Vietnam Education System EXPLAINED in 2022

Summary

In this video, Ken Jung, an international business immigration attorney, provides an in-depth look at Vietnam's education system, covering the cost and options available for families relocating there. He outlines the three main education systems: public, private, and international schools, detailing their costs, curriculum, and benefits. Public schools are affordable, with tuition around $1,000 per year, while private and international schools can range from $12,000 to $40,000 annually. He also emphasizes the importance of foreign language skills and the cultural immersion programs available to students. The video is a comprehensive guide for families looking to move to Vietnam and ensure their children's education is well-planned.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vietnam's education system is diverse, offering options across public, private, and international schools.
• 😀 The literacy rate in Vietnam is very high, with 95.7% of the population achieving literacy as of 2021.
• 😀 Vietnam's education system includes six levels: preschool, primary, secondary, high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate education.
• 😀 Students in Vietnam must pass graduation exams at each level, including two key exams at high school: one for graduation and one for university entrance.
• 😀 The school year in Vietnam runs from August/September to May/June, with breaks for the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, summer, and national holidays.
• 😀 Public schools in Vietnam are the most affordable option, with tuition typically around $1,000 per year.
• 😀 Private schools in Vietnam often operate at the secondary and university levels, with hybrid curriculums combining Vietnamese and English or another second language.
• 😀 International schools, which follow U.S., British, French, or other global curricula, are available in Vietnam but are costly, with tuition fees around $30,000 to $40,000 per year.
• 😀 Public schools offer affordable education, but private and international schools provide more spacious and modern facilities, especially for younger children.
• 😀 University tuition in Vietnam varies: public universities cost around $2,000 per year, while private and international schools can charge up to $40,000 per year.
• 😀 Tutoring is a popular extra-curricular activity in Vietnam, where public school teachers often offer after-school lessons in private settings to supplement learning.

Q & A

What are the main types of education systems available in Vietnam?

Vietnam offers three main types of education systems: public schools, private schools, and international schools. Public schools are government-funded and more affordable, private schools often offer bilingual programs, and international schools follow foreign curricula such as U.S., British, or French programs.

What are the general costs associated with each type of education system in Vietnam?

Public school tuition is around $1,000 per year, while private and hybrid schools cost around $1,500 per year. International schools can be significantly more expensive, with tuition ranging from $12,000 to $40,000 per year depending on the institution.

How long does each educational level take in Vietnam's system?

Vietnam's education system has six levels: preschool (3 years), primary school (5 years), secondary school (4 years), high school (3 years), undergraduate education (4-6 years), and postgraduate education (2-5 years).

What exams do students need to take at each educational level in Vietnam?

Students must pass graduation exams to progress to the next level. High school students take two exams: one to graduate and another to enter college. Similarly, university entrance exams determine which school and program they can join.

What is the importance of foreign language learning in Vietnam's education system?

Foreign language education is critical in Vietnam, with English being a mandatory second language. Other languages, such as Korean, Japanese, Chinese, French, and Spanish, are also commonly taught, especially in private and international schools.

How does the school year in Vietnam generally operate?

The school year in Vietnam typically starts in August or September and ends in May or June. Students also have breaks during Vietnamese Lunar New Year, summer (2 months), and various national holidays like Labor Day and Teachers' Day.

What are the benefits of attending international schools in Vietnam?

International schools offer students access to foreign curricula (U.S., British, French, etc.), improved facilities, and the opportunity to become fluent in additional languages, especially English. However, these schools can be quite expensive, with tuition fees ranging from $12,000 to $40,000 per year.

Are there any specific advantages to enrolling children in public schools in Vietnam?

Public schools are the most affordable option and are supported by the government. They also focus on Vietnamese language and culture, making them a good option for families wanting their children to be fluent in Vietnamese.

How competitive is secondary education in Vietnam?

Secondary education in Vietnam becomes more competitive as students progress, especially in upper secondary education, where they must focus on specialized subjects. After grade 9, students can take a lower secondary graduation exam, and after grade 12, they need to pass an entrance exam for university admission.

How much does tutoring cost, and how prevalent is it in Vietnam?

Tutoring is widespread in Vietnam, particularly after school. Public school teachers often offer private lessons at their homes. Although the exact cost of tutoring can vary, it is an integral part of many students' educational experience.