked to the growing expatriate population, driven by economic opportunities, quality of life, and the need for a continuous and high-standard education for their children. Expat families often seek international schools to ensure continuity in their children’s education because they provide globally recognized curricula (such as the IB, British, or American systems) that facilitate easy transitions between countries. In addition, international schools typically have a diverse student body, which helps expat children integrate more easily, reducing the cultural shock of moving to a new country. They also provide strong support networks for expatriate families, offering a sense of community and belonging.
Choosing Schools for Expat Families New to Vietnam
Foreigners moving to Vietnam should be aware of the various educational options available for their children. Vietnam offers a diverse and high-quality education system, but parents need to consider specific procedures based on each school’s requirements. Most expat families choose to enroll their children in international schools, which follow various international curricula (e.g., International Baccalaureate (IB), British system (Cambridge), American (Common Core), Australian, etc.). These schools provide a diverse environment and excellent facilities. In Ho Chi Minh City, notable schools include the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), the International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP), and the British International School (BIS HCMC). In Hanoi, top options are the United Nations International School Hanoi (UNIS), the British International School Hanoi (BIS Hanoi), and the British Vietnamese International School Hanoi (BVIS).
Insights from Ms.Hoàng Hà Minh – CEO of Westminster Academy on School Selection
Ms. Hoang Ha Minh, a member of the Business Executive network in Hanoi, transitioned from a banking career in London and Vietnam to her venture into the education sector. With a passion for education and a fresh perspective, she founded Westminster Academy, an educational center in Hanoi that uses pioneering methods to tutor children for international academic programs. According to Minh, selecting an international school for children is a challenging decision for families due to the substantial “investment” involved. Parents generally have specific criteria for making their school choice, carefully considering various factors, from curriculum and academic standards to location, facilities, and community fit. Minh highlights that the three most important factors for parents to consider when choosing an international school are the continuity of education to ensure the chosen curriculum allows for a smooth transition if they move to another country or return to their home country; support for newcomers including orientation programs and buddy systems to help the child adjust and the Community and Cultural Fit.
Minh emphasizes that children can face many challenges when adjusting to a new environment. Expat parents, especially those who are very busy, might consider finding a companion to help their children adapt to a new country and educational setting. Tutoring and mentoring are invaluable resources for expat families in Vietnam, addressing various academic, linguistic, cultural, and emotional challenges that come with relocation.
Personalized attention, language support, academic continuity, and emotional adjustment are just some of the critical benefits that make tutoring an essential component of a successful transition to a new educational environment. Tutors help expat children thrive academically and socially in their new country by providing tailored support and bridging gaps.
Westminster Academy specializes in tutoring, academic support, and international academic program preparation. All Westminster Academy tutors graduated from highly ranked universities worldwide such as The London School of Economics and the University of Oxford. 100% of students in the tutoring program improve by at least one level after studying for at least three months at the center.
In 2023, 50% of students tutored by Westminster Academy achieved A* and A grades in IGCSE and A Level subjects. 100% of students passed, with 75% of students achieving a score of 5 or above in the IBDP program. Additionally, 100% of students preparing for the IB Business exam achieved scores of 6 and 7. The center is committed to being a reliable and professional destination for both local and international students. Don’t hesitate to contact us below to find out more about our programs.
Website: https://westminster.edu.vn/
Fanpage: Westminster Academy Vietnam
Hotline: 089 8585 850 | 094 2282 285
Email: info@westminster.edu.vn
Headquarter: No 24, alley 4, Dang Van Ngu, Dong Da, Hanoi.
Campus 2: 1st floor, CT13B, Nam Thang Long urban area (Ciputra), Tay Ho district, Hanoi.
