Education - Saigoneer

How the French Curriculum is Deeper than the French Language at La Petite Ecole

2026-03-03T12:16:00+07:00

When people hear that La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh is a French school, they assume this means it teaches the French language. While this is true, there is much more to it. Educating students in French and English from Kindergarten through Primary (ages 1–11), the bilingual school adheres to the French National Curriculum established by France’s Ministry of Education. This instills an analytical mindset and a confident, empathetic outlook that transcends any singular language. The value of these skills and traits is reflected in the student population. Half of the students come from families without a single French parent, suggesting that a French education is about far more than merely being able to speak French.

Critical Thinking that Allows Students to Understand Better

“Of course, you need knowledge, but knowledge to do what?” said Bertrand Malifarges, the new Headmaster of La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh, when explaining to Saigoneer what constitutes a French education. “You have to be able to think based on this knowledge.”

Bertrand Malifarges, Headmaster of La Petite Ecole.

As a French school adhering to the curriculum established by France’s Ministry of Education, La Petite Ecole follows state-developed frameworks and objectives for conventional subject areas, including mathematics, literacy, sciences, arts, and citizenship. The school’s educational philosophy means that “The French Curriculum does not aim to produce students who know more, but students who understand better,” Bertrand noted.

Critical thinking and a self-motivated search for the reasons behind answers underpins this school’s educational philosophy. Students consider answers and their reasons in the context of history, culture, and art through an open-ended humanist lens, according to Mary Malifarges, La Petite Ecole’s Pedagogical Advisor. Reflection and analysis are stressed alongside the ability to argue one’s viewpoints via written essays, as opposed to tests that simply require memorization.

The Importance of Kindergarten

"In the French education system, kindergarten is a crucial stage,” Mary said when asked how La Petite Ecole differs from the other western education options in Saigon. “It is based on a structured programme of skills to be acquired while also fostering self-confidence and a positive attitude toward mistakes, which are seen as a normal and necessary part of learning,” she continued.

Mary Malifarges, La Petite Ecole’s Pedagogical Advisor.

Bertrand shared an anecdote of his time working to establish a French school in Iraq that underscores the importance of kindergarten in France’s educational approach. The Iraqi Minister of Education was shocked when Bertrand assigned his three most experienced French teachers to the kindergarten. Mary explained that this decision is completely in line with her understanding that the first seven years of a child’s life are “the most important for the development of the child; and before five, it's huge.”

The Power of a Global Community

La Petite Ecole further sets itself apart in the Saigon international education landscape by its inclusion in the Agency for French Education Abroad (AFEA), a network of 600 French institutions across 138 countries. Students can seamlessly transition from and into any of these schools and continue the French curriculum without interruption. This allows families a great degree of flexibility and security; parents who move frequently can be confident there will always be a reputable French school for their children to attend. “Families today are not only choosing a school — they are choosing an educational pathway.”

The AFEA network includes Saigon’s French high school, Lycée français international Marguerite-Duras, which many La Petite Ecole graduates attend. But even if students post-La Petite Ecole transition to schools outside of the French curriculum, they are prepared for success. As Mary explained, the philosophy of La Petite Ecole that stresses creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, along with soft skills like confidence and determination, will be reflected in programs like the International Baccalaureate.

A Truly Bilingual Education

While adhering to the French curriculum, there is freedom to adapt to the needs of the school and students. At La Petite Ecole, this means a fully bilingual education with half of the classes taught in French and half in English, both by native speakers. While it may seem daunting to learn two or even three languages at once, the science proves students are not only capable but actually learn better when given the opportunity to develop more than one language simultaneously. Doing so establishes the neural pathways that promote lifelong flexibility for not just learning languages, but learning in general, as well as the empathy that comes with being able to enter more conversations and cultures.

To keep pace with the rigorous academic expectations, the lesson materials are not repeated in both languages, but rather alternate while moving forward. To accomplish this, pairs of teachers must work closely to ensure their classrooms coordinate precisely, with all core subjects, including math, science, and art, taught in both French and English. Similarly, La Petite Ecole prides itself on the necessary collaboration amongst teachers and families. This close, committed community ensures that professional monitoring of students can take place as well. Mary stressed that students’ emotional and mental well-being must be ensured alongside high achievement, which is only possible by closely observing each child and responding to their individual needs. Bertrand noted that “Academic success and well-being are not competing priorities — children learn best when both grow together.”

Being able to not just speak but think across languages is likely to prove incredibly useful in the exciting, uncertain decades ahead. Anchored by the French Curriculum and open to anyone, La Petite Ecole could be the perfect environment for students who don’t just know a lot, but understand a lot. Interested families can contact the school to arrange a visit to see the learning in action and decide if it's a good fit for their children.

La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh will host an Open Day on Saturday, March 14th. Interested families can register here.

La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh's Facebook Page

La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh's website

La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh's Email

+84 (0) 28 3519 1521

172-180 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, TPHCMC

IB Recognition Will Complement Emphasis on Vietnamese Language and Culture at VNTH

2026-01-26T05:40:00+07:00

After several years of preparation, Viet Nam Tinh Hoa by North London Collegiate School (VNTH) has achieved recognition as an IB World School, joining a global network of over 5,700 schools worldwide.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global standard in education that helps students attain the tools and skills to excel throughout their lives. The program is an integral part of VNTH’s entire approach to education, which includes academic rigor supported by North London Collegiate School International and prioritizes Vietnamese identity via language and culture.

VNTH integrates the IB curriculum into the school’s philosophy of placing students at the center of learning while fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and a global mindset.

Introducing the IB System to Saigon Families

Many families understand the concept of academic excellence, but not necessarily the philosophy behind the IB. Thus, the school often starts by explaining the 'why' before the ‘what.’ This means emphasizing that the IB nurtures independent thinkers, confident communicators and compassionate global citizens. While the IB Diploma awarded to students serves as proof of a mastery of subjects including the English language and critical thinking skills for university admissions offices around the world, that isn’t the entire point. The IB curriculum develops each student to be a multi-talented individual who values their ability to contribute to the communities around them.

Introducing the IB system is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the connections between families and VNTH. The school hosts parent workshops, open classrooms, bilingual communications, and one-to-one meetings so families can be active participants in the learning journey. Adminstors note that amongst the most popular is the ‘Window into Learning’ where parents received an introduction about inquiry-based learning and then got to sit in their child’s class and see it in action.

The Role of English Rigor via North London Collegiate School

VNTH benefits from its profound relationship with North London Collegiate School (NLCS), which is a world-class IB Family of schools with 175 years of exceptional education in the UK, Korea, Dubai, Singapore and Kobe. NLCS provides support for implementing a curriculum framework that meets all the requirements of the National Curriculum for England and scaffolds the IB. The rigor and structure provided by NLCS’s formal standards balance the IB system’s more holistic and difficult to assess inquiry-based learning methods.

Students celebrate the ending of the year.

Maintaining Vietnamese Identity

VNTH graduates will go on to exciting opportunities around the world, but they must do so without ever losing connection with their home and culture. A key component of this is Vietnamese fluency, which is developed naturally and mindfully in coordination with the IB and English curriculum. It may at first seem that achieving bilingual fluency while also pursuing the rigorous English curriculum requirements and IB system presents an overwhelming task, but it’s not only possible, with bilingualism serving as an asset, not an obstacle.

The IB PYP values mother-tongue development because it strengthens cognitive growth, identity, and academic achievement. Vietnamese at VNTH is a living language in the school, reflected in literature, cultural experiences, and classroom practice. Students learn to think, problem solve, and express themselves in both English and Vietnamese, giving them cognitive flexibility, stronger literacy skills, and a deeper connection to their heritage.

Moreover, achieving all the Vietnamese language and knowledge standards of students who attend local public schools has a profound impact on their ability to maintain ties to their communities. They can communicate fully and connect deeply with family members, friends, and neighbors which enables them to feel a part of their local communities.

Putting it All Together

Vietnam’s national curriculum, the English national curriculum, and the IB’s required interdisciplinary units can complement one another when designed and delivered carefully. The best of all worlds can be blended together for an education that is even greater than the sum of its parts.

For this blending to occur, NLCS’s teachers and leadership work together closely. A key strength of the school's model is the partnership between Western and Vietnamese teachers. Planning is done collaboratively. Teachers co-design units, share expertise, and align instructional approaches so that the learning experience is coherent across languages and subjects. Western teachers bring international pedagogical approaches and inquiry-led methodology, while Vietnamese teachers bring cultural insight and language expertise. When this succeeds, students develop learning approaches that are both internationally minded and deeply connected to Vietnamese culture. Small class sizes and modern, purpose-built facilities, including the STEAM Lab, Makerspace, Art Studio, and Science Lab, assist in offering authentic learning opportunities.

The IB program, like the focus on Vietnamese language and culture, is intended for every student’s lifelong benefit as leaders, thinkers, and contributors. The school is united around their desire for families to understand their long-term goal: to help children grow as thinkers, collaborators, and leaders, confident in who they are and prepared for the world they will inherit.

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028 7109 7837

Viet Nam Tinh Hoa by North London Collegiate School | 214 Pasteur, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000

The BVIS Alumni Story: How Identity Takes Students Further in a Diverse World

2025-12-22T10:04:00+07:00

Since its first class proudly entered the world in 2014, British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City (BVIS HCMC) has provided a launchpad for more than 530 graduates to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world. By combining the rigor of the National Curriculum of England with a deep appreciation for Vietnamese culture, language, and values, BVIS equips students to succeed globally while remaining connected to their identity.

BVIS's first graduating class in 2014

To truly understand how BVIS fosters confidence, adaptability, and cultural grounding, one must look beyond impressive test scores and university placements. Hearing alumni explain their journeys reveals the type of driven, accomplished, and talented young adults who are nurtured at BVIS.

Culture Shaped by Values

Nguyễn Tấn Phát poses with coworkers at the bespoke tailor shop where he now works.

“Culture isn’t bound by nationality — it’s shaped by values. BVIS taught me integrity, perseverance, and respect, and carrying these forward has allowed me to integrate naturally wherever I go,” shares Nguyễn Tấn Phát, a student who entered Year 9 during BVIS’s inaugural year. The school’s academic rigor prepared him to excel at university abroad, followed by a Master’s degree and career opportunities in Dubai, Vietnam, and now Australia. BVIS’s reinforcement of cultural roots empowers him to make meaningful connections in these global settings.

Phát currently works in Australia as a fitter and marketing associate for a bespoke tailor, where he interfaces with clients and attends to their well-being with skills he cultivated at BVIS. “At BVIS, I helped organise events like Live Lunch and school dances through the Student Council, which sparked my interest in creating experiences for people. When my Maths teacher suggested hospitality, I researched the field and was drawn to its opportunities and the wide range of skills it develops,” he noted.

Phát (left) studying with his classmates at BVIS HCMC.

BVIS’s curriculum, which includes the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A-Levels, and extracurricular activities help students strengthen transferable skills, including leadership, communication, and accountability, which Phát relies on in his current role. When asked how his Vietnamese identity influences the way he works and connects with people from diverse backgrounds, he explained: “I see it as open-minded, approachable, and deeply rooted in a culture known for friendliness, great cuisine, and beautiful scenery. There is so much to be proud of. For example, I often bring up Vietnamese food or landscapes when speaking with clients and friends — it’s a natural way to break the ice and connect.”

Phát (top right) while studying abroad.

Confidence to Step into New Horizons

Yến Đặng graduated from American University in Washington DC.

BVIS’s holistic approach to academic excellence involves the development of personal skills, including confidence, resiliency, and global adaptability. Yến Đặng, a class of 2018 graduate, exemplifies the personal growth students experience at the school. She explained: “From the very first day, my classmates were warm and supportive, which helped me settle in quickly and focus on my studies. Their encouragement also gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and try new things – from joining the girls’ basketball team to taking part in school performances, house sports events, and various clubs.”

Yến brought this determination and self-assuredness to new roles and opportunities during her time at American University in Washington, DC. While doing so, her deep connection with her Vietnamese heritage was a source of pride and strength. She co-founded the school’s first Vietnamese Student Association and served as its Vice President. In this capacity, she connected communities within and outside the school, including some in Vietnam.

Yến representing Sanaky in Vietnam.

After graduating from university, Yến returned to Vietnam to work as a Brand Manager at Sanaky. In this position, she relies on many of the skills and traits that BVIS emphasizes. “The international environment and the proactive, open mindset that BVIS instilled in me helped me become more adaptable and confident when studying and working with peers from different cultural backgrounds. At the same time, I became more agile, creative, and proactive in problem-solving, always maintaining an “outside-the-box” mindset to find new directions,” she explained.

