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. 

“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. 

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.  

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.

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.

“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.

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), and Theatre.

But students at British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC) are studying these exact forward-looking and creative subjects and many others, alongside more traditional academic subjects, right now. As part of the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), BIS HCMC students curate a personalized course of study from over 30 different available subjects that prepare them for top international universities while developing them as well-rounded individuals.

Alongside the enormous benefits of the IBDP being an Internationally recognized qualification, this curriculum fosters holistic learning supported by a broad and balanced knowledge base. It empowers students to achieve academic excellence and personal growth with an emphasis on wellbeing. As stated in its official Learner Profiles, graduates of the program are enquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk takers, balanced, and reflective.

Freedom to Explore Skills, Interests and Passions

All BIS HCMC students choose from more than 30 IBDP subjects that are spread across six groups (Studies in Language and Linguistics, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Arts, and Mathematics), focusing on three to study at a higher level and three at a standard level. 

But students also have a huge range of co-curricular activities to explore their interests too. As part of the core IBDP, students also follow CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), which requires all students to complete a creative experience, physical activity and community service opportunity.

CAS provides students with further opportunities to develop as well-rounded, responsible and caring students who have positive relationships with their peers and community. “My most significant CAS experience has been my role as a first aid leader; it’s taught me how to communicate, persevere and try to inspire change at BIS. I think this is a key skill I’ll need to bring into my future career,” said Atom, a Year 12 student. 

Sonali, a Year 12 student, prefect, academic mentor, Model United Nations chair, and VEX Robotics enthusiast noted her desire for more women to join the technology field when explaining why she selected Computer Science as one of her six subjects. “I want to go into computer science, especially web development but one of my teachers suggested that I get into politics, philosophy and economics, so I could become a lawyer too,” she added, alluding to the multifaceted study inherent to the IBDP and the number of options that BIS HCMC, in particular, excels at providing. "Everyone wants to be a well-rounded person because they genuinely are so passionate. There’s a lack of a box and people just get to enjoy what they do and be passionate about it and the school fosters that and allows it to grow, even in IB."

Having so many different subjects available and the freedom to choose allows students to explore what they think they might want to do in the future, balancing discovery with the honing of skills in areas they already hold expertise. The personalization of the IBDP is not new for BIS HCMC students, who select their subjects from age 16 in their IGCSEs. Having already had the chance to explore their interests and skills, they have a better understanding of what to pursue at IBDP. Amanda, a current Year 12 student who is studying Literature & Performance, Biology, Geography, Visual Arts, Math and Spanish explains how this environment is helping her explore and plan for a career: “I am in the school production and musical and I think that’s really going to help me in the future, especially with creating a community. I think the school fosters a really good atmosphere for creativity. It helps me grow as a person … I have considered doing musical theatre for my future and it opens more opportunities for me.”

Joel, another Year 12 student has also found ways to investigate his potential career via the IBDP curriculum alongside school extracurriculars. He selected Sports, Exercise and Health Science as one of his six subjects, volunteers as a basketball coach and applied to work in a local hospital’s nutrition division to “get an insight into what life would be like in that field,” he explained.

Both the IBDP and BIS instill a sense that anything is possible, as shown by the number of career paths the students choose. Joshua, another Year 12 student, aims to “study nuclear fusion” at a University in South Korea, so he “can help save the world” he half-jokingly adds. In fact, the school’s mission statement itself encourages students to be visionaries and changemakers in the world; “United as global citizens, we develop the skills and characteristics to create a more peaceful and sustainable world.”

Wellbeing and Physical Education are also core elements of overall student development that impact traditional academic achievement. A comprehensive well-being program at BIS HCMC, underpinned by respected academic research ensures students thrive both academically and beyond the classroom. BIS HCMC understands that for students to fully benefit from the advantages of the IBDP, they must be socially, physically and emotionally healthy. 

Preparation for University and Beyond

In addition to helping students know what they want to study in university, the IBDP Program helps them get accepted to top institutions around the world and excel once enrolled. Thanks to the program’s rigor and the development of self-motivation and responsibility, students find themselves prepared for university expectations in and outside the classroom. Particularly, the IBDP’s required Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay prepare their critical thinking and essay writing skills so they are thinking and performing at university levels before having even graduated high school. “My first year of university was very easy, it was basically 50% of what I had already done in IB, so it really prepared me for that transition to a totally different environment. My study load reduced a lot which gave me more time to settle into university life,” explained Yu a 2022 BIS HCMC graduate now studying Material Science and Engineering at Seoul National University. 

“I am able to have a balance of creative subjects and STEM. Especially when going back to Denmark I think there are a lot of options I can choose and I have a good variety of subjects that allow me to qualify for universities there,” Amanda, the Theatre student noted when explaining her selection of such seemingly unrelated subjects. A simple glance at the school’s university destinations reveals how successful students are in their applications and the astoundingly diverse range of fields they pursue. This is in part down to their dedicated College and University Guidance team, who advise students early on what subjects and co-curricular activities will support their university applications and future goals.

Recent BIS HCMC graduates are now studying Neurobiology & Behaviour in the US, Marine Biology in Australia, Pharmacology in the UK, Medicine in Ireland, Computer Science in the US, Politics & International Relations in The Netherlands and Biotechnology in South Korea. 

Indicative of BIS HCMC’s foundational support of creative and unconventional passions, recent graduates are thriving outside conventional academic paths as well. Jeremie is a swimmer for Vietnam’s national team; Jess is a pilot; and Kisum founded the social enterprise Rice Inc. with the ultimate goal of ending food poverty in Southeast Asia.

Reading about these impressive students allows families to envision the opportunities awaiting at BIS HCMC, but it's even more powerful to have first-hand experience. Thus, the school is inviting prospective students and parents to attend a student-led open day on 22nd February During the evening Year 13 student Anya will share her IBDP journey alongside several Year 12 students. Parents will also have an opportunity to visit booths for each of the six IBDP subject groups and the college and university guidance team will be present to discuss study plans, paths and preparations. The open day is an ideal way to gain an understanding of how the IBDP Program at BIS HCMC, bolstered by its unrivaled selection of subjects, sets students on bright career and personal trajectories. 

The path to becoming a lifelong learner begins early.

A child’s educational foundation helps determine their future success and social trajectory. The British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC) provides a holistic curriculum for children that begins when they are toddlers to give them the brightest future possible.

“Our youngest children play to learn - and learn to play, through our carefully balanced Early Years Foundation Programme” described Dee Grimshaw, Head of Early Years and Infant Campus. BIS HCMC believes that this approach alongside social support sets the foundations for successful future learning, developing confidence and independence.

“One of our first priorities is for children to learn how to identify their emotions and how to regulate them appropriately,” explained Sarah Curran, BIS’s Deputy Head of the Early Years and Infant Campus. The first sessions provided for the youngest students, in Early Years Foundation Stage 1 (F1) may sound simple, but that is why they are so essential. Students aged 2-3 in F1 learn to recognize how they are feeling and cultivate healthy responses to these emotions. They also participate in games and activities that develop their basic motor skills that will eventually allow them to hold a paintbrush, navigate a keyboard and kick a football. All important skills that will empower them to explore their passions in the future.

