Expert Info
on 28 Jan 2013
Hi expats,
I am considering a move to Vietnam in July and I have a couple of questions regarding the schooling system. I hope some of you can help. I would be taking my two kids who are aged 3 and 8.
How good are the public schools? Are expat kids allowed to attend local schools or will the language barrier be too much of a problem ?
What are the best schools in Ho Chi Minh City for expat children ? I would like my 9 year old to either continue on the British national curriculum or study at an IB school ? How expensive will the fees be ?
Any insight into the Vietnamese schooling system would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
I am considering a move to Vietnam in July and I have a couple of questions regarding the schooling system. I hope some of you can help. I would be taking my two kids who are aged 3 and 8.
How good are the public schools? Are expat kids allowed to attend local schools or will the language barrier be too much of a problem ?
What are the best schools in Ho Chi Minh City for expat children ? I would like my 9 year old to either continue on the British national curriculum or study at an IB school ? How expensive will the fees be ?
Any insight into the Vietnamese schooling system would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
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There are lots of schooling options for expats in Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.
Expat students are eligable to attend some public schools in Vietnam. However, children from Europe or North America might find the teaching methods used in Vietnamese public schools to be drastically different to what they are used to.
In Vietnam there is a lot of pressure for children to achieve good grades. They are also expected to study independly and passivley. This is different to Western education systems where active participation and discussion is encouraged.
There are a small number of public schools in Ho Chi Minh City that are moving towards the American teaching model. However, you'll find these insitutions are in high demand and waiting lists are long.
While fees are very high, most expats opt to send their kids to international schools in Vietnam. This allows children to continue studying the same curricula as they would in their home country with the least amount of distruption.
Have a read of our recently updated Education and Schools in Vietnam page for more of an overview of the country's schooling system. The Education and Schools in Ho Chi Minh City page includes a list of the top international schools in Vietnam's capital.