Building a Sense of Individual Belonging

Afer graduating BVIS, Nhật Minh moved to New York City.

While BVIS graduates have the skills and experiences to adapt to any international setting, the goal isn’t merely for them to fit in. Rather, by staying true to who they are as people, thanks to the school’s embrace of the Vietnamese sense of family, respect, and community, they stand out as singular individuals. Nhật Minh, a BVIS Ho Chi Minh City alumna (Class of 2023), currently studying Business at New York University (NYU) with a scholarship worth nearly 4.5 billion VND, said: “BVIS helped me understand that cultural roots are the key to connection and creating a unique identity in a diverse world.”

BVIS’s emphasis on cultural values and knowledge provided Minh with a sense of self and a source of strength when adapting to life in New York amongst many other high achievers. She had developed a deep respect and familiarity with Vietnamese language and culture through BVIS’s curriculum and events, including Tết and the Mid-Autumn Festival. This allowed her to connect with other students via NYU’s Vietnamese Student Association, organizing events like the Tiến Lên card tournament and a Vietnamese Night Market to promote Vietnamese values internationally, build bonds with peers, and maintain her own sense of self.

As part of a diverse student body, Minh introduces Vietnamese culture and values to her peers.

At BVIS, she was the nation’s top scorer in IGCSE History and received the “Cambridge Outstanding Achievement Award.” Meanwhile, she leveraged A Level credits in Mathematics, Psychology, Business, and Biology to shorten her studies by 1.5 semesters at NYU, saving over 1.6 billion VND in tuition. But just as important, she developed a firm understanding of who she is and the special impact she can have on the world because she never lost a sense of belonging with where she is from.

The Holistic Approach Unites One Child, One Curriculum, One World

While Phát, Yến, and Minh’s stories are remarkable, they are not unique amongst BVIS graduates. Rather, they exemplify how the school’s strong academic foundation, alongside an emphasis on maintaining a connection to Vietnamese heritage, combine to empower personal and professional success in global contexts.

The modern, world-class facilities at BVIS prepare students for future learning experiences.

Some BVIS students will follow in Phát, Yến, and Minh’s footsteps and study abroad after graduation, while others remain in Vietnam. Some will embark on international careers while others will set their focus domestically. But they will all share pride in their Vietnamese heritage and the tools to excel in whatever they put their mind and passions towards.

BVIS fosters exciting explorations.

[Top image: Kevin Lương Nghị, BVIS Class of 2023, won the Best Presentation Award with his team at the PVH Corp Ground Floor Challenge Competition 2024 in the US]

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+84 (28) 3758 8033

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44-46 Street 1, Binh Hung, HCMC

European International School Strengthens Global Pathways for Every Learner with Prestigious WASC Accreditation

2025-12-08T08:50:00+07:00

The European International School Ho Chi Minh City (EIS) has officially been awarded accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of the world’s most respected international education authorities.

EIS students will directly benefit from this accreditation when applying to universities around the world because EIS can now issue fully recognised WASC-accredited high school diplomas and transcripts. The current Grade 12 cohort will be the first to graduate under this enhanced academic framework, giving them a clear advantage as they pursue global educational pathways.

What Is WASC and Why Does It Matter?

As Vietnam’s international school sector expands rapidly, families often encounter an overwhelming number of accreditations, authorizations and memberships, each with obscure acronyms. Interpreting and comparing them can be difficult. Within this complex landscape, WASC stands out as a global top standard.

WASC is one of six regional accrediting bodies in the United States, responsible for assuring the quality, integrity, and effectiveness of schools across the U.S., Asia, and the Pacific. Via a rigorous and evidence-based evaluation process, it examines teaching quality, leadership, governance, student outcomes, and community engagement.

For families in Vietnam, this external verification offers meaningful reassurance because a WASC-accredited school has been independently confirmed to deliver a high-quality education that universities worldwide recognise and trust.

Ben Armstrong, Co-Head of School at EIS

“WASC accreditation confirms the standard of excellence we work hard to uphold every day,” says Ben Armstrong, Co-Head of School at EIS. “It provides families with confidence that their children are studying in an internationally benchmarked environment.”

Benefits Begin Immediately for Grade 12 Students

EIS’s 2026 Class will recognize the value of the ASC-accreditation immediately. Upon graduation this spring, they will receive WASC-accredited transcripts and diplomas. These familiar documents carry significant weight in university admissions, scholarship applications, visa processes for study abroad and school transfers.

In destinations such as the United States or Canada, where accredited transcripts are often required, WASC provides a crucial advantage. “For our graduating students, the timing could not be better,” Armstrong adds. “Their academic records now come with an added level of global recognition.”

A Recognised Pathway Beyond the IB Diploma

While EIS is deeply committed to the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, not all students choose the full IB Diploma Programme (DP). Many instead opt for IB Courses or a personalised combination of subjects aligned with their strengths and goals. WASC accreditation ensures that every EIS learner, regardless of pathway, graduates with a respected and globally recognised credential.

Whether an EIS student selects the IBDP or not, they will receive a high-value high school qualification. In the process of achieving this, they can tailor their learning pathways without compromising university recognition. Such an arrangement can be easier to understand for families and allows for more flexibility.

“This accreditation ensures that every student has a viable pathway to success,” Armstrong says. “It protects their future opportunities while giving us the flexibility to tailor programmes to individual needs.”

Long-Term Stability: Accredited Through 2029

WASC has aligned its accreditation cycle with the Council of International Schools (CIS), of which EIS is already an accredited member. As a result, EIS is now accredited through 2029, after which the school will continue on the five-year joint CIS/WASC cycle.

Having accreditation through 2029 and then in five-year increments thereafter ensures that the school is continually reviewed and validated. This monitoring ensures teaching quality, leadership, governance, student outcomes, and community engagement remain stellar. Because the accreditation integrates the school with institutions around the world, it further keeps EIS aligned with global standards of excellence.

The Bottom Line

“This is more than a certificate on the wall,” Armstrong emphasises. “It is a powerful affirmation of the work our community does every day and a promise to families that EIS will prepare their children for a successful future anywhere in the world.”

Indeed, prospective families can have clarity in Saigon’s competitive international school landscape about what benefits their child will receive. They can be confident their child will receive a globally recognised diploma, verified academic integrity, strong university outcomes, and multiple pathways to success thanks to an internationally approved standard of quality.

The WASC accreditation is a school-wide award. It reflects years of commitment from EIS teachers, leaders, students, and families. It recognises the culture, values, and collaboration that define the school. As EIS looks ahead, the accreditation will continue to strengthen university pathways, support personalised learning journeys, and reinforce the school’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence.

Interested families can learn more about this commitment to excellence, forward-looking approach to holistic education, and scholarship opportunities by getting in touch with the school and booking a school tour.

European Internation School's website

+84 28 7300 7257

info@eishcmc.com

730 Le Van Mien, Thao Dien, Q2

Dream Big: AIS Saigon Opens New Scholarship Pathways for Tomorrow’s Global Citizens

2025-11-17T05:20:00+07:00

What will the world look like when today’s students enter it as adults?

As society evolves at an unprecedented speed, education systems everywhere are being asked to prepare students for professional and social futures that don’t yet exist. The OECD’s Future of Education 2030 notes that young people will need not just knowledge, but also skills, attitudes, and values to thrive in a fast-changing, interconnected world. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2030, nearly four in ten current skill sets will be obsolete, while research by McKinsey & Company highlights the growing importance of creativity, collaboration, and self-management alongside traditional academics.

For families in Vietnam, these shifts are redefining what it means to choose the right school. It’s no longer just about obtaining test results that lead to a clear next step on a narrow and defined progression. Rather, children must be placed in an environment that cultivates curiosity, adaptability, and purpose.

At the Australian International School (AIS) Saigon, that vision is expressed through three simple words: Be, Belong, Become. The phrase captures the school’s belief that students should first be their authentic selves, belong to a nurturing community, and ultimately become capable, confident global citizens. It is this philosophy that underpins AIS’s new Dream Big Scholarship, designed to celebrate talent in all its forms.'

A Broader Vision of Achievement

The Dream Big Scholarship was first launched for the 2025-26 academic year and expanded and implemented within the ongoing annual scholarships, which offer up to 100 percent of annual tuition fees to students who excel across five pillars of excellence: Academics, Arts, Music, Sports, and Service.

The program recognizes that future leadership and life satisfaction as well as university success, emerge from more than one type of talent. Whether a young artist with an eye for design, a musician whose performance inspires others, or a student athlete who leads with quiet strength, AIS believes that creativity, perseverance, and empathy are the hallmarks of the well-rounded graduate.

“You don’t dream big because it’s easy; you dream big because it’s worth it,” says Lee Childs, Executive Principal of AIS Saigon. “At AIS, we encourage our students to see beyond what they already are, to who they can become. That’s the essence of what our education stands for.”

Five Pathways to Excellence

The five pillars assessed for the scholarship are defined and described to reflect the holistic learning the school promotes. They are core elements of all AIS students’ experiences, and essential for preparing students to graduate as well-rounded, high-achieving and motivated individuals confident in their abilities to make positive change in the world.

Outstanding achievement and potential in academic, arts, music, sports and service are all considered and rewarded. Most conventionally, AIS looks for students who display exceptional scholarship, curiosity, and a love of learning, which are the intellectual foundations for IB success and lifelong inquiry. The school also celebrates imagination and originality in visual or performing arts, from painting and design to drama and photography, which reflects the spirit of creativity at AIS. Similarly, the scholarship supports instrumentalists and vocalists who bring skill, passion, and joy to performance, composition, or ensemble works and honors the athletic ability, teamwork, and integrity that are hallmarks of the school’s “spirit of fair play” philosophy. Finally, the Dream Big Scholarship rewards empathy and initiative displayed through volunteerism and leadership, encouraging students to make a difference beyond the classroom.

While the pathways each identify unique gifts that are expressed according to students’ particular passions, backgrounds, and goals, they have much in common. They each offer students a chance to grow through challenge, express individuality, and contribute meaningfully to the world.

A Launch Pad to the World

The new Dream Big Scholarships are in line with the values that have helped AIS Saigon earn its place among the city’s most respected international schools, as attested to by conventional metrics. It delivers the Cambridge curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program from Kindergarten through Year 13, with graduates consistently achieving outstanding results. 36 percent of the Class of 2025 are attending Top 50 global universities across the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and other prestigious locations around the world.

But beyond destinations, the true measure of success lies in transformation and a sense of who students become as people. Such holistic growth is possible because of the school’s approach, which blends academic achievement with creativity and character, giving every learner the confidence to take bold steps forward.

“When I applied for the Dream Big Scholarship, I didn’t think I fit the ‘academic’ mould,” says Jessica, a recent recipient of the scholarship. “But AIS saw how I could eventually thrive in my academic performance, then lead, and give back. Now I’m aiming for a top university overseas — something I never imagined before.”

For some, like Jessica, dreaming big means studying at a world-ranked university. For others, it’s composing music that moves people, creating art that challenges convention, or leading community projects that spark change. What unites them is a shared sense of purpose and a desire to become something greater than themselves. As Lee Childs puts it: “We expect our scholars to be leaders, role models who stay motivated about learning and embody the Australian values we hold dear: integrity, respect, courage, and a commitment to excellence as lifelong learners. Our scholarship students don’t just achieve highly; they inspire others to do the same.”

Discover the AIS Difference

Families can experience this philosophy in action at theAIS Saigon Open Dayat the Thu Thiem Campus on Saturday, 22 November, open to students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Visitors will explore the contemporary learning spaces, meet teachers and students, and speak with the Admissions Team about the Dream Big Scholarship and other learning opportunities for 2025–26.

Parents seeking a school that nurtures both ambition and authenticity and helps every child Be, Belong, and Become, should consider AIS Saigon. It offers a community where the next generation of thinkers, artists, and leaders can truly dream big and achieve even bigger.

Learn more about the scholarship and Open Day here

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Why Girls Who Play Sport Go Further — How AIS Nurtures the Next Generation of Confident, Ambitious Students

2025-11-10T06:00:00+07:00

Some of the world’s most successful women have one thing in common: participation in youth sports.

A recent Guardian article reported that girls who play organised sports after school in the UK are 50% more likely to reach senior professional positions later in life. The statistic coincides with espnW research that found that 94% of female executives played sports when they were younger, 74% say sports accelerated their career, 75% believe competitiveness from sports is an asset to leadership and 67% claim sporting experiences positively influences hiring decisions.