In addition to providing fantastic first steps in emotional, intellectual and social development, BIS’s earliest learners are introduced to core values and outlooks that will guide them throughout their future education and life, including integrity, respect, inquiry, care, perseverance and resilience.

In year 3 students transition to the Junior campus where they build on the important foundations they gained at the Early Years and Infant Campus. “Our children are encouraged to become more confident and independent and develop the critical thinking skills that are so essential in today’s global society” describes Ian Battersby, Head of Junior Campus. Students are offered a variety of opportunities for growth and leadership. They can become community ambassadors, who assist community partners, young interpreters who support our new students to settle in to school life, house captains who motivate their teams in a multitude of competitions and leaders on the student council.

From Year 1 Primary students enjoy a blend of the English National Curriculum combined with the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). This unique curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, curiosity and the pursuit of one’s passions, balancing a structured framework of traditional subjects with inquiry-led learning experiences that incorporate local culture and global perspectives.

Teachers are of course a key ingredient to a successful education and Grimshaw describes how BIS’s teachers are crucial: “Our caring and committed teachers really get to know our students’ interests and personalities. They know how to spark curiosity, creativity and imagination and create unique learning experiences around each individual child’s passions.”

While BIS has 3 campuses, the long-tenured staff members consistently work across and between the campuses and have developed a dedicated transition program which helps students transition smoothly into the Secondary campus in year 7. It’s not just teachers who work across campuses though. Year 8 students serve as transition ambassadors for the incoming year 7s. Year 10 students coach Year 2 students for physical education classes and older pupils serve as mentors in co-curricular activities such as music and sports.

Meanwhile, the integrated school is able to share resources that may typically not be available at smaller institutions. Therefore, dedicated language, learning support specialists, school counselors and wellbeing specialists are available for students and parents at all levels. There is even a trained therapy and wellbeing dog that joins wellbeing lessons and supports all students across the school.

 A number of school-wide collaborations as part of BIS’s Nord Anglia Education affiliation further enrich students’ education at all levels. For example, visiting musicians from New York’s famed Juilliard School lead special programs for teachers and students. The school’s collaborations with UNICEF and MIT provide further opportunities for BIS’s students. The academic career of Caitlin, a current Year 11 student, reveals the potential impact of the collaborations. She joined BIS at the Foundation Stage 1 level when she was only two years old. As a UNICEF ambassador, Caitlin recently joined the NAE-UNICEF Summit in New York with delegates from around the world. The young advocates worked together to come up with innovative solutions to global challenges. Caitlin also recently attended a Model United National conference in Seoul and was awarded a diploma for the Cello from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. She is also an avid swimmer, as part of BIS’s swim team the Barracudas. Caitlin noted: “Within BIS, I’ve had the opportunity to pursue my passion for music, and I’ve been able to make a positive impact through my involvement in various sustainability initiatives.”

But Caitlin is not an anomaly, Jane a recent graduate who achieved a perfect IBDP score of 45 points and started with BIS in Year 1 received an ASEAN scholarship to study accountancy at the National University of Singapore, a top 10 university globally. But BIS focuses on more than just academics and encourages each individual to follow their own path in life. Susu, a student who joined BIS in Foundation Stage 3, graduated last year and is now attending The New School, in New York, one of the most prestigious art and design schools in the world. While another recent graduate, Hope, who joined in Foundation stage 3 is now studying nursing at the University of York. BIS is proud to share the stories of students who joined at a young age and thus had the confidence to explore their passions and become advocates for what they believe in.

Deciding if and when to enroll your child in international school is a big decision. Many families assume education standards matter most in later years. However, the results of BIS’s world-class commitment to foundational skills and perspectives when students are at their most impressionable underscores why there is no such thing as “too early.” The impact of a holistic and mindful environment and structured, progressive curriculum supported by enrichment from upper-level resources will benefit the youngest learners for the rest of their lives.

Kitten Survivor, Snowy Kingdom, Toilet Tower Defense and Snacks But Weird were just a few of the large games placed on the floor beside their designers: Year Three students at International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP). The children laughed while excitedly showing off their creations and explaining the rules to parents as part of the school’s recent Winter Bazaar. A sign outside the room in English, Vietnamese and Korean announced: “How We Express Ourselves …. Board games help us learn and express our creativity.”

How We Express Ourselves signs also introduced areas of the school dedicated to song performances, street food stalls, an art gallery, and author signings for original feeling books. The phrase that each student-led activity centered around is one of the transdisciplinary themes for The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) that ISSP recently received official authorization for. Along with Who We Are, Where we are in Place and Time, How the World Works, How We Organize Ourselves and Sharing the Planet, the theme of How We Express Ourselves was explored in different classes for each grade level, from early years (18-month-old students) up to Year 5 (11-year-old students). 

If you had come to the Bình Thạnh District school at this time several years ago, before it was an Authorized IB World School, you would have found a fairly typical Christmas-themed concert with performances of mostly Western songs. Instead, this year students were displaying ceramic mugs festooned with corn kernels that represent their understanding of texture as part of an investigation of how visual arts can convey emotions and ideas. Similarly, some of the younger students had illustrated books to express how they feel in various situations as prompted by situations such as “I am happy when … .”

Meanwhile, the oldest students were surrounded by handmade advertisements, logos and slogans for the popcorn, boba tea, cookies, noodles and other snacks they’d made and were selling as part of a mission to use creative expression for positive social change.

This evolution in winter festivities is emblematic of the school’s refocusing after it achieved the IB PYP distinction last year. Jason Barton, the school’s IB PYP Coordinator, explained: “As a school that has been commended for our shared commitment to leading a constructivist, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning that promotes inquiry and the development of critical-thinking skills, I would say that some of the biggest changes are reflected in how students are developing their communication, social and creative thinking skills.” An event that involved communicating creative projects to invited families was an ideal way to showcase the changes. 

“Because the IB is such a powerful, renowned organization and holds itself and its schools to a high standard, it gave us a stronger structure,” noted Head of School, Lester Stephens. The IB PYP’s rigor allows the framework to foster and facilitate skill development, academic excellence, cultural understanding, respect, and empathy across years and disciplines. In addition to the transdisciplinary themes, it emphasizes developing ten IB learner profile attributes. Specifically, teachers and lessons aim to develop students who are “inquirers, thinkers, principled, caring, balanced, knowledgeable, communicators, open-minded, risk-takers, and reflective.”

But Lester stressed that “The DNA of the school is not the IB PYP, the DNA of ISSP is our community and core values.” Tiffany Proctor, Deputy Head of School, added that the IB PYP is simply an incredibly powerful tool that supports their overall mission of shaping the children into “Who we want them to be when we grow up.” And the type of people the ISSP wants to develop has always been global citizens who possess understanding, empathy, and profound connections to the world and its diverse people and places.

