Choosing the Right Bilingual Programme: Insights from Long-Standing Parents at An International School

With an annual investment of hundreds of millions of Vietnam dong into their children’s international education, what do parents truly expect in return? How can they identify a reputable and suitable international programme for their child?

Let’s hear from two parents—one with 12 years of experience at a prestigious international school, and another who is not only a parent but also an alumna of the same school, which has been operating in Ho Chi Minh City for over 20 years.

Dr. Hien Minh – A 12-Year VAS Parent: “A happy child matters more than one with high scores”

“Don’t choose the best – choose what fits best” –  This is the insight shared by Master of Medicine and Lecturer at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Nguyen Hien Minh, after 12 years of having both children study at the Vietnam Australia International School (VAS).

Accompanying her children from kindergarten to secondary school, from the earliest VAS campuses to the current six campuses, Dr. Minh believes that the most important factor is finding a learning environment that suits both the child and the family at each stage of development.

For example, at the kindergarten level, the right environment is one where children are well cared for, develop holistically, and still retain their individuality, innocence, and joy in going to school.

“Having a happy child is far more important than having a high-achieving one. That was a core reason why my husband and I chose VAS for our children,” she shared.

For Dr. Minh, two other important factors are the learning pathway and tuition. Every five years, her family takes time to reflect on the children’s academic journey and overall financial planning to decide the next best step.

“It is fortunate for us that VAS programmes have aligned well with our children’s development from the beginning. That has allowed us to select the most suitable pathways for them consistently,” she said.

She chose the CAPI programme, which enables her children to fully engage with the international Cambridge curriculum while remaining connected to Vietnamese cultural traditions.

Dr. Minh also encourages parents to think long-term when choosing a learning pathway for their child. She recommends not waiting too late to make the decision — ideally starting from the final year of kindergarten (age 5), as it marks the beginning of the Cambridge programme.

Businesswoman My Hue – A Second-Generation VAS Parent: “Choose a school with a strong legacy, robust system, and forward-thinking education”

Having studied at VAS for nearly a decade before pursuing higher education overseas, Ms. Huynh Mai My Hue—now Director of Yacht and Hospitality Design & Construction at Binh An Maritime Transport— has now chosen VAS for all three of her children.

“VAS brought me tremendous value in both my career and personal life. I want my children to fully experience everything I once did,” she said.

For Ms. Hue, beyond the international learning environment, what truly matters is the genuine care from teachers, a well-rounded programme that balances academics with extracurriculars, and opportunities for both individual and group development — giving her children the space to grow holistically while still nurturing their personal strengths.

Both Ms. Hue and her younger sister — also a VAS alumna — are living examples of the values the school promotes. “During my school years, I spent more time at VAS than at home. The teachers truly treated me like their own,” she recalled.

While there are many reasons to choose VAS, Ms. Hue highlights three that matter most:

1 – A long-standing legacy and steady growth: For over 20 years, VAS has upheld its strong reputation, with many dedicated teachers remaining with the school long-term — a true reflection of its core values and enduring commitment to quality education.

2- A large-scale system with six campuses: This allows VAS to organize extensive and well-structured extracurricular activities, giving students broad opportunities to participate, compete, and thrive — something only schools with true capacity and resources can deliver.

3- A leader in educational innovation: VAS stays ahead by promptly researching and adopting the latest global education programmes, giving parents peace of mind and saving them the time and effort of navigating academic pathways on their own.

“In today’s landscape, where schools frequently open and close, I find even greater confidence in VAS,” Ms. Hue affirmed.

She also encouraged parents to reflect on their children’s feelings about school. “My kids always look forward to going back after a long break, and they often ask me to pick them up late just so they can spend more time there,” she shared.

“If all three of my children feel this way, I truly believe thousands of other VAS students do too. I’m living proof — and they’re the clearest testament to that,” she concluded.