Vietnam’s School System Explained for Expats: A Beginner-Friendly Overview

Vietnam has become a destination country for expat teachers who are in search of adventure in an affordable location. One important aspect to be aware of, however, is the educational system, as understanding the local school system is crucial for a successful and rewarding experience. This article provides a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand overview of Vietnam's school system, helping expats navigate the complexities and know what to expect.

Vietnam’s School System Explained for Expats

Structure of the Vietnamese Education System

Vietnam’s education system is structured similarly to many other countries but has some unique characteristics that are important to understand. The system is divided into several levels:

Pre-school (Mẫu giáo): For children aged 3 to 5 years. This is the equivalent of kindergarten or nursery school in many Western countries. It’s not compulsory, but many parents enrol their children to prepare them for formal schooling.

Primary School (Tiểu học): For children aged 6 to 11 years. This level covers grades 1 to 5 and is compulsory for all children. The curriculum focuses on basic subjects such as the Vietnamese language, mathematics, science, and moral education.

Lower Secondary School (Trung học cơ sở): For students aged 12 to 15 years, covering grades 6 to 9. This is also compulsory and builds on the primary education curriculum, introducing more specialized subjects.

Upper Secondary School (Trung học phổ thông): For students aged 16 to 18 years, covering grades 10 to 12. This level is not compulsory, and students often face national exams to determine their eligibility for higher education or vocational training.

Higher Education: This includes universities, colleges, and vocational training institutes. Students must pass a highly competitive national exam, the "Kỳ thi Trung học Phổ thông Quốc gia" (National High School Graduation Examination), to gain entry to universities.

Public vs. Private Schools

In Vietnam, there are both public and private schools, and the differences between them are significant.

Public Schools: These are government-funded and follow the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). Tuition fees are generally low, but the quality of education can vary widely, especially between urban and rural areas. Public schools tend to be more rigid in terms of teaching methods and curriculum adherence. In addition, classes are typically very large – with classes of 40 students or more being the norm. Resources are very limited – even in the younger age range.

Private Schools: Private schools, including international schools, often offer a higher standard of education, with more modern facilities, smaller class sizes, and a broader curriculum. These schools are much more expensive and cater to the elite or expatriate communities meaning that there are much higher expectations. Many private schools offer international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge programs, which may be more familiar to expat teachers.

The Role of the MOET

The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) plays a central role in Vietnam’s education system. It is responsible for setting the national curriculum, establishing educational standards, and overseeing the implementation of education policies across the country. All public schools and most private schools must adhere to the guidelines set by MOET, which ensures a degree of uniformity across the education system.

MOET’s influence means that even in private or international schools, there may be some degree of adherence to the national curriculum, particularly in subjects like the Vietnamese language and history. This can be an adjustment for expat teachers who are used to more flexibility in curriculum design and implementation – however, there is a need to adhere to these MOET rules as they have the authority to close the school.

Teaching Methods and Classroom Culture

Teaching methods in Vietnam can be quite different from those in Western countries. Traditionally, the Vietnamese education system has emphasized rote learning, where students memorize and repeat information, and teacher-cantered instruction, where the teacher is the primary source of knowledge.

However, there has been a gradual shift towards more student-centered learning, with this being more prominent in international schools. These schools encourage critical thinking, creativity, and active participation, which may be more familiar to expat teachers.

Classroom culture in Vietnam also reflects the country’s Confucian heritage, where respect for authority and the teacher’s role is paramount. Students are generally well-behaved and respectful, but this respect can sometimes translate into a reluctance to ask questions or challenge ideas. Expats may need to encourage students to participate more actively and reassure them that questioning and discussion are positive aspects of learning.

Read more: 14 Types of teaching methods for an effective lesson

Language Barriers

One of the most significant challenges for expat teachers in Vietnam is the language barrier. While English is increasingly being taught from a young age, especially in urban areas, many students, particularly in public schools, may have very limited English proficiency.

This can affect both teaching and communication with students, parents, and local staff. In international schools, this is less of an issue, as English is often the primary language of instruction. However, expat teachers in public or non-international private schools may need to employ creative strategies to overcome language barriers, such as using visual aids, body language, and simplified English.

Read more: Is Vietnamese language hard to learn?

Cultural Considerations

Understanding and respecting Vietnamese culture is crucial for expat teachers. Vietnam has a rich cultural history, deeply influenced by Confucian values, which emphasize respect for elders, the importance of education, and the value of hard work.

Cultural norms such as respect for teachers, the importance of collective harmony, and the concept of “face” (maintaining personal dignity and avoiding public embarrassment) are important to understand. For example, publicly correcting a student might cause them to lose face, which can be distressing for the student. Instead, private, constructive feedback is often more appropriate.

It’s also important for expat teachers to be aware of local holidays and customs, such as Tết (Lunar New Year), which is the most important holiday in Vietnam and can significantly impact the school schedule.

The Expat Teaching Experience

Teaching in Vietnam can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be prepared for some challenges. The education system is evolving, with ongoing reforms aimed at improving quality and access. However, you may find yourself with none to minimal educational supplies so as an expat teacher, you may find yourself in a dynamic environment where your experience and ideas are valued, but where adaptation to local practices is also necessary.

Networking with other expat teachers can be invaluable. Many cities in Vietnam, particularly larger ones like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, have active expat communities where teachers can share experiences, advice, and support.

Read more: The average salary for teaching English in Vietnam in 2024

Tips for Success

To succeed as a teacher in Vietnam, here are a few key tips:

• Be adaptable: Flexibility is key when working within a different education system. Be open to learning from local teachers and adapting your teaching style to fit the cultural context.
• Build relationships: Strong relationships with students, colleagues, and parents are crucial. Take the time to get to know your students and understand their backgrounds.
• Learn the basics of the language: Even a basic understanding of Vietnamese can go a long way in building rapport with students and navigating daily life.
• Respect local customs: Understanding and respecting local traditions and customs will help you integrate into the school community and avoid misunderstandings.

Vietnam’s education system is complex and evolving, with unique characteristics that reflect the country’s cultural heritage and developmental goals. For expat teachers, understanding how the system works, including its structure, teaching methods, and cultural nuances, is key to having a successful and fulfilling experience.

By being adaptable, building strong relationships, and respecting local customs, expat teachers can make a positive impact on their students and enjoy a rewarding teaching career in Vietnam. Whether you’re teaching in a bustling city or a quiet rural area, Vietnam offers a rich and varied teaching experience that is both challenging and immensely rewarding.