The core value of nurturing compassionate individuals concerned about the world around them informs one of the Bazaar’s most profound elements: its partnership with Saigon Children's Charity. Proceeds from tickets for each of the day’s activities as well as the snacks, in addition to Christmas cards and gifts sold by Saigonchildren directly will be used by the local charity to support less-fortunate children in the city. Last year, the school raised more than 130 million VND for scholarships and school repairs while collecting hundreds of books and toys that were donated to support disadvantaged children. This year they than raised more than VND154 million. The funds will be utilized to provide more scholarships and implement another significant school renovation project for children and families who are in the care of the Saigon Children's Charity

More than merely buying Bazaar tickets, family members are an integral part of the ISSP community. In fact, the close-knit relationship between the school and parents is what families most frequently cite as the school’s greatest strength. Regular conferences, technology platforms and showcases keep parents up-to-date with routine activities while community engagement activities such as Teachers’ Appreciation Day, Children’s Day, International Women’s Day, Hugging Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, Tet Festival, International Week and Book Week provide stellar opportunities to tighten community bonds. These opportunities to gather allow all members of the ISSP community: parents, grandparents, caregivers as well as staff and teachers to connect with each other.

The new IB PYP accreditation is strengthening this connection between students, parents and the school as well. As Jason noted, the framework has given new means to cultivate communication skills. Parents have a role in this process as exemplified by the Bazaar’s inclusion of questions parents could ask the students regarding their illustrated books. Simple prompts such as “How did you make your book?” and “Which colors did you use? Why?” not only connect with the theme of self-expression but establish constructive communication habits between children and parents to ensure that learning seamlessly transitions from school to home.

While a variety of pedagogical concepts and IB PYP educational goals were on display at the Winter Bazaar, one wouldn’t necessarily have noticed them. Rather, attendees would simply see kids laughing, joking and having fun with one another in the spirit of the season. This simultaneous pursuit of play and learning encapsulates the holistic education at International School Saigon Pearl.

International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP), is an early years & elementary school for children from 18 months to 11 years old located in Bình Thạnh district. ISSP is certified by two world-renowned educational accreditation organizations, including CIS (Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges). ISSP has just been officially authorized as an IB World School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP) by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Please click here to book a tour of International School Saigon Pearl.

What is an Open Day? An opportunity for prospective families to view a school’s facilities, meet members of the teaching and leadership teams, and learn about curriculums, admissions and career paths? Yes. But more simply, it’s a chance for a school to make a first impression and “first impressions count,” says Jon Standen, the new Executive Principal at Australian International School Saigon (AIS Saigon).

When we first communicated with Standen three months ago, he had just joined AIS Saigon. During our most recent visit, he was happy to report that the first impressions he had at the start of his tenure have proven accurate. “It's the caring attitude and going that extra mile here. And it’s the Aussie spirit that if you get knocked down, you get up and bounce back … our people are very diligent, very warm, very welcoming,” he says. And now that he has gotten to know the school better he is excited to help share his experience at the upcoming Open Day on November 18.

AIS Saigon’s warm and enthusiastic atmosphere is fostered through the close relationship between families, staff and students. Since joining the school, Standen has been enjoying routine coffee mornings and lunches during which parents can come to discuss whatever is on their minds.  The open dialogue between leadership and families has helped reduce the amount of plastic used by the school cafeteria, and the transition from plastic to metal plates. It’s a small matter but reveals how parents take an active role in their children’s education. Similarly, the speed with which AIS responded to the feedback and made the changes underscores how seriously they take feedback. 

Standen noted that one way teachers establish the right environment in classrooms is by fostering a “teaching community”. Teachers are encouraged to show their personalities and demonstrate the importance of having fun. “If you work hard, then when it's time to play,  whatever that may be: playing a musical instrument, playing a sport, reading a book, enjoying a performance, going to a museum … you can actually really enjoy yourself and relax.” 

AIS Saigon supports students in their ability to balance academics with extracurricular activities. As much as it’s important to achieve well in the classroom, it’s equally important to appreciate being a kid and pursue healthy hobbies and fun activities. An important element of succeeding both in and outside the classroom necessitates learning how to fail. And within a safe and encouraging environment, “every student has an opportunity to fail because the best learning comes from when you don’t succeed,” Standen explains. 

Sports is a great way to develop perseverance and familiarise oneself with failure as a means for growth in addition to cooperation, friendships and motor skills. AIS Saigon’s commitment to sports is on display at the upcoming AISA Games. From November 16 to 18, international students from across Asia will come to AIS Saigon to compete in basketball, football, swimming, touch rugby, and netball as part of larger cultural exchange and leadership efforts. The final events on the 18th will take place during the Open Day when families in the community are invited to the school.

Open Day attendees will base their first impressions on the people they meet as well as the facilities they encounter. In addition to the sports facilities’ updated scoreboards and astroturf, which will be put to great use for the AISA Games, the day will showcase the auditorium’s state-of-the-art LED display and sound system, as well as the new multimedia room which will expand the horizons of secondary school students working with design, music and computers. Similarly, a recently renovated and welcoming reception area helps set the tone for the entire Open Day experience, particularly when filled with a student band performing, highlighting how a well-rounded education involves the arts just as much as mathematics.

Standen says that the Open Day on 18 November, along with the display of the AISA Games and musical performances, will be an opportunity to see the very best that AIS Saigon has to offer. However, he says the same outgoing, friendly students and staff would also be seen on a typical day at the school. To experience a normal school day, families are welcome to arrange a Guided Tour to speak to teachers directly and arrange observations of the classes that may be of particular interest to them. So perhaps the best approach is to gain a first impression during the Open Day on November 18 and then return for a follow-up visit to confirm those observations and see AIS’s values and methodologies in action. 

Attendees to AIS Saigon’s Open Day on November 18 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. 

“I think we do fun very well here,” explains Jo Roberts, the Deputy Head of School at European International School (EIS) in Saigon.

“We’re all here to do a job: the staff to teach and keep students safe and the kids to learn, but that doesn't mean we can't also play. And I think it's important for the students to see teachers and staff having fun together,” she continued when explaining how EIS fosters the warm and friendly atmosphere that it prides itself on.

An Inviting Atmosphere

Saigon in general, and Thảo Điền particularly, has many great educational institutions. EIS stacks up well when evaluated via conventional metrics such as IBDP scores and prestigious university placements. But the greatest differences are best understood in person on campus.

Since it moved to its current location in 2012, the EIS campus has grown from three renovated diplomatic villas into 11 villas and 2 modern purpose-built buildings, a 25-meter heated swimming pool, rooftop sports facility, tennis courts, three science laboratories, a design and innovation space and a multi-purpose room. But amidst this growth, it has never lost the “educational village” philosophy that it began with.

Visitors to EIS will be immediately impressed with the campus’ plentitude of trees and plants that surround the buildings and cast shade onto the various nooks and corners where students of all ages can play, collaborate on studies or simply hang out. The campus is perpetually improving, too. The canteen was recently renovated with the addition of an air-conditioned seating area and new furniture. Soon, walkways around the campus will have coverings installed, to help provide additional shade. 

While holding classes in cozy villas surrounded by carefully tended nature helps, the homely and welcoming atmosphere is best felt through the smiles on the teachers, staff and students. Everyone seems genuinely happy to be there and pleased to interact with one another.

How the Community is Made Safe, Secure and Supportive

Fostering such a safe, secure and supportive community involves formal elements embedded in the school’s educational approach as reflected by their learning principles. Frequently referenced and assessed in classrooms, the principles come together to develop students who are “independent, collaborative, open-minded and creative. They possess the skills and courage to bring forth new ideas, challenge themselves, and contribute positively to their local and global communities.”

