In today’s increasingly globalized education landscape, attending an international school has become a popular choice for many families. However, the language barrier remains one of the greatest challenges students face when entering this new learning environment. Whether they are Vietnamese students or come from non-English-speaking countries, concerns about a child’s limited English proficiency and ability to keep up with the curriculum are always at the forefront of parents’ and students’ minds.
Recognizing the importance of this issue, leading international schools in Vietnam have continuously developed and refined a variety of comprehensive language support programs. Many international schools in Ho Chi Minh City now offer programs such as EAL (English as an Additional Language), IELP (Intensive English Language Program), and similar initiatives to ensure that students, even those not yet fluent in English or Vietnamese, have the opportunity to thrive.
Kicking off this series on international schools in Ho Chi Minh City with outstanding language support, Esearch presents the first 4 schools offering comprehensive EAL/IELP systems, a friendly, multicultural learning environment, and impressive academic achievements—helping both Vietnamese and international parents find the best-fit school for their children.
Notes – EAL & IELP Program
EAL (English as an Additional Language): A program designed for students whose first language is not English. It is integrated alongside mainstream classes so that students can study academic subjects while improving listening, speaking, reading, writing, and academic vocabulary skills to keep up with the international curriculum.
IELP (Intensive English Language Program):An intensive and concentrated English program delivered over a short period, typically before students officially join an international class. The goal is to quickly meet the English entry requirements and confidently integrate into the international academic environment. These programs not only help students acquire English more rapidly but also open the door to an inspiring and challenging international learning environment, where knowledge and opportunities are limitless.
1. AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (AIS)
Language Support: AIS offers both EAL and IELP, designed for students at all levels of English proficiency, especially those who have never studied English before. The program focuses on developing communication and academic skills while enabling students to integrate quickly into mainstream classes. EAL teachers work closely with students to ensure significant progress in a short time.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), combined with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
Ages of Admission: 18 months – 18 years
Contact Information:
Thu Thiem Campus: 264 Mai Chi Tho, An Phu, Thu Duc City – Tel: +84 (28) 3742 4040
Thao Dien Campuses: 36 Thao Dien Road, Thao Dien, Thu Duc City (APSC Compound) – Tel: +84 (28) 3744 6960
Email: info@aisvietnam.com
Website:aisvietnam.com
2. SAIGON SOUTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (SSIS)
Language Support: SSIS offers EAL from primary to high school, with personalized pathways for students with no English background. Vietnamese is not compulsory for international students. The program is taught by highly qualified teachers, combining mainstream classroom instruction with separate support sessions to help students quickly gain confidence in learning in English.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, including PYP, MYP, and DP. SSIS is committed to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning through inquiry-based education. The school integrates IB with the Vietnamese curriculum framework, ensuring students receive a globally recognized education while maintaining strong cultural and language foundations.
Ages of Admission: 3 – 18 years
Contact Information:
Address: 78 Nguyen Duc Canh, Phu My Hung, District 7
Tel: +84 (28) 5413 0901
Email: admissions@ssis.edu.vn
Website:ssis.edu.vn
3. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HO CHI MINH CITY (ISHCMC)
Language Support: ISHCMC offers IELP for middle school students (Grades 6–8) and EAL for primary and above. Upon enrollment, students are assessed to create a personalized learning plan, enabling rapid English improvement and integration into the international environment. Students with no Vietnamese and limited English can still enroll, studying both the language support and mainstream programs in parallel.
Curriculum: Continuous IB programs from Early Years–Primary (PYP) through Middle Years (MYP) to Diploma Programme (DP).
Ages of Admission: 2 – 18 years
Contact Information:
Primary Campus: 28 Vo Truong Toan St., An Khanh, HCMC
Secondary Campus: 1 Xuan Thuy St., An Khanh, HCMC
Tel: +84 (28) 3898 9100
Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn
Website:ishcmc.com
4. BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HO CHI MINH CITY (BIS HCMC)
Language Support: BIS HCMC offers EAL from Foundation 3 through to secondary school. EAL teachers provide in-class support and small group sessions to ensure students keep pace with the curriculum. Students with no Vietnamese and no English can enroll, with tailored learning plans and full participation in both academic and extracurricular activities.
Curriculum: A continuous, internationally recognized education pathway leading to IGCSE, A-Levels, and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for pre-university.
Ages of Admission: 2 – 18 years
Contact Information:
Early Years & Infant Campus: 101 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, HCMC – Tel: +84 (0) 28 3636 0055
Junior Campus: 225 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, HCMC – Tel: +84 (0) 28 3744 4551
Secondary Campus: 246 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, HCMC – Tel: +84 (0) 28 3744 2335
Website:nordangliaeducation.com/bis-hcmc
CONCLUSION
The 4 international schools in this first part all stand out with high-quality EAL & IELP programs, highly qualified teachers, and a friendly, multicultural learning environment. They are ideal choices for students with limited English proficiency to quickly integrate and achieve outstanding academic results.
If you want to explore more options, don’t miss Part 2—where Esearch will introduce another reputable international schools in Ho Chi Minh City, each with unique features in curriculum, facilities, and academic performance. This will provide a complete list to help parents easily compare and select the most suitable school for their child.
Esearch is always ready to accompany you on your journey to find the best educational environment for your children!
For more details about programs, facilities, and admissions, please visit:https://www.esearch.vn/vi
Source: Compiled by Esearch