Those findings are “inspiring, but not surprising,” says Matt Washer, Head of Sports at Australian International School (AIS) in Saigon. “It confirms what we see every day at AIS. Sport isn’t just physical training, it’s character training. When students push through a tough game, deal with setbacks, and celebrate success as a team, they’re developing the kind of inner strength and resilience that will carry them through university, their careers, and life. We see those qualities emerging in our students every day, regardless of gender.”

“Grit is central to sport; it’s what keeps an athlete running that extra lap or turning up for training after a defeat. In sport, children learn that progress isn’t linear. You lose, you adjust, and you come back stronger. That mindset — learning to see failure as feedback — is exactly what allows adults to thrive in competitive workplaces and complex careers,” Washer explains. This determination coincides with AIS’s embrace of the Australian Spirit, which stresses fair play and a “just give it a go” mindset. Failure is part of the learning process, and nothing is lost by putting forth an earnest attempt. Growth occurs regardless of where one ends up on the scoreboard. “We want every student, from the youngest to the oldest, to understand that how you play matters as much as the score,” Washer notes.

Meanwhile, playing team sports fosters empathy, communication and respect which has clear implications for girls’ future roles as leaders, colleagues and innovators where trust and collaboration are essential. The ability to confidently work with others pays dividends long before one becomes an adult, however. AIS’s holistic approach to education involves significant group work with students leading the learning. Such situations benefit from lessons learned on athletic teams.

Matt Washer, Head of Sports at AIS.

Indeed, sports is not an isolated activity separated from academics at AIS. Rather, the athletics embedded in the curriculum and offered as extracurriculars are a core philosophical pillar alongside academics and creative and performing arts. They each build off and reinforce one another. The perseverance, teamwork, discipline, and integrity nurtured by athletics prove essential in conducting science experiments, writing a paper, staging a play, and painting alike. This connectivity has tangible impacts on preparedness for university and careers worldwide. “Sport is education,” Washer stresses. “The confidence a child gains on the field often determines how they perform in the classroom. Sport teaches resilience, time management, and focus — skills that enhance academic learning, not detract from it. At AIS, we don’t separate intellectual growth from physical and emotional growth; they reinforce one another.”

Such integration is made possible, in part, because of AIS’s commitment to world-class facilities. The 1,200 students across its two campuses have access to more than 25 sports and physical activities, including football, basketball, swimming, and volleyball as well as uniquely Australian games such as netball and touch rugby. The Thao Dien campus provides young learners aged 1.5 - 10 with access to a dedicated and supervised gymnasium, early-years playground and swimming pool. Meanwhile, older students at the Thu Thiem campus enjoy a FIFA-sized football field with premium NZ astroturf, swimming pool, multi-court sports hall, and fitness suites, which have benefited from recent, multi-million euro renovations.

Further supporting AIS’s integration of athletics into its holistic approach to education is the school’s membership in the Inspired Network. Washer explains: “Inspired schools around the world share the same belief: sport teaches ambition. Across more than 110 schools, we offer global sporting exchanges, inter-school tournaments, and leadership programmes. Students from Vietnam to Spain or Australia have access to elite coaching, international competitions, and the opportunity to learn from one another. It’s all about giving them a stage to dream big and achieve more.” Indeed, when AIS hosted Asia Games 2023, it was a perfect opportunity to witness how athletics expands borders and broadens global outlooks.

Even when acknowledging the importance of sports, parents may have difficulty assessing what constitutes success for their child. “Success isn’t only measured in medals — it’s in growth. When a student who was shy in Year 3 becomes a confident team captain by Year 9, that’s success. When students cheer for each other’s progress, not just the final score, we know our culture is working. Winning is great, but it’s the character behind the win that matters most,” Washer says.

This potential for growth will be on full display during the upcoming Open Day at the Thu Thiem Campus on Saturday, November 22. Not only can families see the world-class athletics facilities, but they can also hear from students directly about how athletics have been an integral part of their development as learners and people. Meanwhile, Washer and other members of the leadership team will share firsthand experiences and underpinning philosophies for why sports are a powerful means of transforming girls into strong, independent, and successful women who will lead our world in the future.

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BVIS - A Leading International School with a Difference

2025-09-15T07:59:00+07:00

What defines the British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City (BVIS)?

In today’s competitive academic climate, terms, buzzwords, and descriptions are frequently used with little consistency in meaning, making it a challenge to understand, let alone compare, schools in Ho Chi Minh City. But BVIS is truly different. BVIS is not a bilingual school. It is a truly international school that delivers a single, unified curriculum: the National Curriculum for England, enriched by a strong emphasis on Vietnamese language, culture, and values.

The 1 For Your Child's Global Success via BVIS YouTube.

One Curriculum: The British National System Enriched by Vietnamese Cultural Context

From Early Years through A Levels, students follow the English National Curriculum in full, ensuring rigorous academic development aligned with British standards. This consistent framework fosters critical thinking, independence, and confidence, while evolving teaching practices ensure learning remains dynamic and relevant.

In EYFS and Primary, a consistent teaching approach in English and Vietnamese ensures every child grows with confidence, knowledge, and identity.

What makes BVIS distinctive is how this British academic pathway is interwoven with Vietnamese language and culture, creating a learning environment where students thrive globally while remaining deeply connected to their national identity. From the earliest years, students are immersed in both English and Vietnamese. As their Vietnamese becomes firmly established, the proportion of English use increases — from around 50% in the early years, rising steadily through primary and secondary, and reaching approximately 93% in the Sixth Form.

Graduates earn internationally recognised IGCSEs and A Levels, opening doors to the world’s top universities. At the same time, they leave BVIS with a profound sense of cultural pride and understanding, ready to succeed either on the global stage or within Vietnam.

“If you value a consistent international curriculum that is delivered in both English and Vietnamese during the primary years — enabling students to build strong foundations in both languages and cultures — or if you're looking for a more specialised, subject-focused pre-university pathway through A Levels in secondary, then BVIS is for you,” BVIS Principal Dee Grimshaw succinctly explained.

Winners of the speech and poetry competition.

BVIS offers a world-class international education while preserving and nurturing a deep connection to Vietnamese identity. The curriculum seamlessly integrates the nation’s intellectual heritage, arts, and inspirational role models. Moreover, school events and activities such as Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Tết, as well as numerous community service initiatives, all focus on cultivating respect, courtesy, and traditional values, helping students grow harmoniously within their families and communities.

International and Vietnamese-themed events are not only a means for deepening cultural experience, but also for having fun.

The impact of the Vietnamese cultural experiences at BVIS reverberates far beyond the classroom, shaping the character and mindset of every student. Children confidently access an international curriculum and engage in events globally, while remaining deeply grounded in family traditions, showing respect and warmth to grandparents and parents. In doing so, students come to understand that Vietnamese identity is not only a cherished foundation but also a source of strength that fuels their aspirations to reach the world.

One Child: Knowing and Treating Each Student as a Unique Individual

For students to achieve BVIS’s high expectations, each must be at the center of specialized learning journeys. There is a strong emphasis on well-being, alongside academic achievement, and a deeply committed community of educators and families who ensure students receive not just a great education, but the right education for them.

Within the large and state-of-the-art campus, passionate teachers from around the world cater to learning objectives and respond to the needs of each student. A plethora of extracurricular activities and student organizations across performing arts, athletics, and community outreach further help students identify and explore their unique interests.

BVIS teachers bring extensive experience teaching the National Curriculum for England.

Recruited largely from the UK, BVIS’s teachers have the credentials and experience to engender trust alongside opportunities to further develop their abilities to encourage students to explore, think critically, and express themselves confidently. As part of the Nord Anglia group of schools, they receive subject-specific training from leading institutions like MIT, The Juilliard School, and King’s College London, and collaborate closely with sister-school BIS to exchange ideas and knowledge.

Extracurriculars and collaboration opportunities introduce students to the wider world.

“When students come to our school, academic rigour and individual progress is a given,” Grimshaw told Saigoneer. “However, this cannot be fully achieved without the care and attention to building positive student – teacher – parent relationships that we prioritise at BVIS. Our teaching and non-teaching staff really do make the difference, and our focus upon their own professional development and learning is something that has helped us stay ahead of the curve, both now and into the future.”

One World: Ability to Thrive Everywhere while Maintaining Sense of Self and Home

Exceptional academic results are matched by confidence in and outside the classroom.

BVIS’s academic results and university placements speak for themselves, with alumni attending some of the top universities in the UK, US, Australia, and across Asia after scoring well above UK averages on the A-levels and IGCSEs.

More than just impressive test scores and placements, the school community emphasizes cultural intelligence, global awareness, and adaptability alongside empathy and integrity. The qualities of simply being a kind and considerate person are mirrored in the behavior of teachers and administrators, put forth in lessons and activities, and praised as an inherent element of the school’s identity.

Fluency in both English and Vietnamese further the opportunities open to BVIS graduates, with many students progressing to universities abroad and returning to Vietnam to make positive contributions to their families, communities, and country. Being able to seamlessly and comfortably transition across borders and cultures while retaining their identity is essential for a healthy self-worth. Summing up her experiences at BVIS, recent graduate, Nhu Y, described herself as “grounded.”

Since its opening 15 years ago, BVIS graduates have gone on to remarkable achievements here and abroad without losing sight of where their journey began. As Grimshaw noted, “BVIS students know who they really are. They are in tune with their own identity, and no matter where they go or whatever they do, they are clear about where they come from. They tend to fit seamlessly into an overseas environment and equally back into their own culture and setting. Put simply, BVIS delivers the highest quality of education whilst allowing our alumni to truly understand their own identity within the wider world.”

BVIS graduates venture into the world with a strong connection to home.

BVIS HCMC's website

+84 (28) 3758 8033

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44-46 Street 1, Binh Hung, HCMC

The Value of Embracing Vietnamese Language and Culture at Việt Nam Tinh Hoa

2025-04-07T08:15:00+07:00

Parents don’t want to choose between their children having deep-rooted cultural identities and the English fluency necessary to excel in international situations. Thankfully, both are possible. Through careful curriculum development and incorporation of best practices, dedicated teachers can foster holistic learning that balances learning the Vietnamese language and culture with English-based academic rigor. Saigon’s Việt Nam Tinh Hoa (VNTH) serves as a great example of how Vietnamese values, history, literature, and traditions can be preserved and celebrated alongside global academics that will open doors to exciting futures.

What it Means to be a Truly Dual Language Program

Not all schools aiming to instill dual language education operate the same way. VNTH uses both English and Vietnamese across subjects while also teaching them as stand-alone subjects to ensure students are confident and capable in academic and everyday situations. In Grades 1 through 3, subjects such as math, science, and inquiry are conducted via a co-teacher model. Both languages are used in the classroom to introduce and reinforce ideas and concepts and because the teachers work together, there is no redundancy in the lessons. As students progress through the school, English use increases to align with the demands of the international-level secondary programs that many of the students will progress onto.

The value of developing a strong foundation of Vietnamese language and culture for students in Vietnam can occasionally be taken for granted by parents who only envision international universities and global adulthoods. John McEnhill, Head of Junior School explains why it is so crucial for a person to develop them: “Language shapes who we are, and culture helps us understand the world around us. By teaching Vietnamese language and culture, we help students build a strong sense of belonging, pride, and perspective. In today’s global world, these foundations give students emotional stability and a clear sense of values, so they can grow into successful global citizens who remain responsible and caring Vietnamese individuals.”

McEnhill also notes that when it comes to languages, focusing on two at the same time doesn’t mean sacrificing mastery in either. Rather, particularly at a young age, people can truly become fluent in both. Indeed, the science backs it up, as does McEnhill’s experience teaching for nine years at an international school in China with an identical language model. Many students there earned IB Diplomas in both their native language and English, proving its efficacy.

Establishing a Sense of Vietnamese Identity Beyond Language

Speaking Vietnamese alone does not connect a person with their Vietnamese heritage. Rather, a deep understanding of shared values, traditions, arts, and histories is essential for developing awareness of and pride in one’s Vietnamese identity. Thus, VNTH integrates Vietnamese culture throughout its academic and extracurricular activities.

Placing lessons from across academic disciplines in a Vietnamese context is a straightforward way to connect the students with the nation while achieving learning goals. For example, during a Unit of Inquiry focused on the transdisciplinary theme How the World Works, Grade 3 students explore Earth’s geological features over time. Vietnamese folktales are presented to explain the origins of well-known natural landmarks to introduce rich cultural narratives and oral storytelling traditions alongside basic geography. Students then express their creativity by performing adaptations of the folk tales.

