Choosing The Best International School in Vietnam

Curriculum and Accreditation

British Curriculum (Cambridge IGCSE, A Levels)

Students who excel in mathematics, sciences, and technical subjects tend to thrive with Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels curriculums. The flexible subject combinations allow students to cater studies to their strengths.
The heavy emphasis on exams and achievement tests also suits highly motivated and competitive students.
Cambridge accreditation aids university applications worldwide including in the UK, Australia, India, and Canada due to international recognition.

American Curriculum

For students seeking to study at an American university, an American curriculum establishes a solid foundation in subjects like English, History, and the Sciences which are emphasized on US entrance exams like the SAT.
The American system also provides robust college counseling to direct students through the US university application process including standardized testing preparation.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The interdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach of IB benefits creative students who enjoy analyzing issues from multiple perspectives across subject areas.
IB forms a strong basis for global university applications with a focus on shaping well-rounded, adaptable students.
For children needing a curriculum accommodating frequent relocation, IB offers consistency and international portability across schools worldwide.

Bilingual/ESL Curriculum

Students still developing English proficiency flourish in a bilingual English-Vietnamese school model with ESL support integrated across subjects.
Bilingual instruction allows students to expand their Vietnamese language abilities while mastering academic content.

So in essence, the child's academic strengths, interests, future study plans, and language abilities should steer curriculum and accreditation selection. Consulting with school advisors helps determine the optimal match.

Language Immersion

Extent of Immersion - Understand how many courses and what percentage of the school day involves the immersion language vs. English. Complete immersion is more intensive.
Language Levels - Look for differentiated language instruction based on existing proficiency, with classes grouped by fluency level so students are challenged appropriately.
Native Speaking Teachers - Teachers who are native speakers of the immersion language can provide greater fluency-building opportunities. Look for credentials.
Language Support - Supplementary ESL instruction, tutoring and other language learning support resources help students new to the language thrive. Inquire about offerings.
Testing and Tracking - Annual language proficiency assessments ensure students meet milestones, and inform adjustment of language level placement as skills progress.
Language Mix - For multilingual/bilingual schools, understand the balance of languages used across grades and subjects. Languages should align with goals.
Local Integration - For Vietnamese immersion, cultural activities further language retention and local integration. Examine opportunities available.

Visiting immersion classrooms provides the best gauge of language utilization and teaching methods. Also, note the availability of mother tongue instruction so children don't lose native language abilities.

Facilities and Resources

The facilities and resources offered by international schools in Vietnam play a major role in providing a high-quality education.

Science labs - Look for fully equipped labs for chemistry, biology, physics allowing for hands-on experimental learning guided by lab safety and standard operating procedures.
Performing Arts - Auditoriums, music rooms, dance studios, black box theaters etc. let students showcase creativity. Quality of equipment like lighting, sound systems, instruments matters.
Sports and Athletics – Field quantity and types (football, track, baseball, tennis courts etc.), gymnasium, swimming pool. Equipment for various sports influences opportunities.
Classrooms - Well-lit, spacious classrooms with adequate seating, technology integration (smartboards, screens, WiFi), temperature control, locker access.
Libraries – Size, book/media selection, reading spaces, computer access to ensure materials for projects and enrichment.
Technology - 1:1 laptop programs, tablets, coding/robotics equipment, 3D printing and design labs, video production studios.
Academic Support – Tutoring, learning specialists (ESL, special needs), university counseling, services for gifted students.
Extracurriculars – Variety of clubs/activities including arts, STEM, service, diversity groups. Helps students pursue interests.

Visiting the campus for a tour helps evaluate if the facilities and resources match the advertised offerings to support your child's needs. Testing equipment, using the library, and observing classes provides insights on the quality and utilization of assets.

School Culture and Size

Visiting classrooms and chatting with administrators, teachers, parents, and students provides insights on school culture. Review handbooks for discipline policies. Gauge if the size facilitates an optimal learning experience for your child.

Leadership - The values and approach of the school's directors and principals shapes the institution's culture. Look for student-centered leaders committed to progress.
Community - Fostering community spirit via traditions, events, competitions between grades/houses. This facilitates a sense of belonging.
Parental Involvement - Encouraging parent participation through volunteering, committees, fundraising builds family connections.
Student Leadership - Providing leadership roles like student council, prefects, club leaders enables student initiative.
Discipline Policy - Ensure disciplinary methods are constructive rather than punitive. Discipline should instill community responsibility.
School Size - Smaller student body sizes allow for more attentive coaching and mentorship from teachers.
Class Size - Classes with lower student-to-teacher ratios ensure no students slip through cracks. Ask average class sizes per grade level.
Student Diversity - Multicultural student populations promote intercultural awareness and celebrate diversity through festivals, clubs, etc.

Location and Transportation

Accessibility - Ensure the school is within a reasonable commute distance of your home or workplace in Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City. Remote schools add commute time.
Transportation Routes - Evaluate school bus routes or availability of public transit/walking routes in the area. Traffic patterns impact drive times.
Commute Time - Rush hour congestion in Vietnam cities can make commute times unpredictable. Test out commutes during peak times.
Walkable Areas - Schools in walkable neighborhoods allow students independence to walk/bike safely to school. This provides convenience.
Private Transport - Using private vans or cars is an option but may be less sustainable or costlier over time compared to school buses or public transit passes.

Costs and Planning Ahead

Tuition Increases - Ask about average annual tuition increases at the school. Plan budgets to account for incremental rises each year.
One-time Fees - Some schools charge application fees, entrance exams fees, facility fees, security deposits in addition to tuition.
Payment Plans - Many schools offer payment installments, discounts for annual/quarterly payments. Consider optimal payment plans.
Financial Aid - Eligibility for scholarships, financial aid varies by school. Ensure to apply on time.
University Planning - Research how local vs. international curriculums affect university applications in desired countries and required exams (SAT, ACT, BMAT etc).