In our most recent conversation, Roberts pointed to one specific quality she finds the school’s unique atmosphere is particularly helpful in developing: “we create a safe and secure environment which allows the students to take risks.”

Roberts notes that in addition to modeling the importance of having fun and balancing work and play, teachers present good examples of risk-taking for their students. They step out of their comfort zones to continue learning and to take on new challenges, as exemplified by the number of teachers who pursue leadership roles when they become available. Staff and teachers also have a shared commitment and love for the school community. Roberts has been with EIS for 12 years and the majority of the teachers extend their first contracts because they want to remain with the school. Similarly, many students spend their entire pre-university academic careers at EIS.

The Importance of Parent Involvement

EIS’s unique and nurturing environment is possible thanks to the dedicated involvement of families. “Parents are part of the growth, the shared journey,” Roberts says. The school fosters a close bond via routine workshops to explore and explain school developments and the curriculum but also broader topics such as screen time and safe internet use, drugs and alcohol and puberty. There is also a smaller group of parents that meets every month with EIS leadership to ask questions, voice any concerns and generally remain active in the school’s activity.

Families also contribute via a committed Parents Group that organizes various activities throughout the year. They assist with charity efforts to give back to local communities beyond the campus and also arrange holiday gatherings and regular events such as a movie night where a film is screened on the school’s field with families joining to enjoy a film and snacks together. 

The Best Way to Experience the EIS Community Feel

Simply, you just have to see it, Roberts explained. “It's very easy to walk around and feel the energy…everyone is happy, the kids are engaged, they're working, they're smiling. Everyone's very friendly. It's a very welcoming school.” 

To best showcase their unique atmosphere, EIS  is offering tours for the public on two Fridays during November. On November 10 and 24, from 9am until 11am, families are invited to learn more about the school and witness what makes it special. Family ambassadors will also join to assist with any language barriers and give their perspectives and experiences. Considering how closely families are woven into the fabric of the community, parents may discover they are meeting new friends along with exploring the school that will help develop their children into well-rounded and caring life-long learners with bright futures ahead. 

Friday School Tour attendees will have the opportunity 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 for a Friday School Tour here. 

Australian International School, Saigon (AIS Saigon) is set to host students from Australian International Schools across Asia this November, for the highly anticipated AISA Games 2023. 

Established in 2012, the Australian International Schools Association (AISA) is committed to fostering cooperation and interaction among member schools, promoting professional development, facilitating staff recruitment, and advocating the benefits of an Australian education. One of AISA’s flagship events is the AISA Games, an occasion that embodies the spirit of “Fair play” shared across the schools.

This November 16 to 18, AIS Saigon will host the prestigious AISA Games. It is the first Games since a four-year hiatus caused by the pandemic and will serve as a perfect opportunity for AIS Saigon to underscore the value of sports in a holistic education, foster cultural exchange, and showcase the impressive upgrades to its campus. Participants will compete in basketball, football, swimming, touch rugby, and netball.

Jon Standen, the school's Executive Principal, explained: "Hosting the AISA Games is a testament to our dedication to creating an environment that not only enhances student engagement but also provides opportunities to explore their diverse interests and passions. We are incredibly proud of our facilities and capacity to host these international games."

The Value of Sports in Education

AIS Saigon graduates excel according to traditional academic metrics such as grades, test scores and university placements, but the school aims to instill more than classroom knowledge. It seeks to prepare students to be globally minded, well-rounded, and intellectually curious with a desire to connect with and improve the world around them. As an Inspired school, AIS Saigon offers the globally recognized International Baccalaureate and Cambridge curricula and adheres to three core education pillars: Academics, Performing Arts and Sports.

Sports introduces students to many values and principles that are important off the field, such as teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, and self-motivation, in addition to physical and mental well-being. AIS Saigon students are required to participate in physical education courses every semester and are offered a plethora of optional athletic clubs and sporting events.  

An Opportunity for Cross-Cultural Connections

Being culturally sensitive and open-minded involves meeting and cooperating with people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The AIS Saigon community is impressively diverse, and the AISA Games represent another opportunity for students to meet and share with people of equally diverse experiences. AIS Saigon’s Director of Sport, Matthew Washer, explained that all the students representing different countries will share meals together, hang out between athletic matches and mingle across age groups. 

AIS Saigon prepares young adults to be confident, outgoing leaders. The AISA Games allow them to practice these skills. A group of approximately 15 senior students from the sports council will act as ‘student chaperones’ with responsibilities such as greeting athletes at the airport, preparing the athlete packs and assisting visiting students. “Ultimately, we’d like for students to continue with these friendships at subsequent AISA Games,” Matthew furthered.

A Perfect Time to Showcase Vietnam and the AIS Saigon Campus

“Vietnam is a wonderfully vibrant country, rich in culture and history. Saigon is a fast-paced and rapidly developing international city. We hope that visiting schools will feel the buzz of this city and country during their stay,” Matthew said. 

While the Games themselves take place at the quiet and spacious AIS campus, the more than 350 individuals from schools in Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam will stay in downtown Saigon to experience some of the city’s iconic landmarks and energy. Many will extend their stay for some fun and educational sightseeing as well.

While on the AIS campus, guests will receive a warm welcome and an opportunity to witness local culture via a uniquely Vietnamese performance led by the school’s primary students during the opening ceremony. Meals will give them a taste of Vietnamese cuisine as well, emblematic of the school’s efforts to engage with local communities and lifestyles. 

Hosting such a large event requires the efforts of the entire school. Its success will be a testament to the community’s close-knit atmosphere and engaged families. Matthew notes that the local security, property, cleaning, and catering staff along with local food and beverage vendors, PFG (Parent and Friends) group and prefects will all have important roles in supporting the Games, including fundraising ventures that help put money back into the school and the local community.

The undertaking is also made possible by the school’s world-class facilities, which receive regular improvements that ensure students learn, socialise, and refine their skills in a modern, innovative environment. Recent upgrades to the campus facilities were made over the summer months, including the re-surfacing of the football/touch rugby turf and the installation of electronic scoreboards for the gymnasium. These changes will continue to serve the student’s athletic pursuits long after the Games end. 

Family and community members can learn more about the international curricula offered by AIS Saigon, and share in the excitement of the Games by attending the school’s , which coincides with the last day of the Games on November 18. By joining the Open Day, families can experience the strong sense of community, electric atmosphere, and thrill of the sporting event, as well as the passion, determination and skills showcased by students.

The AISA Games provide an additional opportunity to further enrich the holistic education provided by AIS Saigon, and share elements of different cultures. And of course, have a lot of fun. Matthew sums it up perfectly: “While this is a sports competition and athletes want to win, ultimately the lasting memories for our students will be the ‘other’ side of sports – the friendships forged, sharing of cultures and languages, and opportunities to broaden their horizons through travel experiences. These ‘in-between’ moments are the real reason we value and cherish international sports events such as the AISA Games.”

The final day of the AISA Games, November 18, 2023, coincides with AIS Saigon’s Open Day. Members of the public who are interested in experiencing AIS Saigon’s facilities and programs as well as a chance to witness the passion and determination of all athletes participating in the games are welcome to the school. Register here. 