Creativity plays an important role at VNTH within and outside the classroom. In addition to instilling critical thinking, confidence, and social skills, it provides more opportunities to engage with societal elements unique to Vietnam. Students can join clubs and group activities focused on traditional music, Vietnamese folk dance, and calligraphy alongside international sports and artistic forms. Similarly, the entire extended school community celebrates important local festivals and holidays such as Tết and Mid-Autumn Festival, underscoring the immediacy of the surrounding Vietnamese culture.

How Academics, Languages, and Extracurriculars Merge To Develop Students Holistically

While VNTH aims for graduates to be skilled and confident in both English and Vietnamese and have a strong sense of their cultural heritage, they also care about the overall people they become. Regardless of where their paths take them in life, the goal is to help them grow into kind, resilient, and thoughtful individuals who can think for themselves and make good choices. Such aims are supported by the school’s inquiry-based approach and focus on pastoral care, as well as its dual language model.

Explanations from McEnhill and the rest of the school leadership are great, but it’s important to hear what the students think. Minh Minh, a Grade 3 student, appreciates the diversity in lessons and activities that two languages and two classroom teachers ensure. Kohl, a Grade 4 student said that he appreciates how Inquiry class lets him learn about the subjects he is most interested in as well as Vietnamese history and culture. Meanwhile,Grade 5 student, Hoàng Linh, feels comfortable to grow and share and describes VNTH as “a second home.”

Students, teachers, and parents can all unite in their excitement for the school’s mission of a balanced education that values Vietnamese language and culture alongside English fluency, because of the school’s concerted efforts to instill it in all classrooms and activities. VNTH exemplifies how students can receive a truly international education without abandoning their Vietnamese roots.

Viet Nam Tinh Hoa Supported by NLCS International (VNTH)'s website

Viet Nam Tinh Hoa Supported by NLCS International (VNTH)'s Facebook Page

Viet Nam Tinh Hoa Supported by NLCS International (VNTH)'s Email

028 7109 7837

Viet Nam Tinh Hoa Supported by NLCS International (VNTH) | 214 Pasteur, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000

How Thoughtful Design Boosts Educational Outcomes: Australian International School Undergoes Multi-Million-Dollar Renovations

2025-03-05T08:38:00+07:00

According to a 2018 study by the University of Salford in Manchester, carefully considered classroom environments can improve students’ academic progress by up to 16%. Researchers and educators alike have increasingly emphasized how well-planned physical spaces can spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and enhance engagement. In other words, a school’s architecture and interior layout aren’t merely aesthetic choices; they can and should be powerful catalysts for better educational outcomes. The Australian International School (AIS Saigon) recently took this global insight to heart, embarking on an ambitious renovation project to ensure its facilities serve as an active partner in the learning process.

The Environment as the “Third Teacher”

“The environment is the third teacher,” says Meryl Fossey, AIS’s new Deputy Kindergarten Principal, echoing the Reggio Emilia philosophy that shapes the design of AIS’s Early Learning School. In this approach, the first teacher is the student, the second is the classroom teacher, and the environment itself is the third. Central to Reggio Emilia is the idea that young children learn through the relationships they form – with peers, with adults, and with the world around them. As we stood in the brand-new piazza at AIS’s Thủ Thiêm campus, Fossey explained how every furnishing, color, and texture is carefully selected to foster respect, responsibility, and community through exploration, discovery, and play.

In Reggio Emilia-inspired settings, aesthetics and organization are not trivial; they’re integral to the learning process. Classrooms are inspiring, spacious, uncluttered, with no assigned seats, and can be rearranged easily to support small-group discussions, STEAM activities, and teacher-guided lessons. Keeping materials clearly visible and accessible empowers children in their learning paths, enabling them to grow with confidence.

As we walked through a warm and inviting classroom, Fossey pointed out details that support AIS’s emphasis on a premium, child-centered education. For instance, illuminated tables displayed student projects from a unit exploring how we express feelings. This particular classroom took its inspiration from the artwork of Matisse. “We should always have consistently high expectations of even our youngest learners,” Fossey said, highlighting how kindergarteners at AIS are introduced to the colorful work of the 19th-century French painter early on.

“We give students ceilings, not floors,” added Bridie Anderson, Deputy Primary Principal for AIS. Indeed, she and Fossey share the view that students at AIS thrive because the facilities, teachers, curriculum, and community come together to build solid foundations early on for high-level achievement in school and the world beyond.

More than a Pretty Campus

These new kindergarten upgrades are just one aspect of AIS’s comprehensive renovations. Over the summer, the school invested 10 million euros to completely revamp all the primary and kindergarten classrooms across its three campuses, while also establishing a new multi-purpose room, theatre, dance studio, science labs, sports field, and playground equipment. Secondary school classrooms are currently undergoing technology upgrades and other refinements, ensuring consistent improvements across all grade levels. The school also added new staff in classroom and leadership roles, further enhancing the specialized attention available for students.

One of the first things visitors might notice at AIS’s renovated spaces is the gentle color palette. Avoiding highly saturated, primary colors, the interiors favor soft hues that create a calm atmosphere. This way, the child’s own creative “traces of learning” — their artworks, projects, and displays — take center stage, rather than being overshadowed by bright wall paint. Equally important is the use of varied textures, which provide a welcoming, sensory environment that encourages children to explore materials, ask questions, and feel more connected to their surroundings. AIS’s Kindergarten is designed to operate semi-independently from the main school buildings, featuring its own piazza, multifunctional hall, administrative area, and play space.

Jon Standen, the school’s Executive Principal, stressed that AIS’s approach is rooted in one simple question: “How do we give the students we have the best education possible?” Standen, alongside many on AIS’s leadership team, has extensive experience at top institutions worldwide and leveraged that expertise to identify and implement the most impactful enhancements.

From the state-of-the-art turf field imported from New Zealand to the soothing colors chosen for kindergarten walls, each improvement was introduced with this very specific objective: how to provide the best educational experience possible

Being part of Inspired Education Group – a global network of 119 premium international schools across more than 20 countries – gave AIS both the financial muscle and the design guidance to shape these upgrades in line with the highest international standards. Inspired’s global design practices, which AIS follows, underscore that educational environments should be rich, well-organized, socio-constructivist spaces that evolve alongside the developmental stages of childhood and prepare students with the best academic foundations.

Designing What’s Right for AIS’ Students

“It’s so important that we’re always thinking about how we’re meeting the needs of the children we have, and that we meet our children at their level,” Anderson said as we passed through flexible breakout spaces located between the primary school classrooms. These cozy areas, perfect for small group work and self-study, were designed collaboratively by each grade level’s teachers. They’re also easily modifiable to suit new class dynamics year after year. “The teachers are the ones using these spaces every day,” Anderson continued, “so it was crucial for them to be involved in the design conversations.”

This personalized approach extends to curriculum and activities as well. Fossey explained how students learn in different ways and thrive when their strengths are recognized and cultivated. Whether through art, performance, technology, or writing, children can become passionate about inquiry-based learning when they’re free to explore it in ways that resonate with them.

Moving away from a traditional, top-down model of teaching means students take an active role in their own education. Particularly for younger learners, this often looks like playing. “We are a research-based environment so that children are researching their learning through play,” Fossey clarified. “Learning through play can be seen as just playing, but they’re really doing so much more than that.”

Families Invited to ‘Live the Learning’

To help parents appreciate these modern approaches — from play-based early education to more advanced curricula in upper grades — AIS has introduced Parents Academy. This series of workshops, onboarding programs, guest speaker events, and opportunities for parents to participate in lessons allows families to “live the learning,” as Anderson puts it. By experiencing a phonics class as if they were the students, for example, parents can understand firsthand why AIS approaches literacy (and other subjects) in particular ways.

Parents Academy is just one way the school hopes to connect families to their children’s education. The renovated spaces themselves invite parents in as well. For example, the kindergarten piazza on the Thủ Thiêm campus is open for parents at drop-off and pick-up, allowing them to speak with teachers or connect with other parents while also admiring the student artwork that fills the walls. For children, seeing their work displayed so prominently fosters pride and confidence, reinforcing the idea that they’re at the center of their own learning process.

Another invitation to parents is the upcoming Open Day on March 15. Families are welcome to tour the new facilities, meet the community, and see all the behind-the-scenes thought and care that fuel the school’s warm, purposeful design. As Fossey noted, “This is the sixth international school I've worked at in my career and I can easily say this is the friendliest community in terms of the staff and the children. It's just a genuinely nice place.”

By combining global best practices with a child-centric philosophy and investing in spaces that truly support inquisitive young minds, AIS shows that every inch of a classroom can be a dynamic tool for learning. For anyone wondering if school design can make a difference, a visit to Australian International School seems to offer a resounding — and beautifully renovated — yes.

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Hotline: 19006940

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Examining the Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Benifits of La Petite Ecole’s Plurilingual Education

2025-02-07T15:40:00+07:00

What is a plurilingual education? Simply stated, it is one that teaches academic content in two or more languages rather than just teaching the languages as subjects in and of themselves. The structured environment thus fosters proficiency in these languages while simultaneously achieving learning goals for traditional subjects such as mathematics, science, history, and art.

But does plurilingual/bilingual education really have an impact, and if so, how? To answer these questions Saigoneer met with Olivier Guillet, Chief Academic Officer of Odyssey Education group, and Cyril Michel, the director of Saigon’s La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh which is a member of Odyssey Education group. The pair explained the science behind the approach and the practical cognitive, social, and psychological development benifits that they’ve observed first-hand at the school.

How Plurilingualism Impacts the Brain

“Early bilingual learners develop superior skills in attention control, problem-solving, and task switching due to the fact that they're managing multiple linguistic systems,” Olivier said before delving into the science that underpins the cognitive benefits of plurilingual education. He noted how learning two languages fosters awareness of language use and its importance which helps students intuitively grasp the structure and mechanics of language, allowing individuals who are bilingual from a young age to more easily pick up additional languages later in life. Moreover, because neuroplasticity, or the ability for the brain to reorganize and rewire its neural connections, is particularly strong at a young age, learning two languages is easier, which in turn creates denser gray matter in a brain’s language and cognitive regions that promotes lifelong flexibility for not just learning languages, but learning in general.

Olivier Guillet, Chief Academic Officer of Odyssey Education group (left) and Cyril Michel, Saigon’s La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh's Director (right).

In addition to enhancing cognitive development, plurilingual education can have profound impacts on a child’s psychological development as well. The most obvious may be cross-cultural confidence which furthers tolerance and global mindedness. Olivier said communicating with two or even three languages is “not just about using different words to describe similar realities, but it's actually entering different realities or seeing the world through a different lens.” This ability to take on numerous perspectives leads to greater respect and empathy for those around a person, as well as confidence and pride in one’s self and a sense of healthy identity.

Plurilingual educations and the environments they create can result in lifelong social skills as well. Students, such as those at La Petite Ecole, develop robust communication skills. Cyril noted that in unstructured moments such as recess, students “might interact in one language and jump to another… When playing they will use a language for one particular purpose and another language for something else.” This experience gives them the tools and confidence to flexibly integrate into a variety of conditions. To learn a language, one must practice it by communicating with others and in doing so, refine their appreciation for and ability to create social networks. This allows them to broaden their personal and professional circles later in life because they have a high competency in communicating with people across languages and backgrounds.

Plurilinguilism at La Petite Ecole

All of the benefits that Olivier discussed are more significant and easier the earlier a student begins plurilingual education. At La Petite Ecole this can begin for children 12-months-old and continues through 11 years old (5th Year - CM2). The school teaches the French national curriculum which mirrors that of French schools and Lycées français around the globe with all subjects taught in 50% English and 50% French. Extracurricular activities benefit from a diverse staff and student body so the languages are well represented during clubs, sports, performances, and social activities.

La Petite Ecole’s community represents over 25 nationalities with students coming from a wide range of backgrounds. Some students need language support when initially joining, which the school provides in accordance with its philosophy of offering unique and specific attention to all students and their particular situations. This is made possible because, at only 400 students, there is a high teacher-to-student ratio and an ability to individualize learning plans and school experiences. Similarly, the school publishes all material in French, English, and Vietnamese while all meetings and conferences make accommodations for speakers of each of these languages so families can be involved and also form relationships that span beyond the campus walls.

