One important decision, if you’re moving to Vietnam with

family, is how to ensure that your children have the best

possible education. The Vietnamese state schooling system
has strengths in scientific subjects, where it has been above
OECD averages for a decade - but falls somewhat short on
reading and math. Only five years of education are
compulsory under the Vietnamese system. Despite this,
literacy levels are over 90%. Naturally, the standard of
schools varies enormously, and there are many different
factors to take into consideration when you're thinking about
arranging schooling for your child. As an expat, you might
also consider a private school, or an international school
which teaches in English or another major world language.

If you’re considering your options, you can compare the standard

of education in Vietnam with that available in your home
country, with the PISA assessment framework from the OECD.

Moving with kids is a big deal, and you'll have many things to
consider. But whether you’ve already got your Vietnamese work
visa, and have your move fully planned - or are just starting to
think about life overseas, it helps to know a little about the
education options in Vietnam.

Here is a quick guide to get you started.

The Vietnamese education system

Education in Vietnam is arranged on a national level by the

Ministry of Education and Training.

Pre-school or kindergarten (which is optional) is offered from the

age of around 18 months, in Vietnam, with compulsory schooling
from the age of six. Only five years of primary education are
considered mandatory. After primary school, children move on to
lower secondary education (Trung học cơ sở) and upper
secondary education (Trung học phổ thông).

Pre-school Optional for children aged between 18

months and five years oldFees may be
payable, and kindergartens are more
commonly found in major cities

Primary School Compulsory from age six to 11 for all

childrenEducation at primary level is free

Trung học cơ sở/ Trung Secondary education is divided into

học phổ lower and upper programmesNot
thông(Secondary compulsory
School)

Pre-School

Pre-school in Vietnam isn't compulsory, so if you want your child

to attend you have to enrol directly with the school you have
chosen. Lists of schools in your area can be found at the local
education office. Places are available in kindergartens which are
mainly in large cities, for children aged between around 18
months and five years old, with fees usually payable. Many
international schools also offer pre-K education, for very young
children, at a cost.

Primary School
From the age of six, it’s compulsory to attend primary school in
Vietnam. Although the compulsory schooling lasts for only a short
five years, it's well attended with over 95% of children enrolling for
at least some of the primary years. This stage of schooling is
provided free of charge.

Primary school lasts for five grades, and the curriculum is broad,
covering basic skills, physical education and Vietnamese
language. Moral studies are also included in the primary syllabus.
Usually foreign languages don't begin until secondary level.

Secondary School (Trung học cơ sở/ Trung học phổ thông)

Secondary education in Vietnam is split into two programmes -

lower secondary (Trung học cơ sở) runs for students aged 11 to
15, and upper secondary (Trung học phổ thông) caters to
students who have graduated the lower programme and want to
stay in education until age 18. Students can choose to study
either a science based programme, or an arts and humanities
programme. At this age, there's usually the option of studying a
second language, which might be English, French or Chinese.

As well as the regular secondary schools, there are specific

schools for gifted students. Competition for these schools is
extremely fierce.

This level of education isn't considered compulsory in Vietnam,

and students must take an entrance exam to get a place. The
curriculum is demanding and reforms have been suggested to
make it less pressurised for students.

What’s the typical school calendar and hours?

The school year in the Vietnamese state system runs from August
or September through to May or June, although the exact dates
vary slightly according to the specific school preferences. The
year is split into two semesters. Usually schools run Monday to
Saturday, with students attending six days a week, but only for
half of each day. This is partly to alleviate crowding, as the school
can effectively run a shift system, with some children attending in
the morning, and different students coming for the afternoon.

It’s worth noting that this calendar applies to state schools only -
in private and international schools the western standard
calendar, with a long summer break and several weeks vacation
at Christmas, is far more likely to be adopted.

What’s the cost of education?

There are some fairly low fees charged for education under the
state system, for books and contributions for school equipment,
as well as additional costs for uniforms, transport and school
materials. If you don't choose the state system and decide to find
a private international school, the costs are high.

Vietnam has a range of international schools, mainly in the major

cities, teaching in English and other major world languages.
International schools often use either the International
Baccalaureate syllabus, a variant of the United States standard
curriculum or use a curriculum and exam schedule from another
country such as Britain or Australia. International schools are
generally of a high standard, and therefore are typically
competitive. You may find that testing and interviews are
necessary to secure admission or be placed on a waitlist for a
popular school.

Fees vary widely depending on the specific school and the

programme they offer. Costs of anything from USD 10,000 to
USD 20,000 a year aren't uncommon, covering tuition, but usually
not school transport or lunches. It’s also worth noting that
international schools typically levy other fees like registration and
admin fees, which are one-off or annual payments in addition to
the tuition costs and a security deposit.