Stay up to date with the AISA Games, and upcoming activities at AIS Saigon on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

“The world is interconnected, companies work across countries and continents. Education today, therefore, has to prepare students to be global citizens: team players and team leaders, quietly confident young men and women who will go on to make their mark in their chosen fields after graduating from AIS. Global citizens understand different cultures. Some might include the word “tolerant” in their definition, but for me, global citizens embrace and enjoy differences in culture, language and nationality. Students understand different social and cultural values because they experience them every day at AIS, positively engaging with their peers, enhanced by opportunities provided through the Inspired network,” explains Jon Standen, the new Executive Principal at Australian International School (AIS).

Jon is joining one of the leading international schools in District 2 this summer. The British administrator has over 30 years of experience in the education sector including 16 as an Executive Principal at top schools in England and Thailand. Saigoneer has covered numerous facets of AIS over the years, including the post-graduation successes of students, mental wellness programs, scholarship programs and the opening of their boarding options, so we were excited to correspond with Jon to learn more about the values he brings to the school and the contributions he hopes to make.

Having previously worked at an international school in Thailand, Jon understands the value of AIS’s global community. He explained: “The mix of nationalities at the school amongst students, staff and parents, means it can truly prepare young people to be global citizens, respectful and understanding of different cultures. This is so important for the world of work which we prepare students for, the world is interconnected, and the culture at AIS prepares students well.”

But AIS embraces global education and experiences in ways that extend beyond its campus. The institution is a member of the Inspired network which includes more tthan 100 schools and over 80,000 students worldwide. This allows for exchanges and leadership development opportunities. Jon elaborates: “The Inspired group knows that enriching experiences transform student horizons, and one of the very best ways to achieve this is through student exchanges, which can last from a week up to a full year.”

AIS has world-class facilities, highly qualified teachers and a robust support network that ensures students not only excel academically and graduate to some of the finest universities in the world but also develop as balanced, generous and motivated individuals. Jon explained: "While excellent examinations results unlock the door to the best universities and employers, success in life is determined by more than grades. A great school delivers a holistic education and develops emotionally intelligent young people who enjoy happy, successful lives.”

Not everyone has these opportunities, however. AIS, therefore, emphasizes the importance of helping communities that do not enjoy the same advantages. Jon hopes to expand upon AIS’s charity initiatives and community outreach programs. He noted that the students are very privileged and thus “need to understand the world around them and to appreciate that most people do not come from the same privileged backgrounds. Charity projects, which are of genuine benefit to the local community, are an excellent ‘win-win’ vehicle. They benefit the local community, which in consequence values the AIS community, and they give our students the opportunity to deepen their appreciation of society.”

With his vast experience and AIS’s stellar operations and standards, Jon is set up for success. However, he will need to undergo a period of adjusting to the school and city. While he has never lived in Vietnam, he has visited several times to become better acquainted with the culture. He has begun studying the language and history and met with AIS parents, students and staff so they could ask each other questions. And his first few months in the position will be a time of significant learning and growth, including adapting to the unique “Australian Spirit” that the school embodies. Jon’s ability to adopt this “can do” attitude will be an essential component to adapting to the community.

The arrival of a new Executive Principal is a cause for excitement, but it's important to note that one individual cannot change an entire school. His positive contributions will be possible because of the culture AIS has already established and the dedication of the teachers and administrators who have tirelessly worked to provide students with an ideal learning environment. Jon explained: “Staff are at the heart of every school’s success – they model the school values, are passionate and skillful teachers, and place a premium on empowering students to unlock their potential.”

To maintain its position in Saigon’s crowded education landscape AIS is always striving to provide students with new experiences, ideas, resources and opportunities. Jon’s addition to the team is one more example of the ways in which the school is committed to fostering an atmosphere of rigorous academic excellence and an emphasis on global citizenship so students are prepared for the best futures possible. 

Saigon captivates visitors with its vibrant energy and rich cultural heritage. From Nguyễn Huệ walking street’s lively atmosphere to the tantalizing aroma of bánh xèo, the city offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition.

In a collaboration with RMIT Vietnam, Los Angeles-based, Australian singer, songwriter, and producer Jack Gray embarked on a journey through the city, exploring its essence alongside Nguyễn Khánh Chi, an enthusiastic RMIT Professional Communication student from the University’s Buddy team.

The Buddy team, a key support network for international students at RMIT Vietnam, plays a pivotal role in helping them to settle into the country and embrace Vietnamese culture while studying at RMIT. Guided city tours, cooking classes, welcome dinners, Vietnamese language lessons, and community engagement trips are just a few of the activities that foster a warm and inclusive environment for everyone.

During his visit to RMIT Vietnam, Jack teamed up with students from the School of Communication & Design (Digital Media) for the Music Video Production course, an exceptional Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activity. This collaboration provided Jack with the opportunity to immerse himself in Vietnamese culture and explore the vibrancy of Saigon.

The resulting video takes viewers on a captivating journey through the cultural wonders of the city. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, it showcases the essence of Saigon as seen through the eyes of an international friend.
Jack experienced Vietnamese coffee by enjoying the aromatic flavors of the renowned beverage brewed using a traditional coffee sock method. He also explored the cultural heritage of the city by visiting Chùa Bà temple in District 5. Taking his exploration further, Jack embraced the vibrant ambiance of Bến Thành market by navigating its bustling aisles. Not one to miss out on culinary adventures, Jack sampled scrumptious bánh xèo, savoring every bite of the crispy pancakes filled with flavourful ingredients. To complete his experience, Chi and Jack strolled along Nguyễn Huệ walking street to get a sense of the city’s energy.

The project represents more than just a visual exploration of the city; it celebrates the power of music, culture, and friendship.

Saigon’s vibrant atmosphere and unique charm have left a mark on Jack. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with RMIT Vietnam students, remarking that the experience provided him with a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and a newfound appreciation for the city.

“It is such an amazing city. You can really see the culture and the heritage on every street corner. It is a beautiful way of life, and the people are so awesome,” Jack said.

Prepare to be enthralled by the sights, sounds, and stories that await you in this visual journey. It is a genuine testament to the city's ability to mesmerize and inspire.

Join Jack and Chi as they navigate the vibrant streets, taste the local delicacies, and encounter the warmth and hospitality of Saigon.

“When you learn a language, you don’t just learn the language, you learn new attitudes, ways of thinking, culture and history,” explains Aline Nguyen, the Principal of La Petite Ecole Ho Chi Minh.

The ability for a second, or third, language to empower new mindsets, perspectives and cultural awareness is at the core of the French international school in District 2. Established in 2017 and part of the Odyssey Group since 2021, La Petite Ecole teaches the French national curriculum in a 50/50 split of French and English to students ages one-year-old through eleven. Saigoneer visited earlier this month to better understand the school, particularly the advantages it offers for families that might not have French backgrounds.

 Representing more than 25 different nationalities, the student population is incredibly diverse and to accommodate them all, La Petite Ecole publishes all material in French, English and Vietnamese while all meetings and conferences make accommodations of speakers of each of these languages. Moreover, the school staff is available and can be contacted via an app and each teacher publishes a blog with weekly updates. Thus, non-French-speaking families are able to integrate into the school community fully and communicate with teachers and other families with ease.