The Short and Long-Term Impact of Plurilingual Education

While the science certainly supports the value of plurilingual education from a young age, parents understandably have concerns. They worry that developing two languages at once will hinder broader development because it requires such a large input of information and young children can become confused. Olivier admitted he too once had this belief, but the research proved him wrong. “There is a delay for a certain phase, but eventually it fades away and leads to more profound and effective language development,” he noted while adding that studies have also confirmed that plurilingual education is appropriate for all learner profiles and not simply gifted students as some parents assume.

The blend of cognitive, social, and emotional development provided by the plurilingual education and strong academic foundation established by the school’s curriculum prepares students for a wide range of opportunities upon graduation. Cyril explains that some students go on to study at Saigon’s French High School Marguerite Duras while others attend other international schools or leave the country because of a parent’s job. Ultimately, he says they are prepared for wherever they’d like to go and learn in whatever language they would like; “it's a real family choice.” Regardless of where they end up after La Petite Ecole, the positive impacts of having learned two languages from a young age will continue to benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Familes are invited to La Petite Ecole's upcoming Open Day on Saturday, February 15th. Registrer here.

La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh's Facebook Page

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+84 (0) 28 3519 1521

172-180 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, TPHCMC

Viet Nam Tinh Hoa Emerges: A New Identity, The Same Excellence

2024-12-26T11:04:00+07:00

“Our new branding is a more authentic reflection of who we are: rooted in Vietnam, yet drawing strength from NLCS (North London Collegiate School). While it may have been easier to remain as NLCS, our rebranding emphasizes that we’re evolving beyond a British school model to become something unique for this country. We are aiming to leave a tangible legacy for Vietnam,” explains Mr. John McEnhill, the newly appointed Head of Junior School at Vietnam Tinh Hoa (VNTH).

With more than 20 years of experience as a teacher and educational leader, including in international settings such as China and Peru, the UK-born and educated Mr. McEnhill is excited to arrive at VNTH during a time of change and progress. He plans to bring his background balancing academic rigor with pastoral care and an emphasis on student wellness and happiness to the school’s rebranding process.

Anyone driving by the District 3 school or following its online presence will have noticed a name change. Part of Mr. McEnhill’s task is to communicate precisely what this means. “Our chairperson and leadership believe in our mission and vision for the school, which inspired our renaming. We are not just an attempt to create a carbon copy of a school based in North London; we are supported by NLCS, which brings incredible benefits in academics, pastoral care, and enrichment—pillars we have kept.” he elaborated.

Mr. McEnhill emphasized that the many strengths and values imparted by NLCS’s 170-year academic legacy will remain in place, particularly the British curriculum framework that meets all the requirements of the National Curriculum for England and scaffolds up to the globally-renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). “The school’s boutique ethos, our impressive student-teacher ratios, and our outstanding dual-language program all are still here. We continue to have excellent staff retention, and the school’s core strengths and values are unwavering,” he says while also mentioning the wide-reaching extracurricular offerings that include visual and performing arts, athletics, and various clubs and groups that allow students to discover and follow their passions.

An integral part of VNTH is its dedication to Vietnamese culture, language, and history. As a school that prepares students to be fluent in dual languages, classes are taught in both Vietnamese and English by native speakers of those languages. Such an arrangement allows Vietnamese students to still be rooted in their home country and traditions while simultaneously being able to flourish in international settings beyond and after VNTH. These aims are made possible via cross-disciplinary learning and modern facilities that include high-quality science labs, digital design spaces, art rooms, and a range of sporting facilities nearby such as football fields, a gym, dance studios, and a martial arts studio.

A school’s name can only convey so much, and it's important to not just learn its specific details but see its community firsthand. To this point, Mr. McEnhill said: “I encourage parents to consider what they genuinely want for their children. Some families may prioritize a purely English-language, globalized education; if so, there are excellent options in HCMC. However, if you seek an academic environment where your child will be fluent in both English and Vietnamese, learning in a school deeply rooted in Vietnam but open to the world, then VNTH may be the right fit. I also suggest parents visit schools to see the relationships and culture firsthand rather than relying solely on promises of pastoral care. At Vietnam Tinh Hoa Supported by NLCS International, our community of students, teachers, and parents is something we are genuinely proud of.”

Viet Nam Tinh Hoa Supported by NLCS International (VNTH)'s website

Viet Nam Tinh Hoa Supported by NLCS International (VNTH)'s Facebook Page

Viet Nam Tinh Hoa Supported by NLCS International (VNTH)'s Email

028 7109 7837

Viet Nam Tinh Hoa Supported by NLCS International (VNTH) | 214 Pasteur, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000

Exploring the Power of an International Community at International School Ho Chi Minh City

2024-11-16T07:18:00+07:00

Success at the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) can be measured according to many metrics. From IB DP test scores well above the world average to impressive academic careers post-graduation and a strong reputation of sustainability and service, ISHCMC students achieve in a variety of ways. No singular aspect of the school can be credited with empowering this legacy of excellence, but one integral element is certainly the school’s thriving international community.

Celebrating its 31st birthday next month, ISHCMC has proven to be a world-class institution that embraces a culturally diverse group of families and teachers that currently represents more than 60 countries. Strengthened by their respective passions, traditions, experiences, and outlooks, they are united by a common purpose to inspire learning and well-being.

ISHCMC proudly embraces a community of families and teachers from 60+ countries, excelling in classroom diversity and cultural mix.

It takes more than putting students with different passports in the same room to create an international community. ISHCMC takes an active role in establishing and nurturing the community to ensure it thrives. These efforts include hosting cultural and community events and a comprehensive calendar of parent workshops supported by their dedicated Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese parent liaisons.

Parents of all backgrounds can feel overwhelmed when looking at their child’s daily schedule and annual benchmarks. The many acronyms, foreign terms, and emerging pedagogical concepts can make it difficult for parents to keep up, regardless of their mother tongue. ISHCMC thus schedules over 60 workshops per year for parents to better understand how best to support their children. These workshops, provided in several languages, help parents develop the type of close connection with the school needed to ensure their children get the most from their education.

Senior students in a group study session with their teacher.

Parents also have the opportunity to connect with the school community on a more personal level, developing new skills of their own and making long-lasting friendships in the thriving international community. Rhino Academy is an adult enrichment program that offers classes such as volleyball, languages including Vietnamese and German, and even practical daily tasks like obtaining a legal motorbike license. In addition to giving adults a way to improve themselves, these classes are terrific opportunities for families to meet one another and form friendships that grow off campus.

Rhino Academy offers classes that promote growth and help families build friendships beyond campus.

For families that have recently arrived in Vietnam or don’t have a strong English foundation, perceived language and cultural barriers can be intimidating. But ISHCMC ensures that all families can take an active and comfortable role in their children’s pursuit of an international education while understanding school life and curriculum thanks to established parent liaison groups for Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese families. In addition to helping translate workshops and interpret during teacher conferences, they serve as trusted cultural ambassadors who can help navigate complex situations.

ISHCMC both celebrates its cultural diversity through colorful events such as the World Food Fest and Flag Parade, while also recognizing the importance of being unified under one ISHCMC community. For example, the recent Rhino Family Fun Night had games, art activities and even a special performance by Saigoneer-favorite Saigon Soul Revival, which brought the entire “Rhino” community together.

Various ISHCMC communities come together to celebrate unity and diversity at the annual Flag Parade ceremony.

The school also recognizes the importance of building a community beyond its school walls instilling Global Citizenship through partnerships with Anh Chi Em social enterprise and hosting external events for the wider community such as the upcoming Festive Bazaar.

The partnership with Anh Chi Em Social Enterprise aims to engage the ISHCMC community in projects that improve lives and enrich education.

Drawing guests from local and expatriate communities in Saigon, the November 30th Festive Bazaar will bring together an array of vendors, activity providers, and organizations to create a festive experience for families in the city that engages everyone with different cultures and traditions. Delicious local and international food will be served alongside seasonal treats from around the world while a festive market sells toys and gifts. Performances, games, and activities will abound including a scavenger hunt, family yoga, roller disco, arts and crafts, and a giant advent calendar raffle. A highlight will be the ISHCMC heritage exhibition, celebrating the school’s 31st birthday with video footage, photography, and memorabilia dating back to the 90s. The entire experience is a favorite time for current ISHCMC community members to enjoy each other’s company as well as a great introduction to newcomers interested in learning just how strong the community is. Get your free admission ticket here.

ISHCMC's website

+84 (28) 3898 9100

Primary Campus | 28 Vo Truong Toan Street, D.2, Ho Chi Minh City

Secondary Campus | 1 Xuan Thuy Street, D.2, Ho Chi Minh City

Behavioral, Developmental, and Emotional Issues Facing Children in Vietnam: Finding Hope and Support

2024-10-08T05:10:00+07:00

Students unable or unwilling to follow classroom instructions and lessons; children verbally or physically abusing teachers, classmates, and family members; young people experiencing depression and even suicidal thoughts: talk with almost any family in Saigon and they will have a troubling story they’ve heard or witnessed firsthand.

Deficiencies in available assessment and treatment infrastructure compound the behavioral, developmental, and emotional issues observed among the city’s children. Thankfully, there is hope.

"Behavioral, developmental, and emotional issues among Saigon children are more prevalent than many realize," says Dr. Orly Dafni Attia, a pediatrician and early childhood development specialist with over 25 years of experience who has been serving medical clinics in Hanoi and Saigon since 2009.

The first step in getting help is recognizing the issue and enlisting relevant experts. Raffles Medical Group, the esteemed Singaporean healthcare provider that has operated in Vietnam since 1990, and its team of experienced professionals, including Dr. Orly, are just a call away. Unfortunately, several barriers frequently impede this first step. Dr. Orly notes that families and teachers may hesitate to act due to cultural norms or a lack of awareness about early signs to look for. Even if someone does recognize behavioral, developmental, or emotional issues needing expert intervention, evidence-based diagnosis and assessment might occur later than it should, or not at all. "Early and accurate diagnosis by a qualified professional is crucial," emphasizes Dr. Orly.

Dr. Orly Dafni Attia.

Dr. Orly collaborates with a team of skilled professionals at Raffles Medical along with external specialists trained to deliver comprehensive solutions using a team-based, end-to-end service delivery approach. This approach involves assessing client needs, providing direct interventions, as well as offering training and support for family members, home-based caregivers, teachers, and other professionals.

The first step for Dr. Orly is to conduct a formal and thorough evaluation. She spends time with the child and converses with their family and, when required, the educational institutions and teachers involved in the child's learning environment. As a Pediatric and Developmental Specialist, she has extensive experience in providing a detailed assessment of a child’s social, emotional, behavioral, and learning milestones and determining the necessary next steps.

In many cases, Dr. Orly designs and implements an appropriate personalized treatment plan. For medical issues, including illnesses and genetic syndromes, many treatments can be administered without leaving the city. Every course of action involves full transparency and collaboration with the families. Dr. Orly also encourages obtaining a second opinion and asking questions to ensure every family is confident and comfortable with the treatment plan.

While Saigon’s medical care has improved significantly in recent decades, there are still many areas where it lags behind international best practices. Dr. Orly explains that in countries with advanced systems of support, she would implement treatment plans with a team that might include a psychologist, psychiatrist, behaviorist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and/or physiotherapist, as well as specialized schools to collaborate with. This is not the case in Vietnam, so in response, Raffles Medical has developed a network of proven and trusted, internationally trained, and experienced professionals representing these fields. If Dr. Orly recognizes a case beyond her scope of expertise, such as suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), she reaches out to one of these specialists as part of a team-based approach. She cautions that because an increasing number of professionals claim to offer comprehensive services in this specialized field, it is essential for those seeking help to carefully verify the provider's experience and training. A key strength of Raffles Medical is its meticulously vetted network of well-trained professionals, with whom they have established proven and trusted, long-term partnerships.

Among Dr. Orly's many trusted contacts are Learning Strategies (LS), the International Center for Cognitive Development (ICCD), international schools' dedicated speech and occupational therapists, as well as Raffles Medical’s in-house psychologists and psychiatrists, and its strategic partner, The American International Hospital (AIH), known for providing comprehensive healthcare services. In Q4 of 2023, Raffles Medical Group entered into a strategic partnership and management agreement with the American International Hospital (AIH) in District 2 to further these efforts.

For over 10 years, Raffles Medical has worked with Learning Strategies, an educational support organization which primarily supports individuals with autism, as well as those dealing with ADHD, addictions, depression, and eating disorders. Tony Louw, the Managing Director, describes the process when they assess a child suspected of being on the autism spectrum, whether the referral comes from a medical institution like Raffles Medical, a family, or a school.