In most cases, education in the state and private sector will come
at a cost, so whichever route you decide is best for your family,
you want to save as much money as possible. If you’re funding
your child’s education from your account back home, consider
using TransferWise to get the real exchange rate and cut out
expensive international bank transfer fees.

Education in Vietnam
Education in Vietnam is a state-run system of public and private education run by the Ministry of Education
and Training. It is divided into five levels: preschool, primary school, secondary school, high school, and
higher education. Formal education consists of twelve years of education basic. Basic education consists of
five years of primary education, four years of intermediate education, and three years of secondary
education. The majority of basic education students are enrolled on a half-day basis. The main education
goal in Vietnam is "improving people's general knowledge, training quality human resources, and nurturing
and fostering talent."

Vietnam is known for its rigorous curriculum that is deemed as competitive for students. Secondary
education is one of the most significant social issues in the country: designated schools known as "High
schools for the gifted" (Trường trung học phổ thông chuyên) are regarded as prestigious and often demand
high entrance examination results. Higher education is also a fundamental cornerstone in Vietnamese
society. Entrance to university is determined through the National High School Graduation Examination,
whose results will be considered for evaluation. The higher the score is, the more prestigious the institution
will be. Failure to attend university often leads to social stigma, as those who could not pass the Graduation
Examination would be looked down upon by members of society.

With one of the highest GDP growth rates in Asia, Vietnam is attempting to improve its education system; in
2012, estimated national budget for education was 6.3%. In the last decade, Vietnamese public reception of
the country's education system has been mixed. Citizens have been critical of the rigorous curriculum, which
has led to serious social issues including depression, anxiety, and even increasing suicide rates. There have
been comments from the public that schools should opt for a more flexible studying program, with less
emphasis on paper tests and more focus on life skills development. In response to public opinion, the
Ministry of Education and Training has come up with resolutions to reform the education system, which were
met with both positive and negative feedback, leaving education reform still a controversial topic to date.

Vietnam recognizes education as a national priority. Since 2008, the government has been

spending 20% of its budget on education. ... Achieve universal early childhood and
care education to ensure that all children have the proper intellectual, emotional, and
physical development necessary to enter primary school.

How long do kids go to school in Vietnam?

 five years
From the age of six, it's compulsory to attend primary school in Vietnam. Although the
compulsory schooling lasts for only a short five years, it's well attended with over 95%
of children enrolling for at least some of the primary years

How much does school cost in Vietnam?

Education is provided through several types of institutions, such as public schools,
semi-public schools, people-founded schools, and private schools. School fees at
international schools in Vietnam range from $17,000 to $35,000. For
primary schools and secondary schools, fees reach up to an average of $15,000.

Vietnam has a history of tribes uniting to form strong dynasties. ... In 1893 the French
incorporated Vietnam into French Indochina. France continued to rule until it was defeated by
communist forces led by Ho Chi Minh in 1954. The country became divided into Communist
North Vietnam and the anti-Communist South.

Religion. Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism are known in Vietnam as the 'triple religion',

and all three are prevalent in Vietnamese culture. However, Vietnam owes much of its belief
system to folk tales and in the traditional sense, is one of the least religious countries in the
world.

What are the traditions of Vietnam?

Traditions & Customs in Vietnam
 Ancestor Worship. Vietnamese ancestors are believed to continue to live in
another realm, and that it is the duty of the living beings to meet their needs. ...
 Burning votive paper. ...
 Animist beliefs. ...
 God of Wealth Worship in business. ...
 Visiting the pagoda by the beginning of year. ...
 Lunar New Year reunion (Tet holiday)
 What is important in Vietnamese culture?
 Some elements generally considered to be characteristic of Vietnamese
culture include ancestor veneration, respect for community and family values,
handicrafts and manual labour, and devotion to study. Important symbols
present in Vietnamese culture include dragons, turtles, lotuses, and bamboo.
 What makes Vietnamese culture unique?
 The Vietnamese culture is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia and is heavily
influenced by the Chinese culture. ... Despite the changes over the years, some
elements of the Vietnamese culture like the veneration of the ancestors, respect
for family values, devotion to study, etc., remained intact
 hat are Vietnamese values?
The Vietnamese value system is based on four basic tenets: allegiance to the family,
yearning for a good name, love of learning, and respect for other people. These tenets
are closely interrelated. The most important factor in the value system of
the Vietnamese is, no doubt, the family.Oct 2, 2013

Vietnam Facts for Kids

 The official name of Vietnam is the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
 Two rivers in Vietnam, the Mekong in the south and the Red river in the north of
the country reach the sea spread over huge swampy delta plains. ...
 Vietnam shares a land border with China to the north, Cambodia and Laos to the
west.

what is the traditional food in Vietnam?