With a close-knit student body, La Petite Ecole fosters a warm, welcoming community that brings together families, children and teachers. Outside of the classroom, a robust volunteer parents association meets to plan events like Halloween parties, International Day, environmental days and a school year kick-off breakfast. The multicultural community underscores the philosophy that exposure to different backgrounds and experiences enriches everyone. 

Families do not need to worry about language barriers interfering with their ability to help students with their studies either. As part of the French education system, written homework is not allowed. Only review activities can be provided for a duration of at most 30 minutes every night so that students have time to be kids because “leisure does not mean studying,” according to Aline.

This belief in balance extends to how the curriculum is taught. Academic achievement and foundational skills are important, but so is developing personal fulfillment. Aline stresses that teachers seek to nurture students that are respectful, responsible, tolerant and enlightened. An important part of this holistic development involves a recognition of the host nation, as consistent with the vision of the Odyssey Group that seeks to gather the best of two worlds: French education and international openness. In addition to a model that requires a 50/50 split of French and English, the vision involves integration with the local country. Whether or not they have Vietnamese backgrounds, all students study the language and receive instruction on Vietnam’s culture and customs in addition to activities and events that celebrate its history.

Balancing efforts to develop productive future citizens with academic excellence means lessons and activities often combine teaching methods. For example, a recent science fair reinforced the basic principles students had learned in class but then provided an opportunity to practice interpersonal and soft skills. Students could work in teams to invent something that would change their lives and then present it to the audience in either French or English.

William, a 9-year-old student we spoke with, created a hands-free book holder that would allow him to read his favorite Tintin novels more easily. He explained that he reads the books at home in both English and French.

With parents from Vietnam and Australia and relatives in France, he represents a multi-faceted and multi-national background common to students at the school. When he graduates in two years, he isn’t sure where he will study next. It could be the French Lycee in District 9 or an institution in Australia. These are common paths for La Petite Ecole alumni, as are the other international schools in the city. Regardless of the language these destinations teach in or the specific curriculums they follow, the students will have the necessary core knowledge and interpersonal experiences to thrive as they continue on to bright futures.

To fully understand the school, Saigoneer recommends arranging a visit during class hours. If you arrive as the day is beginning, you will witness Aline and the other members of the school team at the gate greeting parents and students, all of whom seem thrilled to be arriving. Seeing students of various backgrounds playing together with genuine smiles and observing the attentive teachers will make clear the school's warm atmosphere and positive environment.

And a stroll around campus will introduce one to the impressive facilities which include dedicated music, library, and physical education rooms and spacious outdoor play areas, as well as some spaces that support elements unique to the French education system. For example, a large pool accommodates the requirement that all students have swimming instruction led by a licensed professional. Next to the pools is a full kitchen that supplies nutritious meals that guarantee a balanced diet and a comfortable introduction to multi-cultural cuisines. But if you arrive on a Friday afternoon, the classroom will be empty, as all French schools have one half-day per week to emphasize the need for leisure time in one’s life. At La Petite Ecole, the half-days fall on Fridays. During that time, the importance of interests outside of school work is reinforced by the voluntary athletic, artistic and intellectual extracurriculars the school hosts after class each day.

Saigon is filled with great schools for young learners. It’s thus understandable that those without specific connections to the French language might overlook La Petite Ecole. However, the holistic benefits of learning a new language, the advantages of the French curriculum and the intimate, diverse community found at the conveniently-located school should inspire anyone who wants to start their children on the path to becoming globally aware, tolerant, high-achieving and inquisitive adults.

If you would like to visit La Petite Ecole to get to know more about their pedagogy, meet the teachers and discover their amazing facilities, you can register for their next Open Day on Saturday, June 3rd through this link.

The amount of international schools available in Ho Chi Minh City seems to be outnumbered only by the many acronyms prospective families must memorize to make sense of the differences in curriculum and learning between them. One important acronym, IGCSE, appears at only a few institutions including the British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC) and is a prime example of how the school’s blended curriculum, academic rigor and personal responsibility set it apart.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education or IGCSEs are an internationally recognized set of qualifications based around the British education system, for students in Years 10-11 (Grades 9-10) that focus on a variety of subjects.  Not only are they globally transferable they prepare students extremely well for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in the 6th Form. They conclude with students undertaking assessments after two years immersed in a curriculum that they take part in selecting for themselves. All students must take English, English literature, math and sciences, but then can select up to four additional subjects that build on previous compulsory lessons. To provide a holistic and well-balanced education that maintains physical, social and mental health, students also continue to take core P.E. and wellbeing lessons.

Business studies, history, geography, Mandarin, French, Spanish, design technology, computer science, economics, music, drama, art and PE are among the 18 subjects offered, meaning that there are 763 different option combinations available for Year 10 students as of next academic year.

Students for whom English is not their first language can also sit an IGCSE examination in their native (first) language such as Mandarin Chinese, German, French and Urdu. Vietnamese students also study a core Vietnamese component covering literature, history, geography and culture.

The very act of selecting from the huge range of offered subjects is an important step in their education. “They can shape their journey to reflect their own passions, interests and goals and the IGCSEs offer a framework for that choice and personalization. It is broad, it is balanced and it is academically respected … it is their first real moment of choice to shape their journey and their future,” explains Head of Secondary Campus, Sean O’Neill.

Students are increasingly focused on taking responsibility for their life trajectories, and the flexibility of the IGCSEs at BIS allows them to explore their interests and passions so they can make better decisions about long-term plans. Edric, a Year 12 student now, for example, studied Spanish, Economics and Separate Sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) because they represent subjects he anticipated wanting to take during the year 12 and 13 IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Program) and then university. Students like Edric who have a clear vision of their future trajectories are able to expand their knowledge in their area of expertise.

Current Year 11 student Jessie, in contrast, saw the IGCSEs as an opportunity to spend more time with her current passions as opposed to only subjects reflective of her career goals and thus chose art and design in addition to Vietnamese, her mother tongue, business studies and design technology,  allowing her to make a more informed decision on her future when she reached IBDP. 

Either approach is fully supported by the school but to ensure students select carefully BIS HCMC have a robust system in place for students and their families to prepare. Lee Falconer, the Deputy Head Teacher of Secondary for Curriculum & Learning explained that during Year 9, an Options Evening led by heads of departments explains the program to students and parents who are then provided comprehensive material about the subject options followed by an option to meet with department leadership teams or Mr. Falconer. 

Older students are also eager to share their experiences and guide younger pupils in line with the school’s constructive, mentoring ethos. One Year 12 student advised: “follow what you are interested in... enjoy what you are doing.”

In addition to becoming better informed about subjects they intend on studying as their educational careers progress, the IGCSEs provide ample opportunities to grow as learners with a wide range of co-curricular opportunities to develop well-rounded and self-motivated students. Students also have an opportunity to experience life changing expeditions in their first year of IGCSEs with a choice of choosing an adventure or community service-based expedition, across Vietnam and globally including skiing in Switzerland and helping local communities in Cambodia. 