“We personally meet with everyone who comes to the center, and during our initial meeting, the team interacts with the child to undertake an initial assessment of their needs and the child’s environmental situation and context. We examine key developmental areas, such as language skills, play skills, and social skills,” Tony explains. Following this, a thorough discussion is conducted with the parents in the family's native language to gather details about the child's progress at home and in school, and a complete history of the child's development at home and school. Based on this information, an individualized treatment plan is developed, which includes recommendations and measurable goals. A team of Learning Strategies therapists and a case manager are then assigned to implement the plan.

“Everything we do is play-based,” Tony says. “It’s designed to be enjoyable and motivating for the child, making sure they fully benefit from and enjoy their therapy.” He advises that if a child does not connect with their therapist, it's important to find a better fit. The program should feature clear, measurable objectives accessible to parents. Family involvement is crucial, and parents should be actively engaged, with opportunities to ask questions, including direct observation of the therapy sessions.

The relationship between Raffles Medical and its collaboration partners, such as Learning Strategies, is a two-way exchange. “Dr. Orly and I have been working together for many years, so we have developed a mutual understanding,” Tony explains. He elaborates that he often encounters patients who need expertise beyond his scope. For instance, if he suspects a medical or genetic issue underlying a developmental condition, he will refer them to qualified physicians such as Raffles Medical for specialized care.

A similar arrangement exists with other partners, including the International Center for Cognitive Development (ICCD). The center’s managing director, Dr. Azreal Jeffrey, a psychologist and education specialist from the United States, has collaborated with Dr. Orly for nearly a decade. “We have each other on speed dial,” he notes, highlighting their close partnership where they frequently co-manage a child’s treatment. They maintain constant communication to update each other on decisions and patient progress. Dr. Jeffrey points out that under-qualified physicians in Vietnam often over-medicate. To counteract this, he refers patients with emotional and behavioral disorders to Dr. Orly to ensure accurate medical diagnosis and responsible, effective prescriptions. “I’ve worked with many developmental pediatricians, and Dr. Orly is probably the best I know in any country, period,” he asserts.

Dr. Jeffrey attributes his trust in Dr. Orly to her extensive experience, natural empathy, and cultural competency. Unlike in America, where a doctorate in psychology requires ten years of higher education, Vietnam licenses psychologists after only three years of undergraduate study. Thus, ICCD recruits professionals from abroad to ensure proper qualifications, which introduces challenges related to cultural competency. “You have to be able to work with the 140 different nationalities that we see, and each one has its own expectations,” Dr. Jeffrey explains. This cultural adaptability can complicate staffing since not all skilled professionals can adjust to the cultural aspects of work and life in Vietnam. Consequently, assessing cultural fit becomes part of the hiring process, and two-year contracts help provide consistency for patients, which is crucial for the child-psychologist relationship.

In addition to advising parents seeking help for a child with behavioral, developmental, and emotional issues to consider qualifications and reputation, Dr. Jeffry emphasizes the importance of following scientific principles. “For instance, a speech and language pathologist should meet with a student once a week and give homework. If they claim to need 15 to 20 hours a week, be very suspicious,” he warns. Frequent, long sessions indicate the professional might not be adhering to scientific standards and could be prioritizing billable hours over effective treatment.

While cost is a concern, Dr. Jeffrey warns against assuming more expensive care is better. Parents often want to spare no expense, which can lead to unnecessary or harmful services and treatments. “We’re about one-third the cost of Singapore and half the cost to Thailand,” he mentions, adding that families who leave ICCD for more expensive options in Vietnam often return, recognizing ICCD’s superior treatment effectiveness. He advises parents to prioritize a clinic’s reputation, qualifications, and willingness to involve families in the treatment process over cost when choosing care for their children.

Dr. Jeffrey also emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in the treatment program. He firmly believes that without the active participation of parents, the treatment’s effectiveness is significantly compromised. Consequently, he will not accept a child into his program unless the parents are fully committed to being involved. Moreover, Dr. Jeffrey insists on a single-provider approach for consistency and accuracy. “It takes the parents' cooperation and if they refuse to cooperate, then I say ‘I'm sorry that we can't take the case.’ And if they’re [currently] seeing someone who is detrimental to them and they want to see us at the same time, I tell them that they should pick the person that they're the most comfortable with and stick with them because they don't want to give mixed signals to the child.”

Any concerns regarding a child's health and development can be deeply troubling for parents. Early assessment and intervention with experienced professionals are crucial. When issues are identified and addressed promptly, the child has a better chance of catching up to their peers, while the family can develop strategies to support their continued success in mainstream school, independent living, and a fulfilling life. It’s important not only to seek help early but also to ensure that the right resources are used. Raffles Medical, with its extensive network of experts and collaborators, offers a beacon of hope for families in Saigon.

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Raffles Medical Clinic | 285B Dien Bien Phu, District 3, HCMC

Raffles Medical Clinic's hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 18:00 pm; Saturday: 8:00 am – 17:00 pm

Expatriate Care with Raffles Specialists at Level 3, American International Hospital (AIH) website

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Expatriate Care | 199 Nguyen Hoang, District 2, HCMC

Expatriate Care's hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 17:00 pm; Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Ben Armstrong Joins Jo Roberts as Co-Heads of School at European International School

2024-09-04T12:43:58+07:00

"Having Co-Heads of School provides several opportunities for EIS. Firstly, we can harness the power of collaborative leadership by leveraging our different strengths, experiences, and perspectives to enhance decision-making and problem-solving. This model can foster innovative solutions and new approaches to school management and education, increasing the availability and accessibility of school leadership to the community,” explained Ben Armstrong, the recently-announced Co-Head of European International School (EIS). He will be working alongside Jo Roberts, a long-tenured EIS team member who will also serve as Co-Head of School.

Jo Roberts (left) and Ben Armstrong (right).

Saigoneer sat down with the pair earlier this month to learn more about the leadership structure and how they will work together to maintain the school’s unique educational village while nurturing growth and new ideas. “Community is the glue of EIS and being a leader doesn’t mean you do everything; it means you surround yourself with and support those who can do certain things better than you can,” Jo shared.

Introducing Ben Armstrong

After 17 years in secondary education, including eight as a principal, Ben is excited to embrace the opportunity of being a Co-Head of School and Head of Middle and High. EIS’s sense of community and involved parents make it a particularly appealing school to be a part of. Ben has observed that keeping students and families closely connected to a school and each other becomes more difficult the older they become because they grow more independent with new opportunities available to them off-campus. One of his main goals as Head of Middle and High School will be to keep students active and engaged, which begins with students who are excited to come to school every day. When we spoke, he had just finished a coffee meeting with families whose children are transitioning into middle school and the feedback he got was overwhelmingly positive. “To hear them say ‘My child is happy at school.’ That's everything.”

How Jo Roberts Contributes to EIS’s Enduring Legacy

Jo’s experience and longstanding devotion are central to the school’s growth. “I've been an integral part of the school’s growth, and it's part of me as well. It's a family that's ever-changing and ever-evolving,” she said.

After starting at EIS more than 10 years ago as a teacher, she moved on to Head of Early Years, then to Head of Early and Primary Years, to Deputy Head of School, and last year, Acting Head of School. Such investment has given her a comprehensive knowledge of what makes the school so successful and allowed her to grow alongside not only the school but also the families. She noted with pride how some of the current Middle and High School students began their educational journey in her classroom.

Nurturing an Educational Village

During Jo’s time at EIS, the school has more than doubled in size. One thing she is most proud of is that its unique educational village atmosphere has remained during its growth. “Several years ago, the community was quite worried that as we got bigger we'd lose that sense of community and belonging. And so, we've worked very hard to maintain it and make it even better,” she said.

While the word European in the school’s name nods to the diverse backgrounds of its staff, its legacy as a German school, and its wide offerings of foreign languages that include French, German, and Spanish, what differentiates EIS most is its educational village vibe. The special atmosphere is established, in part, by the campus’s collection of inviting villas connected by natural pathways. EIS embraces close connections between families, students, and teachers, exemplified by committed parent groups that volunteer to organize events and charitable undertakings. One result of this is students, staff, and parents who are proud to wear the school’s iconic orange outside the campus.

Facility Upgrades that Bridge to the Future

The new leadership arrangement comes at an exciting time as EIS continues to grow and expand to meet enrollments and changes in the city’s educational landscape. Recent upgrades include a new International Baccalaureate Centre and a complete modernization of the early learning classrooms, which has delighted teachers, students and parents alike. Jo emphasized that creating an engaging environment for teachers and students is vital to fostering positive energy on campus.

Additional improvements include a new roof and turf for the sports field as well as break-out spaces for independent and collaborative learning. Parents will also notice a new pick-up/drop-off area within the school’s gates that underscores the school’s commitment to safety and allows opportunities for teachers and parents to interact at the start and end of each day.

Over the next academic year, Jo and Ben will refine how they can best approach shared leadership tasks such as budgeting, staffing, event planning, and sustainable growth and expansion. Leading with their strengths, they plan to explore new technologies, innovations and collaborations while ensuring that the school’s educational village atmosphere remains at the heart of any future planning.

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+84 28 7300 7257

info@eishcmc.com

730 Le Van Mien, Thao Dien, Q2

Starting from Day One: How NLCS Primary Students Prepare for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

2024-05-31T06:27:00+07:00

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) readies students aged 16 to 19 for the world’s top universities and a fulfilling, successful future.

The curriculum provides graduates with an incredible breadth and depth of knowledge in addition to strong emotional, ethical, physical and intellectual health. The Swiss program established in the 1960s emphasizes the pursuit of passions and balances a service component with mastery of traditional subjects.

The IBDP is also an important metric by which international universities make admission decisions. Simply, if students score well on it, they have a great chance to get into the university of their dreams anywhere in the world. This is clear if we look at a school like North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Jeju. In 2020, the average IBDP score at the Korean school ranked in the top 25 worldwide and number one in Korea, resulting in 10 graduating students attending Oxbridge and 12 matriculating to an Ivy League university. The scores and placements are similarly impressive for the original NLCS in the UK which as well as NLCS Dubai and NLCS Singapore, which recently joined a family boasting a heritage of 175 years from the UK .

Preparing for the IBDP from a Young Age in Saigon

NLCS Ho Chi Minh City (NLCS HCMC) was founded in 2022 as a co-educational junior school for students aged 6 to 11 years old. Each passing year adds another grade level to the school, with students eventually enrolling in the IBDP at age 16. But the preparations begin the moment they step onto the beautiful District 3 campus.

Along with the Exceptional Pastoral Care and Enrichment Programme, one of the main pillars of NLCS HCMC is Exceptional Education. NLCS HCMC teaches the British national curriculum alongside the Vietnamese MOET curriculum according to the IB primary years program (IB PYP). This framework of inquiry encourages student creativity to drive their education. While exploring traditional subjects as well as arts and athletics, the framework emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, self-motivation, and passion. The PYP instills global-mindedness while showing students how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and situations.

A Global Education with Vietnamese Roots

NLCS HCMC collaborates intimately with the entire NLCS family of schools in a variety of ways to provide students with global outlooks and experiences. All staff hold internationally recognized teaching qualifications and are selected and trained by the NLCS UK.

Representatives from the NLCS international team make frequent visits to Vietnam to ensure that everything from academics to policies to health and safety adheres to the group’s rigorous standards that have been refined over 175 years in the UK. Moreover, the British curriculum is the world’s most taught curriculum and prides itself on its ability to meet the individual needs of all students.

While NLCS HCMC enjoys the advantages of this global perspective, it carefully integrates important Vietnamese elements. Most notably, it gives equal attention to English and Vietnamese languages with content taught in both so students develop full bilingual social and academic abilities. By following all Ministry of Education requirements, NLCS HCMC makes it easy for students to integrate with other local institutions and gain the same cultural and scholastic knowledge as their peers at Vietnamese schools.

Who are IB Learners?

The IB PYP framework that empowers NLCS HCMC to teach the global and Vietnamese curriculums and adhere to the core pillar of Academic Excellence will lead to students that can be defined according to the IB Learner Profile. They will be inquirers who view the world as a series of questions with means to answer. They will be knowledgeable about themselves and the world around them with the ability to share this knowledge in English and Vietnamese. A sense of right and wrong that guides them when they are alone means they will be principled individuals. With carefully nurtured confidence and courage they will be open-minded risk takers. These traits will not show up on a test, even one as respected as the IBDP exams, but when you meet a person with these qualities, you certainly will know.