Pho: the classic Vietnamese dish
Pho (pronounced “Fur”) is The traditional food of Vietnam and known throughout the
world. It is usually a chicken (ga) or beef (bo) broth with thin rice noodles and various
herbs.Apr 10, 2020

What is Vietnam best known for?

Yes, naturally, Vietnam is famous for pho, ao dai, the War with US and all the things
others already mentioned. ... In this regard, Vietnamese are more like Japanese, and
unlike Chinese and Koreans, who are fond of more elaborate art and industrial design.

How do you show respect in Vietnam?

Meeting and Greeting
1. The Vietnamese generally shake hands both when greeting and when saying
good-bye. Shake with both hands, and bow your head slightly to show respect. ...
2. When greeting someone, say “xin chao” (seen chow) + given name + title.
3. What are traditions and values?
4. Tradition contributes a sense of comfort and belonging. It brings families
together and enables people to reconnect with
friends. Tradition reinforces values such as freedom, faith, integrity, a good
education, personal responsibility, a strong work ethic, and the value of being
selfless.Jun 30, 2015

What is the main religion in Vietnam?

 Officially, Vietnam is an atheist state. Despite this, many of its citizens are religious. The
three main religions in Vietnam are Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Sometimes, they are grouped together as one religion called the three teachings or tam
giáo.

Is Gucci made in Vietnam?

However, some counterfeit products are made in Vietnam. Many households in Lich
Dong Village, Thai Binh Province produce glasses and label them with famous
international brands such as Ray-Ban, Gucci and Chanel, while Thao Noi Village in
Hanoi is notorious for producing fake Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton handbags. Nov
22, 2017
Here are 11 things you should know to understand some of the nuances of this
beautiful culture.
 Trust is a long process. ...
 Nobody wants to lose face. ...
 Academics are revered. ...
 Elders are respected. ...
 Their war history is sacrosanct. ...
 Transactions are always negotiated. ...
 Ghosts are real. ...
 Vietnamese people are relentlessly optimistic.
More items...
•
Mar 20, 2018

What should you not wear in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a conservative country, so it's important to dress conservatively while
traveling around the country. The dress code is a little more relaxed in major cities,
but don't wear short-shorts, low-cut tops or revealling dresses to the local fish market.
Save the skimpy attire for the beach – if you must.
Can you kiss in public in Vietnam?
Common taboos in Vietnam
Avoid Public Touching: Public displays of affection are not seen as appropriate. Avoid
hugging, holding hands, and especially kissing in public. Even touching a member of
the opposite sex is looked down upon.
Do you say thank you in Vietnamese?
To say thank you in Vietnamese, use the phrase "cảm ơn," which sounds like "gauhm
uhhn." If you're thanking an older woman, add "bà," or if you're thanking an older man,
add "ông." If you want to express strong gratitude, add "nhiều lắm" at the beginning. Sep
13, 2019

Facts and Statistics

 Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South
China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia
 Capital: Hanoi
 Climate: tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (mid-May to mid-
September) and warm, dry season (mid-October to mid-March)
 Population: 97 million (2019 est.)
 Ethnic Make-up: Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham, various
mountain groups
 Religions: Buddhist, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic, some
Protestant), indigenous beliefs and Muslim

The Language
Vietnamese, Vietnam's official language, is a tonal language that can be compared to
Cambodia's official language, Khmer. With each syllable, there are six different tones that can
be used, which change the definition and it often makes it difficult for foreigners to pick up
the language.

There are other languages spoken as well such as Chinese, Khmer, Cham and other languages
spoken by tribes inhabiting the mountainous regions. Although there are some similarities to
Southeast Asian languages, such as Chinese, Vietnamese is thought to be a separate language
group, although a member of the Austro-Asiatic language family.
In written form, Vietnamese uses the Roman alphabet and accent marks to show tones. This system
of writing called quoc ngu, was created by Catholic missionaries in the 17th century to translate the
scriptures. Eventually this system, particularly after World War I, replaced one using Chinese
characters (chu nom), which had been the unofficial written form used for centuries.
 

Confucianism

 The teachings of Confucius influence the Vietnamese describe the position of the individual
in Vietnamese society.
 Confucianism is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people
towards one another based upon their relationship.

 
The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships:

 Ruler and subject

 Husband and wife
 Parents and children
 Brothers and sisters
 Friend and friend

 
Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.
 

