For many international families moving to Vietnam, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right school for their children. In Vietnam, there is a wide variety of options: some parents prefer fully international schools with globally recognized programs, while others consider bilingual schools—where international standards are combined with Vietnamese language and culture.
So, what is the best choice for your family? Let’s explore the differences, benefits, and key factors to consider with Esearch.
I. KEY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
IB – International Baccalaureate: A globally recognized program focusing on independent thinking, research skills, and multicultural understanding. It includes three levels:
PYP (Primary Years Programme): Ages 3–12, emphasizes discovery and experiential learning.
MYP (Middle Years Programme): Ages 11–16, develops critical thinking and creativity.
DP (Diploma Programme): Ages 16–19, advanced study in specialized subjects preparing for university.
Cambridge Assessment International Education: Developed by the University of Cambridge (UK), this system is taught in over 160 countries and 10,000 schools.
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education): For ages 14–16 (Grades 9–10), covering 5–14 subjects such as Math, Science, Languages, Arts, and Technology. Often a pathway to A-Levels or other pre-university programs.
A-Levels (Advanced Level): For ages 16–18 (Grades 11–12), widely used in the UK and Cambridge-system schools worldwide. Students usually study 3–4 subjects in depth; results determine university admission in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and beyond.
AP – Advanced Placement (US Program): For high school students (Grades 10–12), offering college-level courses in Math, Science, History, Arts, Languages, and more. High AP scores can grant college credit, making this a popular path for students preparing to study in the US.
II. UNDERSTANDING THE TWO MODELS
1. BILINGUAL SCHOOLS
Students making traditional “bánh chưng” at Vietnam Tinh Hoa Bilingual School
(Source: Viet Nam Tinh Hoa School)
Bilingual schools in Vietnam usually combine the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) national curriculum with an international program such as Cambridge or IB. MOET ensures mastery of national subjects (Math, Literature, History), while the international program introduces modern subjects in English, developing global perspectives.
Many bilingual schools in Ho Chi Minh City offer hybrid models, such as EMASI (Cambridge), Vietnam Tinh Hoa (IB), or TIS (American curriculum alongside MOET).
Advantages:
Cultural integration: Students learn Vietnamese and English, while understanding Vietnamese history and traditions—helping them connect with local society.
Affordable: Tuition is typically 30–50% lower than full international schools.
Balanced choice: Ideal for mixed Vietnamese–expat families or long-term expat families in Vietnam, supporting both academic growth and cultural identity.
Disadvantages:
Heavy workload: Students follow both MOET and international curricula, which can be stressful.
Inconsistent quality: The level of “international” varies by school.
Limited qualifications: Some schools do nott offer full IB or A-Levels, requiring extra certificates for overseas study.
Less international exposure: Student bodies are often majority Vietnamese.
2. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Waste sorting activity at Saigon South International School
(Source: SSIS)
Fully international schools in Vietnam follow 100% international curricula, such as IB, Cambridge (IGCSE, A-Levels), or US-based (AP, Common Core). Some also offer national systems from France, Germany, Korea, Japan, or Canada to serve diverse expat communities.
Instruction is primarily in English, though schools with national systems (French, German, Korean, Japanese, etc.) use their own languages. Students are not required to follow MOET. The environment is highly international, with many foreign students and some Vietnamese students fluent in English and oriented toward overseas study.
Advantages:
Seamless transition: Ideal for international students, as teaching methods, language, and classroom environments match what they’re used to abroad.
Globally recognized diplomas: Accepted by top universities worldwide.
Rich extracurricular activities: Model UN, robotics, professional sports, and more.
Strong international community: Parents also benefit from networking and cultural exchange.
Disadvantages:
Very high tuition: Typically, USD 20,000–40,000/year, significantly higher than bilingual schools.
Limited exposure to Vietnamese culture: Vietnamese students may lack advanced Vietnamese literacy or cultural knowledge.
High language requirements: Non-native English speakers may struggle initially.
Re-entry challenge: Harder to adapt back to MOET or Vietnamese schools if families switch systems.
III. KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL PARENTS
When choosing between bilingual and international schools in Vietnam, parents should weigh:
Future education plans: International schools are best if targeting study abroad, especially in English-speaking countries. Bilingual schools offer flexibility to continue in Vietnam.
Child’s age: Younger children adapt easily in bilingual environments; older students benefit from the stability of international programs.
Budget: International schools cost USD 20,000–40,000/year; bilingual schools range from USD 7,000–15,000/year.
Cultural goals: Bilingual schools foster Vietnamese cultural ties, while international schools provide consistency for globally mobile families.
CONCLUSION
There is no single “best” choice—it depends on each family’s goals, resources, and future plans. If you seek a consistent global pathway for studying abroad, international schools may be the optimal choice. If you value cultural integration, flexibility, and balanced costs, bilingual schools could be more suitable.
Esearch is always ready to accompany you in finding the best educational environment for the next generation!
For more details about programs, facilities, and admissions, please visit: https://www.esearch.vn/en.
Source: Compiled by Esearch