Saigon parents may think their young child’s university career is far off in the future. But it's never too early to start thinking ahead, particularly when a strong education that puts students on the path to the IBDP program is available. For students aged 6-11, NLCS HCMC can be a pivotal first step in a long educational journey filled with knowledge, compassion and the ability to help their communities and themselves.

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028 7109 7837

National London Collegiate School HCMC | 214 Pasteur, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000

The Importance of Service Learning in a Holistic Education at AIS

2024-05-16T05:01:00+07:00

“We want our students to grow up be really good leaders with a moral compass and purpose for the future. Service learning is a great way of helping them to develop these key attitudes and skills,” explains Australian International School (AIS) Executive Principal, Jon Standen.

An Emphasis on Holistic Education

On May 24, AIS will hold an Open Day for prospective families that includes an education forum titled: “Educating the Whole Child: Embracing Service Learning for a Brighter Future.” Saigoneer sat down with Jon to understand this topic better.

While achieving great exam scores and going on to a good university is important, a holistic education also aims to develop young adults to be well-rounded, self-motivated problem solvers who can lead with passion and empathy. Donating one’s time, skills and energy to those in need is an important element of holistic education. This service learning, along with regular coursework, arts and athletics empowers AIS students to grow emotionally and intellectually. The dedicated AIS team strives to ensure that graduates are able and interested in contributing to positive change in the world. “They develop their character and skills so when they graduate and leave the school they're set up for whatever challenges life brings,” Standon says.

Service Learning in Practice

“A key part of holistic education is service education; particularly in schools like ours where our students are quite privileged … We want to ensure that they are well-rounded and grounded,” Standon says. Many formal and informal service opportunities are available for AIS students to help make this possible. For example, all Year Six students spend a week exploring a global or local issue and working together to find and present solutions as part of the Primary Years Program that prepares for the International Baccalaureate Degree Program (IBDP), which involves a comprehensive service element.

AIS students are also closely involved with a local orphanage and can visit to help the children read or assist with painting, for example. This emphasis on service learning results in an easy-to-recognize mindset and outlook on the world. Standon notes that on the recent long holiday, a group of students were out of the city on a vacation and noticed the area was filled with trash. They proceeded to clean it up simply because it was the right thing to do and made their community a better place.

The upcoming Open Day forum will provide attendees with more examples of service learning and allow the senior leadership to expand upon its importance as part of a balanced, holistic education. The event will also allow parents to imagine the type of young adults their children may develop into because it’s being moderated by the school’s Head Boy and Head Girl. These two students have excelled not just academically but as leaders and community members. The careful questions they ask and the experiences they share will showcase the type of smart, kind and inquisitive graduates AIS is proud to send into the world.

Upcoming Campus Enhancements to Support Holistic Education

In addition to service learning and a broad introduction to AIS’s educational philosophy, practices and standards, the school’s facilities will be on display for prospective families. Over the years, Saigoneer has observed many impressive developments to the Thủ Thiêm campus, including the introduction of boarding options, a new IBDP lab, redesigned reception, and updated sports facilities. But never one to rest on its accomplishments, new changes are underway at AIS.

As a member of the global Inspired Network of Schools, AIS benefits from powerful cross-cultural exchanges, partnerships, activities and training. The membership also helps facilitate campus improvements. This summer, the AIS’s two early-year campuses in Thảo Điền and its primary classrooms at the main campus in Thủ Thiêm which includes the secondary school will all be upgraded. State-of-the-art classroom facilities and science laboratories in addition to enhanced art and drama facilities, sports fields and playgrounds are all part of the ambitious plans that will be mostly complete when classes resume in fall 2024. These later elements reveal AIS’s belief that student development outside traditional coursework is essential for a balanced education.

The upcoming Open Day on May 24 is the first to include a forum discussion and also the first to be held on a weekday morning when school is in session. While potentially facilitating families with schedules that didn’t allow for them to come on weekends, it will showcase the school’s values, routines and Australian “give it a go” attitude. Observing classes, students engaged in arts, athletics and play as well as noticing how the staff supports and encourages leadership and strong community is the best way for families to envision what their child’s future can look like.

Register for the May 24 Open Morning here. Attendees will also have opportunities to learn about the 100% scholarships available for students from grade 7 to grade 12 and tuition fees waiving up to VND 16.3 million VND. Application fees are waived for those in attendance.

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Britain’s Prestigious North London Collegiate School Arrives in Vietnam

2024-04-13T05:53:00+07:00

A World-class IB Family of schools with 175 years of exceptional education in the UK, Korea, Dubai, Singapore, and Vietnam invites families to join.

North London Collegiate School Ho Chi Minh City (NLCS HCMC) provides students with a high standard of international education that fosters academic excellence and global perspectives.

Introducing NLCS HCMC

A member of the esteemed North London Collegiate family of schools, NLCS HCMC offers a prestigious international curriculum based on the IB PYP framework and the British National Curriculum with an inclusion of the Vietnamese language and educational requirements. The school’s highly trained teachers are carefully selected from around the world by NLCS UK who then train them to understand NLCS’s core values, principles and curriculum. Representatives from the UK frequently evaluate the team during inspection trips to ensure they are meeting the high standards set during 175 years of educational excellence.

In addition to the rigorous international curriculum, NLCS HCMC prides itself on fostering a creative learning environment. Dedicated learning studios filled with state-of-the-art equipment for music, art, drama and science are utilized to their full potential by the faculty who are passionate in the belief that creativity is a core element of lifelong learning.

NLCS HCMC embraces the core academic tradition and principles of the UK institution while adding elements of local Vietnamese culture and a broader international curriculum. Along with the national educational requirements put forth by the Ministry of Education, the school serves as a steward for Vietnamese identity via a dual-language immersion program and a focus on curating academic Vietnamese fluency with an appreciation for local history. Upon its opening, the Current Head of Junior School, Gemma McCarron explained: “We are excited to have established a school that integrates the best of Vietnamese and international educational programs, for Vietnamese families.

An Education Philosophy Based on Three Pillars

Gemma notes that all NLCS schools share three pillars that support the education’s ethos: Excellent Academic Education, Pastoral Care and Enrichment Programme. Together they form the core identity of NLCS HCMC as seen in all aspects of the school, its staff and its students.

The dedicated teachers are committed to ambitious standards of academic excellence that can only be achieved by students who are passionate about knowledge and the pursuit of new ideas and understandings. By developing lifelong learners, NLCS can achieve its lofty aims as measured by formal and informal metrics. This academic rigor is balanced by genuine care for each student’s physical, emotional and mental well-being. When they feel safe, supported and challenged, children can truly thrive. Finally, a wide range of academic and fun activities allow students to discover and explore their passions.

Outstanding IB Outcomes

Amongst its many accolades throughout the years, NLCS’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Program has thrived. Considered a gold standard for university preparedness, the qualification helps students gain entry to their preferred universities around the world and continue on to bright futures. For many years, NLCS has been amongst the UK’s highest-ranked IB schools consistently scoring in the top 5% globally for its average test scores.

In addition to the curriculum elements designed and honed by the founding British school, NLCS HCMC benefits from its relationship with the UK via the hiring and support of its educators. All teachers at the Vietnam school were selected by NLCS’s international team and invited for training in the UK. The global team is involved after start-up to provide ongoing educational and operational support via monitoring, inspecting, recruitment and cross-cultural exchange of ideas and collaboration.

The teachers selected demonstrate profound interest in their fields of expertise as well as inspiring young learners. They aim to instill the same passion that makes them interested in their subjects to all NLCS HCMC students. In doing so, they provide ideal models of lifelong learners and inquisitive, critical-thinking individuals as described in the IB Learner Profile.

The Difference made by the Talent Identification Programme

Currently enrolling students aged 6 - 11, NLCS HCMC will grow organically to accept primary through high school students. In addition to the inclusion of Vietnamese language instruction, the school differentiates itself in the city via the cultivation of creative expression. Particularly, NLCS HCMC is founded in collaboration with the local Embassy Education group. Through its partnerships with the Soul Music & Performing Arts Academy (SMPAA), Vietnam Contemporary Visual Arts Academy (VCVAA) and Vietnam International Institute of Sports (VIIS), students have opportunities to explore art, music, performing arts, drama and athletics as part of the Talent Identification Programme.

These are on top of enrichment classes that include Touch Typing, Coding, Book Club, Stop-Motion Animation, MultiSkills (Sport), STEAM Lab, Visual Arts, Drama and many other activities. These sessions all help develop students inspired to think beyond the classroom to strengthen students’ skills at an early age, encourage them to follow their passions, take risks and develop empathy.

An Exceptional Heritage of 175 Years from the UK

In 1850, Frances Mary Buss founded the North London Collegiate School (NLCS) in Great Britain. Since then, it has been a top independent school for girls aged 4 - 18, with an emphasis on providing independent-minded young adults with the academic skills and character to meet any challenge or opportunity they encounter.

NLCS has expanded over the years in terms of campus size and facilities as well as teaching methods to incorporate emerging pedagogical ideas and technological breakthroughs. In 2009, the institution took the first steps in establishing a Family of International Schools that share a set of aims and values and make the premier British educational experience available for students around the world. In 2011, the first NLCS global school was opened on the fabled Jeju island in South Korea, followed by branches in Dubai and Singapore. In 2022, North London Collegiate School Ho Chi Minh City (NLCS HCMC) became the fourth addition to the NLCS Family of Schools.

A True British School in the Heart of Saigon

NLCS HCMC’s close relationship with the proven record and rich history of the British school, its commitment to arts education along with the Vietnamese language, and its location in District 3 help distinguish itself in Saigon’s crowded academic landscape. Further establishing its own identity are attractive tuition packages and a wide range of available scholarships that make the school more affordable than one might expect.

Saigon families have many options for where to spend their children for school. They need not choose between an esteemed international curriculum underpinned by a century and a half of British experience and fluency in local traditions and language, however. NLCS HCMC provides both along with a dedication to arts at competitive prices.

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028 7109 7837

National London Collegiate School HCMC | 214 Pasteur, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000

Harnessing Technology to Unlock Educational Potential at Australian International School

2024-03-05T06:01:00+07:00

While curriculums have evolved and learning philosophies have progressed, the biggest changes in education in recent decades involve technology.

Parents who handwrote essays and used library card catalogs to perform research are now sending their children to schools supplied with computers and tablets that grant access to artificial intelligence (AI) alongside the limitless powers of the World Wide Web. Schools today must decide how best to harness the great potential offered by these technologies while mitigating inherent dangers.

Australian International School Saigon can attest to the importance of embracing technology in the classroom where it enhances and accelerates learning. The school has taken measures to provide students with state-of-the-art facilities and technology. Last year, this included the construction of their auditorium’s state-of-the-art LED display and sound system, and new purpose-built Media Centre that allows students to experience technology in their lessons via devices for Computer Science; keyboards and programs for Music Technology and 3-D printers for Design Technology and Visual Art.

With an Open Day approaching on March 23, it is the perfect time for parents and families to learn more about the ways technology are enhancing learning at AIS.

Artificial Intelligence’s Wide-Reaching Impact

AIS Saigon’s Secondary Principal, Ben Armstrong, recognizes the potential for AI to disrupt every sector of society, and education is no exception. When used wisely, AI can help personalize and enrich the learning experience of students. For example, it can make creating material specific to individual learner profiles and needs much easier. He explained, “We use Century AI software to individualize student learning in Math, Science and English… the AI software tailors the difficulty of questions based on the students' understanding of previous tasks completed.” AI’s capacity to quickly adjust and adapt lessons also makes it easier for teachers to tailor material for individual student's needs, “so every student in a class is stretched to the upper limits of their capabilities,” he says.

Children learn in unique ways, and instead of a ‘one size fits all approach,’ Generative AI helps teachers better support students with different learning styles. Whisper, for example, is an app that allows students to turn speech to text and thus plays to student strengths. Meanwhile, chatGPT supports the initial stages of research and streamlines holistic, inquiry-based learning methods.

Familiar Technologies Flourish

While AI may be the newest and most exciting technology empowering student learning at AIS, there are many other more familiar devices and programs maximizing learning potential as well. Because AIS is a Microsoft school, students become familiar with programs such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. This helps them prepare for post-graduation experiences, as the programs are standard in universities and workplaces around the world.

Technology also plays an important role at AIS beyond the classroom. As previously mentioned, the new, robustly-equipped Media Centre allows members of arts and music clubs to cultivate creativity while experiencing the digital tools that musicians, painters, dancers and designers rely on in the real world. Meanwhile, the school has been able to introduce and grow technology-dependent extracurriculars such as a coding club, STEAM activities and Robofox Science experiments.

