Hi. I would like to know what others might share about the good and the bad of the various schools in HCMC Vietnam. Is there a preferred district to live in or are there areas and schools to absolutely avoid? I am somewhat amazed at the number of schools there and assume competition must be relatively fierce for "customers".
Many thanks for the inside scoop....
Lots of schools in Ho Chi Minh City!
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higgsboson
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Avoid American International School of HCMC. They are total scoundrels and an example of why teachers should screw schools before schools screw teachers.
Also Vietnam in general seems to be a place where workers are run rough shod over. I don't think contracts mean much there.
On the other, Vietnamese students were probably the best I ever had - smart, hard working, very polite and appreciative. It just amazes me that Vietnamese kids grow up into the type of people Vietnamese adults seem to be: ruthless and money hungry. Also, HCMC was very pleasant to live in. I forget where I was at but they were all Vietnamese and it was vibrant.
I miss HCMC!
Also Vietnam in general seems to be a place where workers are run rough shod over. I don't think contracts mean much there.
On the other, Vietnamese students were probably the best I ever had - smart, hard working, very polite and appreciative. It just amazes me that Vietnamese kids grow up into the type of people Vietnamese adults seem to be: ruthless and money hungry. Also, HCMC was very pleasant to live in. I forget where I was at but they were all Vietnamese and it was vibrant.
I miss HCMC!
AnnieT. Yes, I have done that. I just wanted to pose the question to those who may be in the know to get some current information. Already working. These reviews often seem to be written by people with a bee in their bonnet about something in particular that happened to them a couple of years ago which may be meaningless for the grumpster now.
There are indeed many schools in Saigon, and, unfortunately, most are aggressively for profit. Heed the warnings in the reviews; yes, some are written by disgruntled teachers but others are motivated by genuine concern for teaching colleagues. It is a pity, because living in HCM is amazing, but, like many international destinations, your school will be a big part of your life, and those who are uncomfortable with the concept of using education as a means to make money will struggle in many of these schools.
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PermanentXpat
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- Location: Asia
An interesting way to learn a lot about a school is to ask what the nationality percentages are. Most for profit schools in HCMC will be predominantly Vietnamese or Korean in their student body. That's not a bad thing at all as those kids are generally motivated students. But, it does show that other international families are not putting their children in those schools.
As for where to live, it will really depend on where the school is and how far you're willing to travel. District 2 and District 7 have many expat families. District 7, Phu My Hung, in particular, almost doesn't feel like being in Vietnam . . . except for the traffic!
As for where to live, it will really depend on where the school is and how far you're willing to travel. District 2 and District 7 have many expat families. District 7, Phu My Hung, in particular, almost doesn't feel like being in Vietnam . . . except for the traffic!
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The only really good top tier school in Vietnam is the UN school in Hanoi. Otherwise i would echo the opinions of the previous posters. Most schools are either for profit, or non profit in name only. Contracts dont mean much in Vietnam. Your contract isnt even enforceable until you arrive in country and have your documents approved by immigration. Afterwords if you do run into trouble there are practically zero protections and schools know that your only real options will be to take what they give you and leave the country. The agencies wont help you either, because these schools have high turnover which means lots of positions and lots of fees for the agencies.
Thanks for the info. All great. I am interested as to why the UNIS in Hanoi gets top tier rating by PsyGuy, reading the reviews, this school has just as many problems as any other. It does seem to pay better though, which is a big factor.
My previous school was mostly local nationals and the students were incredible. Having said that, the level of English among the student population was poor compared to the other international schools. I would take that though.
Any further comments about social aspects of Vietnam, ease of travel within the country (I have heard domestic flights are comparatively expensive) and around SE Asia would be appreciated. THANKS to all who have posted.
My previous school was mostly local nationals and the students were incredible. Having said that, the level of English among the student population was poor compared to the other international schools. I would take that though.
Any further comments about social aspects of Vietnam, ease of travel within the country (I have heard domestic flights are comparatively expensive) and around SE Asia would be appreciated. THANKS to all who have posted.
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calciodirigore
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