The Family

 Vietnamese life revolves around the family.

 The Vietnamese family consists of the nuclear as well as the extended family.
 It is not uncommon for three generations to be living together under one roof.
 In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide
food, clothing and shelter and make important decisions.
 Within the same tradition it is believed that after someone dies their spirit lives on.
Descendents will "worship" their ancestors to ensure their good favour. On the anniversary of a
person's death, ceremonies are held in their memory. They are also remembered during certain
lunar festivals and souls are consulted prior to important decisions or occasions such as a birth
or a wedding.

Face

 As with many other Asian nations, the concept of face is extremely important to the
Vietnamese.
 Face is a tricky concept to explain but can be roughly described a quality that reflects a
person's reputation, dignity, and prestige.
 It is possible to lose face, save face or give face to another person.
 Companies as well as individuals can have face or lose face.
 For foreigners it is important to be aware that you may unintentionally cause a loss of face so
it is important to be aware of your words and actions. Understanding how face is lost, saved or
given is critical.
 Someone can be given face by complimenting them for their hospitality or business acumen.
Accusing someone of poor performance or reprimanding them publicly will lead to a loss of face.

Collectivism

 In general, the Vietnamese are a collectivists.

 The individual is seen as secondary to the group - whether the family, school or company.
 As a result there are strict guidelines for social interaction that are designed to protect a
group's face.

Hierarchy

 As with most group-orientated societies there are also hierarchical structures.

 In Vietnam these are very much based upon age and status.
 This derives from Confucianism, which emphasizes social order. Everyone is seen as having
a distinct place and role within the hierarchical structure, be it the family or workplace.
 An obvious example is seen in social situations where the oldest person in a group is
greeted or served first.
 Within the family the head would be responsible for making decisions and approving
marriages.

 
 

Etiquette and Customs in Vietnam

Vietnamese society has a fair amount of public etiquette. The following are some of the more
common points:

Etiquette in Vietnam

 Avoid public displays of affection with a member of the opposite sex.

 Do not touch someone's head.
 Pass items with both hands.
 Do not point with your finger - use your hand.
 Do not stand with your hands on your hips.
 Do not cross your arms on your chest.
 Do not pass anything over someone's head.
 Do not touch anyone on the shoulder.
 Do not touch a member of the opposite sex.
 Shorts should only be worn at the beach.

Dining Etiquette
If invited to a Vietnamese home:

 Bring fruit, sweets, flowers, fruit, or incense.

 Gifts should be wrapped in colourful paper.
 Do not give handkerchiefs, anything black, yellow flowers or chrysanthemums.

Table Manners

 Wait to be shown where to sit.

 The oldest person should sit first.
 Pass dishes with both hands.
 The most common utensils are chopsticks and a flat spoon.
 Chopsticks should be placed on the table or a chopstick rest after every few mouthfuls or
when breaking to drink or speak.
 People hold bowls close to their faces.
 Hold the spoon in your left hand while eating soup.
 Meals are typically served family-style.
 Try to finish everything on your plate.
 When you are finished eating, rest your chopsticks on top of your rice bowl.
 Cover your mouth when using a toothpick.

 
 

Business Etiquette and Protocol

 Appointments are required and should be made several weeks in advance.

 The best means of doing so is through a local representative who can act as a reference and
also translator/interpreter.
 The Vietnamese are punctual and expect others to be so to.
 Dress conservatively.
 Handshakes are used upon meeting and departing. Handshakes only usually take place
between members of the same sex.
 Some Vietnamese use a two-handed shake, with the left hand on top of the right wrist.
 Always wait for a woman to extend her hand. If she does not, bow your head slightly.
 Business cards are exchanged on initial meetings and should be presented with both hands.
When receiving business cards ensure you show proper respect to it and do not simply glance at
it and put it on the table.
 Hierarchy and face manifest in different ways within business meetings. For example, the
most senior person should always enter the room first.
 Silence is also common in meetings where someone disagrees with another but remains
quiet so as to not cause a loss of face.
 Relationships are critical to successful business partnerships. Always invest time in building
a good relationship based on both personal and business lines. Any initial meeting
 should be solely used as a "getting to know you" meeting.
 The spoken word is very important. Never make promises that you can not keep to as this
will lead to a loss of face.
 Negotiations can be slow so it is important to bear in mind that decisions have to go through
a lot of red tape and also group consultation. Be patient.
 Business gift giving is fairly common at the end of a meeting or during a meal in honour of
your business associates. Gifts should be small but not expensive. Something with your
company logo or something typical from your country both make excellent gifts.