Safe Use of Technology and Parental Involvement

Alongside the many benefits of technology in classrooms exist some risks. From cyberbullying, to easy access to mature material, to difficulties discerning fact from fiction, irresponsible internet and program use can cause significant harm. Thus, AIS invited Jonathan Taylor, a global expert on online safety, to lead multi-day workshops for parents, students and staff to educate them about responsible internet activity and introduce important guidelines and behavior. Taylor’s regular pastoral lessons focus on digital footprints and remaining safe online.

Many parents are concerned about the total time their children spend behind a screen, especially as schools increasingly adopt technology. Recognizing the importance of time offline to develop interpersonal relationships and healthy connections with reality, AIS “ensures that some classes are ‘tech-free zones’ so that students are still practicing their handwriting, and the soft skills that are so important to their development, such as teamwork, communication and reading non-verbal cues in conversation,” Amstrong explains.

Parents are involved in discussions about online safety so they can help promote responsible technology use at home. They also benefit from technology’s ability to connect them to the school and their children’s education. For example, Primary School teachers use SeeSaw to post text, photos and videos of the day's activities to share with families. Extracurricular activities, such as the recent AISA Games are also streamed online so family members around the world can watch. Such communication allows parents to have a more active role in their children’s day and better visibility of their learning progress.

The Future on Display at Australian International School

Technology is certain to play an increasingly important role in the years to come, and so it is important to learn how to use the programs and devices available now, as well as how to adapt to the ones that will soon arrive. Amstrong says AIS does this “by fully embracing new technologies and implementing them into our daily routines.”

The best way to witness this embrace and implementation at AIS is to join the Open Day on March 23 at 9am. Parents and prospective students will have opportunities to experience the new Media Centre in action as well as observe students completing experimental work, making use of data collection technology in the science lab, musical performances that rely on new technologies, as well as ask questions of the leadership team. The day promises a glimpse into the future of technology in education and how each child can benefit from it.

Attendees to AIS Saigon’s Open Day on March 23 will have opportunities to learn about the 100% scholarships available for students from grade 7 to grade 11 and discounts of up to VND 16,300,000. Application fees are waived for those in attendance. Register here.

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Hotline: 19006940

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Why La Petite Ecole May Be a Great Starting Point for Families Looking for the Right School in Saigon

2024-02-26T09:49:00+07:00

For Saigon parents, finding the right school for their children is an important and simultaneously daunting task. The undertaking can be particularly challenging for expats and mixed couples who must balance different backgrounds and perspectives. Each child is unique and finding an environment for him or her to flourish in often requires numerous school visits, online research and predictive thinking.

Given these complexities, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed, especially when there are no guarantees that a selected school will end up being the ideal choice. Perhaps the exercise is best approached by identifying what key aspects parents see as vital to their child’s development, from school culture, curriculum, taught languages, and shared values to more practical issues of location and price which are often determining factors.

For parents looking for a school that reflects a balance of commitment to excellence and affordability, La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh City may be a good place to start their search as it shares the curriculum attributes of an international school but is priced well within the range of Saigon’s bi-lingual schools. La Petite Ecole is ideal for developing an international mindset that values critical thinking; bilingual English and French education; preparation for further studies in Vietnam or globally; strong community bonds and communication in an inclusive and collaborative environment; and international bi-lingual school value at a Vietnamese bi-lingual school price.

An international mindset that values critical thinking

La Petite Ecole teaches the French national curriculum from kindergarten to primary, which mirrors that of French schools and Lycées français around the globe. For French nationals, this is an important characteristic given that many would like to foster a connection between their children who are growing up abroad and their motherland. Those who have no French educational background may find that the focus on values such as history, culture and human rights with a methodological stress on critical thinking and creativity matches those of their family.

Bilingual English and French education

While half of La Petite Ecole’s classes are taught in French, the other half are taught in English which provides students with the tools to master both languages. Therefore, when they reach the end of their journey after 5th Year (CM2), graduates can seamlessly transition to other French Schools or English-speaking international schools in Saigon or elsewhere.

The linguistic emphasis reflects the student body demographics (50% French, 28% Vietnamese, and the rest a mix of 25 other nationalities) and the international teaching staff who are an even split of native French and English speakers.

Preparation for further studies

Upon graduation from La Petite Ecole, CM2 students can continue the French-inspired curriculum and French-language instruction thanks to the direct connection to French Lycée Marguerite Duras in Saigon. Additionally, many students find their next home at one of the city’s English-language international schools for which they will be well prepared.

For parents who plan to move outside Vietnam in the future, these are important considerations as they can be confident that their children will be able to adjust to a new school. Students will also have priority access to other institutions run by La Petite Ecole’s mother company, Odyssey Education, which has 12 other schools worldwide – ranging from Singapore and Morocco to Rome and Thailand – and is run by a group of former educators. The educator-led management team means that the group emphasizes both teacher training and building community within their schools.

Strong community bonds and communication in an inclusive and collaborative environment

At La Petite Ecole, this dedication to establishing a strong sense of community involves nurturing a healthy ecosystem for students, parents and staff built upon strong communication between the school and parents. All messaging is sent in French, English and Vietnamese with regular sessions held between the school administration and parents to address timely issues and inform of new opportunities, such as additional Vietnamese language activities.

La Petite Ecole’s admissions department carefully works with prospective parents and students to ensure their values align; and that the school’s education philosophies are clearly communicated to prospective pupils. Ultimately, the school’s top priority is the well-being of students and helping them find a place where they can thrive and La Petite Ecole does its best to ensure that can happen via constant communication between teachers and parents. Because all families, students and staff share the same goals and understanding of the best paths to reach them, La Petite Ecole enjoys a constructive, supportive and nurturing environment.

International bi-lingual school value at a Vietnamese bi-lingual school price

For many families, price is a major consideration. La Petite Ecole is unique in that it offers many of the educational standards found at the city’s international and bi-lingual international schools but at a price point well in line with those of Vietnamese bi-lingual schools that follow the Ministry of Education curriculum and are instructed in English and Vietnamese. When viewed from the perspective of a product, families may be hard-pressed to find a better value.

It often takes months for parents to go through the process of vetting schools and making sense of all the associated brochures and school tours. But some families can likely save a bit of time and start their search at La Petite Ecole. It might be perfect if one is looking for an institution that provides top-tier education at an affordable price alongside an emphasis on the French and English languages and cultures, and a community wherein students, parents and staff all work together towards a common set of values and goals.

For families who would like to visit La Petite Ecole, the upcoming Open Day on March 9 is the perfect opportunity to discover its facilities and meet with teachers. You can register for the Open Day here.

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+84 (0) 28 3519 1521

172-180 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, TPHCMC

Global Citizenship at the Forefront of Education at European International School

2024-02-26T09:05:00+07:00

“Global citizenship is a way of living sustainably that demonstrates respect for the environment and for others,” says Jo Roberts, Acting Head of School at European International School (EIS).

“Global citizenship is a core value to the school, and students are encouraged to contribute meaningfully to the local and wider community, demonstrate intercultural understanding; be socially responsible; and promote equity.”

Jo Robert at Operation Smile's Opening Ceremony of its surgical programme at Bệnh viện Răng Hàm Mặt Trung Ương 2.

It’s obvious why parents would want their children to develop these admirable qualities that define what a global citizen is at EIS. But it’s more complex to understand how the traits are cultivated. It requires a holistic approach that spans classroom curriculums, extracurricular activities, teacher and staff example-setting, and community involvement. The comprehensive cultivation of a broad mindset of social responsibility and empathy will be on full display during an upcoming Friday Tour on March 15 and March 29. Ahead of the school tours, Roberts shares some insight into what families and parents can expect from the world-class international school.

Global Citizenship Integrated into Conventional Curriculums

EIS strives to foster an understanding of the world's interconnectedness, empathy for people of all backgrounds, and the motivation to create positive change. Doing so is as much a part of the routine coursework as learning math formulas or a second (or third) language. Roberts explains, “global citizenship is an integral part of our curriculum at all levels so there are often teachers integrating this into their units and lessons.”

Many familiar subjects and lessons provide opportunities for instilling these values. For example, in a grade 10 Individuals and Societies class, students are completing a research project where they investigate local charities and NGOs, present them, and discuss ways the greater EIS community might be more involved. A representative from Blue Dragon Foundation will also meet with the class to give them a more personal look into the work of local NGOs. This is a perfect example of how students practice conventional skills such as inquiry-based research, public speaking, group collaboration and reflection while also expanding their understanding of the world and their potential to impart good.

EIS Young Entrepreneurs raise fund to Capital Foundation.

All Year 12 and 13 students at EIS participate in the globally-recognized International Baccalaureate Degree Program (IBDP) which includes the CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service) Program component that aligns perfectly with the school’s concern for global citizenship. To complete the program, students volunteer with local organizations, manage fundraisers for charitable causes, or initiate sustainability projects that emphasize improving local communities. They have, for example, collaborated with Saigon schools and orphanages to run arts or English classes. These efforts sometimes continue past the CAS as well. The “Boxes of Hope” which collects school supplies, food, and clothing for children at a local shelter initially started as a CAS project. “These experiences help students develop a sense of social responsibility and empathy towards others,” says Roberts.

Responsibility, Empathy and Awareness of Inequities Cultivated through Extracurriculars

EIS seeks to develop self-motivated students who are inspired to create and contribute to meaningful change regardless of grades or accolades, and it is thus not surprising that global citizenship is fostered outside the classroom as well. Extracurricular activities are powerful ways to raise awareness about global issues and then connect with local organizations to work towards meaningful solutions. Middle and high school students at EIS can join groups including the SAGA (Sexualities and Gender Alliance) which raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues; Paw Prints, a group that creates animal-related art that they sell to raise money for local animal charities; EnviroClub, which works in collaboration with Green Network Saigon on a variety of sustainability projects; The League of Women which has collaborated with the Saigon chapter of “Period. The Menstrual Movement” to raise awareness about period poverty and break period stigma; and the Young Entrepreneurs Club which facilitates the creation of fundraisers and business ventures and activities that raise money for Vincapital charities.

EIS Sudents working on a recycling project.

Building bridges and networks is an integral part of global citizenship and EIS collaborates with other institutions in Vietnam. For example, this past November, EIS students hosted the first in-person GIN Conference (Global Issues Network) since COVID-19. The student-led and run conference brought together teens from eight international schools in Saigon to discuss global issues that directly affect them and propose solutions that they can work towards.

Connecting with Teachers, Parents and Community Members

Much of EIS’s efforts to cultivate open-minded and generous individuals involve student-initiated and led classroom activities and organizations in line with a holistic learning philosophy that emphasizes self-motivation, but school staff, family and outside community members have an important role to play as well. Roberts explains that teachers and parents often donate their time and energy after school and on the weekends to support students in their passions. Such undertakings have included beach clean-ups; collecting toys, books, clothes and dried goods for orphanages; and raising money at events for chosen charities as well as ongoing student initiatives such as “Green Saigon,'' who have collection points in school for recycling tetra paks. Additionally, the parent community raises money every year for Operation Smile. Such dedication is not only helpful for students to achieve their goals but presents powerful models for what global citizenship can look like independent of school and required assignments.

Assembly by Choice Vietnam at EIS for the importance of celebrating and caring for our Earth.

As part of its efforts to instill the importance of working across experiences and perspectives, EIS frequently engages with communities beyond the school and its network of families. This can involve organizing family events for the surrounding area, cultural celebrations open to the public, and inviting guest speakers from various backgrounds. “By fostering these connections, the school encourages families to engage with the broader community and promotes a sense of shared responsibility,” Roberts says.

When EIS opens its doors during the upcoming Friday Tours, parents and students will have the opportunity to see the school in action and experience the curriculum. Families will see examples of classroom activities, extracurricular opportunities and community connections to get a sense of how the school develops global citizens. As Roberts summarizes, “Our ‘educational village’ is a community where students, teachers, staff and parents work together collaboratively. The school's structure provides opportunities for students to engage with communities beyond its walls through partnerships, exchanges, and collaborative projects, thereby encouraging a sense of global connectedness.”

Attendees to EIS's Friday Tours on March 15 and 29 will have opportunities to learn about the 100% scholarships available for students from grade 10 to grade 11 and discounts of up to VND 11.5 million VND. Application fees are waived for those in attendance. Register here.

European International School's website

+84 28 7300 7257

info@eishcmc.com

730 Lê Văn Miến, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh