Starting from Day One: How NLCS Primary Students Prepare for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) readies students aged 16 to 19 for the world’s top universities and a fulfilling, successful future.
Paul Christiansen in In Plain Sight
On a Boat Ride Through Nhiêu Lộc Canal, a Fish's-Eye View of Saigon
Could your life in Saigon be made into a quirky indie film?
Why La Petite Ecole May Be a Great Starting Point for Families Looking for the Right School in Saigon
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 ...
From Digital Societies and Theatre to Environmental Systems, Sport and Computer Science: BIS HCMC’s Wide Range of IBDP Subjects Prepares Students for Exciting Futures
When you picture secondary school students absorbed in their coursework, you are unlikely to envision them learning about Digital Societies, Computer Science, Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)...
Unlocking Potential from a Young Age: The Advantages of Enrolling Children in International Education at BIS HCMC
The path to becoming a lifelong learner begins early.
Saigon Heat Wins Intracity Rivalry Over HCMC Wings, Closing Out VBA Regular Season
Families of fans filed into the “Fire Pan” on September 3, wearing red, white, and black jerseys. The atmosphere hums with anticipation.
Plan to Put Canopy Over Treeless Lê Lợi Pavement Sparks Debate
Late last week, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture unveiled a proposal to install canopies across Lê Lợi Boulevard’s pavement.
How a Simple Dream for a Daughter’s Education Flourishes 25 Years Later at BIS HCMC
Saying Saigon has changed a great deal in the last 25 years is quite an understatement and the rapid development the city has experienced is not only evident by sprouting skyscrapers and large infrast...
Michael Tatarski in Natural Selection
Mangroves: The Everyday Superheroes Protecting Vietnam Against Climate Change
When you think of ways to combat the inevitable ravages of climate change and sea level rise, what comes to mind?
Adorable Metro Illustrations Take Viewers on a Joyride Through Saigon
As fans of Vietnam’s busiest city, graphic designers An Nguyễn and Học Nguyễn launched a mock communication campaign to create prospective visual branding for the upcoming Ho Chi Minh City Metro. The ...
How Students at The British International School HCMC are Preparing to Transition Back to In-School Learning
In recent weeks, Saigon has experienced a return to relative normality in many regards, and schools may soon resume in-person classes.
Saigon Expands Vaccination Campaign to All City Residents Over 18
Have you gotten a shot yet?
Saigon Has Imposed Over $50,000 in Fines so Far to Enforce Lockdown Rules
Huge amounts of fines have been levied since Directive 16 went into effect in Ho Chi Minh City.
How the British International School HCMC Instills a Sense of Direction for Students Applying to University and Beyond
“Instead of thinking of a destination to this journey, think about the direction.”
New PM Supports Plan to Let HCMC Retain More Budget Revenue
The city currently has the lowest budget retention rate of any locality.
How Sixth Form Prepares British International School Students to Thrive
“It’s not just about getting into university, it’s what you’ll do there, and after, will you thrive?” Sean O’Neill, Headteacher at British International School, Ho Chi Minh City explains.
What is ‘STEAM’ and Why Are Schools Implementing it?
If you’re familiar with modern education methods you’ve likely encountered the term ‘STEAM,’ an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, art and maths. But what is it, exactly? Some p...
Saving Reefs and Servicing Communities at British International School
A whale with trash spilling out its busted belly, a seagull with feathers soaked in sticky oil, horses galloping in terror: a group of students circled around a computer peer over images of sculptures...
Exploring Juilliard’s Collaboration with the British International School
The students became water. Or rather, buried beneath blankets and waving sheets, flicking flashlights on and off, mouths shushing and humming, they acted out “The Water’s Journey” as inspired by an An...
A Modified UK Education Model is the Key to Student Success at BIS
The United Kingdom was recently ranked the #1 country in the world for education.
The Value of Connected, Collaborative Education in Vietnam
Saigon is constructing new office towers, financial buildings, malls and luxury apartments at a frantic pace, but the building frenzy is not all about commerce and housing, as exemplified by the Briti...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
The Story of Tan Son Nhat Airport
As the plan for Saigon's massive Long Thanh Airport moves forward (despite some objections), we thought we'd take a minute to look back at the long history of old standby, Tan Son Nhat.
Brian Letwin in Saigon
How Much Do You Make? New Report Finds Growing Salaries in HCMC
Ever wonder what you're worth? The recently released 2013 Robert Walters Global Salary Survey shows moderate growth in salaries for workers in the financial, supply chain, engineering, HR, IT, s...