The IGCSEs are not just a means for intellectual and personal growth, but also a globally recognized certificate that prepares them especially well for future challenges. IGCSEs are globally transferable and enable study at American institutions or other schools that offer them including several independent schools in England. Many consider them an ideal preparatory experience for the globally-acclaimed IBDP, which in turn has proven to be a fantastic means of gaining admission to and excelling at top universities in the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and throughout Asia. With results that are consistently above the British national average, it’s no surprise that current Year 13 students have already received offers to Top 10 universities including the University of Oxford, Stanford University and Imperial College London.  

Students emphasize how preparing for the exams helps them improve their revision skills, and study habits. One of the core goals of BIS is to produce students that are both excited to learn and know what strategies and methods work best for them. Two years dedicated to selected subjects, with specialist teachers for each, is a great way to accomplish that.

One such current IBDP student, Oscar, shared that if he had one word to describe the IGCSEs he would use “opportunity.” They “gave me the opportunity to develop my passions, develop my love and experience in the subjects in a way that has immensely helped me progress in the IBDP program so far,” he explained. He didn’t say it was easy, but it was worth it. “It was a very stressful time, a difficult time, however, the sense of reward and the success we felt going through it and the immense support we received from our teachers and our peers and the school as a whole, really helped us.”

Whether your child has a clear vision for the future or is still exploring their passions and skills, the IGCSEs provide ample opportunity for them to develop knowledge, build examination skills, and learn more about themselves and their future aspirations. With the support of world-class teachers and experts in their field at BIS HCMC, your child will lay the foundations for their IB Diploma Programme and begin their journey to the top universities in the world. 

European International School (EIS) refers to its campus as an educational village and it quite literally consists of family homes. Ms. Jo Roberts, the Deputy Head of School, explains to Saigoneer: “The Learning Resource Centre (Library) used to be my friend’s house - my daughter used to play in the garden and we had dinner in their dining room. After the family moved overseas and it became the EIS LRC I told my friend she would be delighted with the renovation, as it maintains the ambiance of a beautiful home whilst at the same time ensuring a comfortable environment for reading and playing.” 

But more than just architecture that consists of once-private homes, the school contains the care and personal attention one typically associates with families. The best way to get a sense of this unique atmosphere is to visit during the upcoming Open Day on March 25th. 

“Images, films, text, and testimonies can only provide you with a broad perspective and a look into life at EIS; they can't give you the same sense of awe that you get from actually walking around our educational village ... The layout, villas and open spaces are often a surprise to visitors to our campus as the school can be deceptive from outside the gates. Only once you are inside can you gain a real appreciation of the size, environment and natural beauty of our educational village,” Ms. Jo explains.

The spacious green campus with an inviting atmosphere didn’t happen overnight. With humble origins as a dream shared between a group of parents teachers and administrators in 2012, it has blossomed into a campus consisting of 11 villas and two modern, purpose-built buildings in addition to a 25-meter heated swimming pool, rooftop sports facility, tennis courts, science laboratories, design studio and a multi-purpose room. Just as impressive are the multitude of grass-covered fields, shady nooks and beanbag chair-filled alcoves where students can run, play and relax.

But even more important than the physical spaces are the people that fill them. EIS has many families that have put roots down in the city. This means that the small, close-knit cohorts of students are liable to stay together for the majority of their education, forming lifelong bonds, a reality that Saigoneer has discovered first-hand during discussions with students.

Adding to the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences in the student body is the scholarship programme that provides full and partial scholarships to deserving candidates. Helping local students that might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the school, the programme supports the ethos that permeates the campus.

EIS also prides itself on its team of teachers that hail from around the world. Passionate about their individual areas of expertise, they ensure students have a vast array of subjects to pursue, including a particularly robust European languages program. With low pupil-teacher ratios, students not only excel in conventional subjects as exemplified by the high International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores and impressive university placements but also receive instruction on real-world skills and experiences that benefit them outside of the classroom. Regular assemblies and workshops touch on topics such as how to create and follow budgets, basic first aid, drug and alcohol safety, and sexual education while teachers offer lessons on sewing and cooking, while sports, arts and volunteer opportunities help students identify and explore hobbies beyond academics.

Parents, in collaboration with the students and teachers, have an important role in the school community as well. Thanks to routine communication with teachers and opportunities to be involved as attendees and volunteers for the many events and performances, they recognize the school as a home away from home for the entire family. Formal and informal parent networks further help support and influence the learning goals and environment their children encounter every day. Open Day may be the first time many families visit the EIS campus, and if they decide to enroll their child at the school, there will be lots of opportunities for them to enjoy the beautiful campus.

In addition to the campus tours led by teachers, administrators and admissions staff, the day will include presentations that offer an overview of the school and opportunities to discuss particulars of admissions including post-graduation trajectories and financial information including the scholarship program. As Ms. Jo summed up: “My advice would be to come along and experience for yourself our educational village. We are a family-oriented community and provide a welcoming environment for students and families.”

 Register for European International School (EIS) Open Day here. 

“The best way to see the Australian Spirit is to just witness it as you walk around the school, it shows the kindness and compassion of our students and teachers and our willingness to help each other,” explains Australian International School (AIS) Year 12 student, Angus Malcolm.

While there is no strict definition for Australian spirit, it involves values such as a friendly openness to new people and experiences, a desire to put forth a good faith effort and to approach the world with genuine respect and curiosity. These ideals rest at the core of AIS’s educational philosophy and the type of people they help graduates become. A great way to witness Australian spirit in action is a visit to the school’s Open Day on March 18th and meet current students, teachers, members of the senior leadership team and other prospective families.

Angus is one of the student representatives that will be leading the tours during Open Day. He shared with Saigoneer that the student-led tours “provide a more personal touch because we can use our experience at the school to tailor the tour to the needs of the student. We can describe behind-the-scenes details of being a student at AIS including where they might spend their time, or the array of different sports, music or activity opportunities available at the school.” He will take the families of individuals considering enrolling in the school to the outdoor football field and indoor gymnasium while relaying information about the many after-school activities including basketball, swimming, cricket and tennis and non-athletic endeavors such as the model United Nations, theatre, band and environmental organizations. 

The tours will also stop at the state-of-the-art library with dedicated IB spaces for students pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which encourages self-motivated pursuits within subject fields that are personally passionate about. And just off the library is AIS' modern Boarding House. The first of its kind at an international school in Saigon, students staying there are able to conveniently access a world-class education under the careful supervision of school faculty. Such innovations and improvements underscore how the school is continuously striving to improve and incorporate new trends in education.

“The Australian Spirit is one that fosters a family-like community and cooperative atmosphere at the school. Teachers and students get along really well and that results in an extremely inviting, wholesome atmosphere,” Angus explains. But one doesn’t have to take his word for it. Attendees to Open Day will have opportunities to meet with teachers from all subjects and years to better understand their curriculums, teaching methods and personalities. It’s important to have confidence that students are surrounded by respectful, motivating and kind individuals throughout their time away from home and thus another advantage of the Open Day is the ability to become acquainted with the other families that contribute to the school community. 

Of course, the school’s ethos resonates from the top as well, and therefore the school’s senior leadership team will be present at the event to answer any and all questions related to admissions, fees and school policies. They will also be eager to learn more about Jon Standen, AIS' newly-appointed  Executive Principal, ready to start in the next academic year starting in August.With an impressive resume that includes recognition in his native England as a National Leader of Education, he will contribute to the school’s inclusive array of new ideas that prepare graduates to contribute to a global community with a passion for the arts, athletics, and other extracurricular programs.

While the focus of the day is on what students will achieve during their careers at AIS and how they can enroll, including how to earn one of the annual scholarships offered to students that show academic and extracurricular potential, time will be spent looking to futures beyond the school walls. This means discussions will include preparing for universities around the world and the exciting careers that many graduates experience.

Selecting a school is a big decision as it sets young adults on a trajectory that will impact them for the rest of their lives. Families and interested students therefore should look for all occasions that allow them to make an informed decision. The presence of the Australian Spirit at AIS’s Open Day’s next month will help provide a glimpse into bright futures.

Register for Australian International School (AIS) Open Day here.

Life balance is a frequently used buzz phrase that carries different meanings depending on who you are. For those in or aspiring to management-level positions, life balance may not be about compartmentalizing one’s work and play, but rather intermingling them.

Around June 2021, Hòa Nguyễn noticed that there were a number of management coaches in Vietnam, some of whom didn’t have the practical experience to be trainers, especially for individual business and leadership roles. 

Hòa had accumulated a reservoir of experience from 15 years of working in management at various companies in the US and Vietnam. He identified a number of strategies that allowed him to not only find professional success but also personal growth and development.  

Hòa told Saigoneer that reflecting on the ways in which he was able to reach his goals inspired him to become a management coach in order to share knowledge and address a glaring leadership knowledge gap in Vietnam. He attributes the current shortcomings to a lack of professional exposure in the workplace and poor internship quality, among other factors. 

Improving the situation requires leadership skills. According to Hòa, those looking to lead their teams must be able to adapt to changes in their environments and master critical and strategic thinking while adhering to a clear vision.  

These are not easy tasks to accomplish and taking a few courses or reading some management strategy best sellers won’t suffice. There is no replacement for hands-on experience and the failures and successes that come along with it. Learning from mistakes and successes alike helps one to eventually find secure footing and confidence.  

But growing via encountering challenges is only one side of the coin. Hòa sees each person as a collection of different roles, both personal and professional: employee, leader, parent, sibling, friend, etc. He believes that managers and leaders must find a way to make the most of their finite time and this means identifying how these different roles can interact.  

Hòa shares that there’s very little that we can actually control and life will take us in unexpected directions. Rather than using our time and energy to pave our own paths with brute force, the goal should be to put ourselves in a position to create opportunities. We cannot will success into existence; it is often reaped by planting seeds, some of which will grow while others won’t.  

Networking events are an obvious place to build connections and relationships that lead to such opportunities, but Hòa advises that the best outcomes in such situations come when expectations are kept low. A trip to the batting cages, for example, with a friend or business partner is not only an easy way to unwind and get in some exercise but is also a great chance to expand your network. If you have kids, spending time with other families is likely to bring you into the orbit of people who have shared values that may or may not lead to an instant business benefit. Either way, you’ll never know but one must trust the process. 

Like growing a company or organization, this way of amassing connections is a long-term strategy. Those looking for instant gratification will be disappointed and liable to give up too soon.  

Hòa practices what he preaches. In addition to offering private coaching lessons, in his role at MomentumHospitality, he spends a great deal of time working with his staff to help develop their management skills. With each hire at his company, he’s already thinking about their ultimate trajectory within the organization and nurtures soft and hard skills to ensure they can reach their full potential. 

There are no sustainable shortcuts if your goals are to become a good leader and drive a business. Hòa cautions that such a life isn’t for everyone but those who strive to create a balance between business and personal pursuits can find fulfillment and happiness across the many roles that they play in their lives. For Hòa, he has found a balance between his positions as a CEO and coach, with each role benefiting the other, giving him the ability to empower those around him. 

Lively student performances, games, activities, a bazaar, and snacks all combined to bring the community even closer together earlier this month at European International School’s (EIS) Thao Dien campus during a festive season celebration. 

More than 1,000 people attended, revealing just how tight-knit the students, families, teachers and staff are at the school built around the principle that “it takes a village to raise a child.”

Since its current location opened its doors in 2012, the school has stood apart in Saigon’s educational landscape thanks to the warm, nurturing atmosphere found throughout the campus’ 13 villas and two modern, purpose-built buildings. A lush oasis of calm safety and exploratory learning, the school features small cohorts that grow exceedingly close as they support each other’s academic, extracurricular and personal growth. As a recent graduate that we spoke to who went on to receive a full scholarship to Southern Methodist University in America put it: “We are aware that we are privileged. It shapes our mindsets that we should be better and help others...give back to society as a whole.” 

Students rely on each other as they embark on the rigorous International Baccalaureate Degree Program (IBDP), a globally recognized program that not only introduces them to the material they will encounter in university but also how to approach knowledge and learning with an emphasis on holistic, inquiry-based self-motivation. The importance of the program is underscored by a recently-constructed building that features a large area dedicated to IBDP students as well as state-of-the-art science, mathematics and languages rooms.  

A stellar track record of impressive IBDP examination performances which are consistently amongst the top in the city helps students prepare for some of the leading universities around the world. An important goal for many families at the school, the task of finding a great fit for university is assisted by the school’s tireless guidance counselor who knows what opportunities exist and how to achieve them along with scholarship options.

With an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, pupils not only enjoy significant personal attention with classroom activities and approaches tailored to their strengths and needs, they are also introduced to a variety of cultures and along with them, university opportunities. Teachers from throughout Europe as well as the Americas, Australia and New Zealand provide background and connections for students exploring their post-graduation options. EIS’s requirement of foreign language study and selection of European languages has resulted in many students pursuing university on that continent, for example. 

There is no doubt that EIS’s warm and comfortable environment coupled with its premier educational foundation makes it a transformative experience for young adults destined for bright futures. Unfortunately, not every suitable candidate has the means to attend EIS. Thus, several years ago the school decided to offer a limited number of partial and full scholarships to provide tuition to students entering year 10 or 11. Doing so not only provides the candidates with an education that would otherwise be impossible, the school gains additional members that add important perspectives and diversity to the EIS community.

John Veitch, European International School's Head of School.

“Know about the school, know about the IB program and show off your work ethic,” John Veitch, EIS’s Head of School offered when Saigoneer asked what advice he would give to applicants who are invited to sit down with him for an interview. Being familiar with the IB program he said is particularly important because it is likely a very different experience compared to where they had been studying and will require a lot of work. It’s important that students are not just aware of the program, but excited for the opportunities it provides.

Veitch stressed that there are no wrong answers in the interview and the important part is to be calm, confident and outgoing. He likes to learn about the applicants beyond their report cards and will thus ask “what would your teachers from last year say about you?” Such a question helps get at not only what kind of student they are, but how well they contribute to the learning of those around them and the school community at a whole.

“It finally feels normal again,” Veitch said when reflecting on what is new at the school since the last time Saigoneer stopped by shortly after the worst of the city’s COVID-19 conditions. Indeed, students were once again running and playing throughout the quiet campus; classrooms were again filled with students absorbed in coursework and the collective joy of the previous weekend’s holiday celebration still hung in the air. Thus, it is perhaps the best possible time to be entering the school and preparing for the IBDP coursework and the ideal year to apply for a scholarship.