Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. There are many options for parents seeking an international experience for their child. How do you as a parent choose between an international school in Vietnam and studying abroad? It is important to understand the key differences between local international schools and genuine study abroad programs when making your decision.
We live in an era of globalism and unprecedented connectedness. The importance of school students being exposed to international influences that expand their horizons and shape their thinking cannot be understated. Whether you choose a genuine overseas study abroad pathway or a local international school for your child, you are ensuring they will develop a global perspective, with tolerance and explore diverse cultures and open doors to a range of new options. There are, however, some key differences between overseas/study abroad programs and what is offered by international schools. Parents should consider the academic programs on offer, learning in a truly diverse environment with students from many different cultures and backgrounds, the cost of studying abroad versus at an international school in Vietnam, and why an overseas education is the only way to offer a truly international experience.
Both study abroad and studying at a local international school help students to understand what it means to be a global citizen. International schools generally offer foreign curricula such as the IB Diploma or Australian, UK or US high school certificates. Australian schools will also offer an Australian high school certificate and many also offer the IB Diploma.
Schools in Australia have very diverse populations – almost 30% of Australians were born overseas and 49% have one or both parents born overseas. Students in Australian schools come from a broad range of backgrounds and bring with them vastly different experiences and cultures. The Australian schools that accept international students enrol children from all around the world, which means your child will be exposed to genuine diversity as well as being fully immersed in an English-speaking environment.
Parents need to be aware of the costs involved with studying at an international school versus studying abroad, but also understand the long-term value of the investment they are making in their child’s future. Of course, study abroad involves different or extra costs (travel, insurance, accommodation) to those of simply enrolling at an international school at home. That said, many of the top international schools in Vietnam now charge fees that are equal to or even higher than the cost of an Australian private school.
Living overseas forces students to expand their horizons and fosters an understanding of how the world works beyond the cultures and communities with which they are familiar. Students living and studying abroad are exposed to a wealth of opportunities and new experiences across a range of areas, which their schools assist them to embrace. An Australian school will help them to develop confidence and thrive in new environments. Undertaking high school abroad also puts students wishing to study at an overseas university at an advantage. Students at school in Australia will learn about the extensive courses on offer at Australian universities, the university admissions process and career opportunities. Being accepted into the course and university of choice can be much easier when graduating from an Australian school. Students at school in Australia who are interested in university in other countries are also assisted with their choice and pathway.
Talk to the ASA Vietnam In Country Representative for further information.