Brian Letwin in Film & TV
Films Coming to Vietnam This August
We know we’re a few weeks late, but here’s a list of films being released in Vietnam this month. Descriptions from IMDB.
Brian Letwin in Saigon
Old Saigon Picture of the Day: Check Out This Badass
In the time before Ducatis and Yamaha FZ16s were the hottest things on two wheels in Saigon, the Honda Cub 67 reigned supreme with local cool kids. Even though many of the old 67's are still around, ...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
Massive Fire Drill at Diamond Plaza this Morning
If you're wondering why emergency crews, including 2 helicopters are running around Dimond Plaza this morning, fear not, for it's only a drill! The city fire, police and health departments along with...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
Old Saigon Picture of the Day: Saigon Railroad Building
Not too long ago, the park across from Ben Thanh Market was the location of the city's main train station. Even though the station moved to District 3 following the American War, remnants of the old ...
Latin Music With Soul
With many options available, it seems that a large number of Vietnamese youth are getting more and more into Latin music - Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and Reggaeton. From Salsa clubs like La Salsa and Xsa...
Brian Letwin in Roundups
Morning Links: A Look Inside Male Brothels
Here's what's making news around Vietnam this morning: -A look inside male brothels [Tuoi Tre] -Clean cafés emerge in city, outplay sidewalk rivals [Tuoi Tre] -HCM City: River “swallows” seven hous...
Brian Letwin in Roundups
Morning Links: Vietnam Cops to Mass Produce Fishnet Launchers to Catch Traffic Violators
Here's what's making news around Vietnam this morning: -Vietnam cops to mass produce fishnet launchers to catch traffic violators [Thanh Nien] -Drug makers accused of collusion [Vietnam Ne...
Brian Letwin in Vietnam
Weapons Workshop Uncovered in Hai Phong
If there's a will, there's a way. When you own a workshop and are a drug addict, this could lead you to running a gun-making operation as in the case of Duong Minh Nhat. The 38-year-old and his wife ...
Brian Letwin in Vietnam
Don't Panic: SuperMoon is on Its Way
It’s about that time again. On June 23, the year’s largest supermoon will be visible above the Saigon skies. A supermoon occurs when a full moon lines up with the Earth and the sun at a specific poin...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
7 Old Pictures of Saigon Street Vendors
The buildings and streets of Saigon can change in the blink of an eye. Gone are the streetcars, French street names and ox-drawn carts. As the economy continues to develop, the old Saigon is being rep...
Brian Letwin in Asia
Thai Monks Traveling on Private Jet Cause Uproar
Three Thai monks have landed in hot water after footage of the trio flying on a private jet, wearing sunglasses and earphones and carrying Louis Vuitton bags emerged on YouTube. The video has caused ...
Brian Letwin in Roundups
Morning Links: 701 Vietnamese Travelers Abandoned in Thailand
Here's what's making news around Vietnam this morning: - Prostitution ring targeting foreigners busted in Vietnam metro [Thanh Nien] - Gold Premiums in Vietnam Hit $217 Over Spot In Heavy Demand [Go...
Brian Letwin in Music & Arts
Call for Submissions - Ho Chi Minh MEGA City
If you love Saigon, it’s time to grab your camera and take some shots of the city! The photo book, “TP. Ho Chi Minh MEGA City,” is currently being assembled and the authors are seeking submissions. C...
Brian Letwin in Development
Vietnam May Embrace Cars After All
Japanese companies, some of Vietnam’s largest investors, are playing an interesting game these days. For the most part, Japan has taken on the role of older brother to Vietnam, supporting the develop...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
The Remarkable Tale of Ben Thanh Market
Large markets have been the cornerstone of many Vietnamese neighborhoods for over a century. When Saigon was still a collection of small towns, central markets acted as vital commerce centers where lo...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
Saigon's New CNG Busses to be Produced in Vietnam
Locally-produced CNG (compressed natural gas) busses may be an increasingly common sight over the next 12 months. On April 18, Duong Hong Thanh, deputy director of the City Department of Transport, a...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
Old Saigon: Pictures from Life Magazine
When looking at old pictures of big cities, what usually strikes us is how different yet similar things are today. Back in the 50s, Time Magazine ran some great pictures of Saigon, capturing its initi...
Brian Letwin in Vietnam
Contrasting Past & Present
Old bridge. Photo by Khánh Hmoong If you love old Vietnam photos as much as we do, you’ll get a kick out of these which contrast the present and past of some of Vietnam’s most famous sites.
Brian Letwin in Development
Bringing Back the Green
Green bedroom. Source: New York Times The idea of “going green” is gaining popularity in our fair Vietnam, and while the government talks about it on a national level, there are plenty of good exampl...
