Study Destinations
Vietnam, a Southeast Asian nation, is well known for its rigorous and competitive educational system. Education in Vietnam has gained increased focus, with the sector receiving about 6.3 percent of the annual budget.
Vietnamese students aspiring to study abroad have generated a market for international students seeking global opportunities. The country's low cost of living makes it an attractive destination for those looking for affordable yet high quality education.
Vietnam's higher education institutions offer a wide range of programs, with some specializing in specific fields. For example, Ho Chi Minh City excels in science and technology, while Hanoi University is renowned for language studies and also provides courses in business, finance, accounting, international studies, and computer technology, all taught in English. Studying in Vietnam offers a multicultural environment that immerses students in Southeast Asian culture while earning a master's degree. Private international schools in Vietnam have a highly diverse student body and faculty, bringing together different perspectives and innovative ideas from around the globe.
Vietnam, formally known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the easternmost nation on the Indochina Peninsula. Since 2000, its economic growth has ranked among the highest globally, and in 2011, it led the Global Growth Generators Index among 11 major economies. Today, the national economy features a significant and rapidly expanding manufacturing, information technology, and high-tech sectors. Despite being relatively new to the oil industry, Vietnam is currently Southeast Asia's third-largest oil producer.
Located on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia, Vietnam shares borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia, and has a coastline along the South China Sea to the east. Over the past 20 years, Vietnam's economy has grown rapidly, making it an increasingly popular tourism destination. Archaeological findings reveal tens of thousands of years of human habitation, contributing to Vietnam's rich history and culture. The country's terrain is predominantly hilly and covered in tropical forests.
The cost of living for students varies in Vietnam depending on how they choose to live.
The cost of lodging might range from VND 7,000,000 to VND 15,000,000, depending on whether the room is furnished or unfurnished.
In Vietnam, the cost of on campus housing may range from US$1,200 to US$1,600 per semester, including electricity and other services. In Vietnam, the cost of on-campus housing may range from US$1,200 to US$1,600 per semester, including electricity and other services.
Transportation costs: There are various economical ways to travel around Vietnam. The city's taxi fare is VND 12,000 per kilometer.
A trip to City Center costs VND 5,000.
Public schools charge modest annual tuition fees, ranging from free to approximately $1,000 USD for Vietnamese students. International student rates vary from around $1,000 to $2,500 annually. Private schools, on the other hand, typically have program tuition ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Master's degrees can generally be completed in 1-2 years, depending on the curriculum and whether students are enrolled full-time or part-time. Tuition fees vary based on the institution and educational level. Public educational institutions generally have lower tuition costs compared to private colleges.
Visa procedure: Upon acceptance to a school in Vietnam, foreign students residing in their home country should contact the international office at their school to request a copy of the approval letter from the Vietnamese Immigration Department. This letter, along with their original passport, visa fees, and other necessary documents, must be submitted when applying for the visa. Subsequently, students must collect their visa from the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate General in their country of residence. If there is no Vietnamese government office in their country, students should promptly inform their school so arrangements can be made for a pre-visa permission letter, specifying where they can collect and pay for their student visa upon arrival in Vietnam. Typically, visa stamps are obtained at international airports in Vietnam, such as Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese, with English gaining popularity as a secondary language. Additionally, French, Chinese, Khmer, and several highland languages are spoken. Vietnamese people constitute 85% to 90% of the population, with the remaining 10% to 15% comprising various ethnic groups. Family and community values hold significant importance in Vietnamese culture, as well as in Chinese and Hmong cultures. Cultural icons such as horses, dragons, birds, and turtles are revered, and Vietnamese literature and classical music boast a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Festivals celebrating Vietnamese culture are widespread throughout the nation, with Tet, the Lunar New Year celebrated in late January, being the most prominent. While western sports like tennis and badminton are popular, soccer and martial arts enjoy the highest popularity.
Vietnam's economy is rapidly becoming one of the world's fastest-growing, fueled by Ho Chi Minh City. This bustling metropolis attracts international corporations, creating a vibrant atmosphere on its crowded streets. The city's architecture, wine bars, and outdoor cafés reflect its six decades under French rule. Saigon, portrayed in numerous American war films, has evolved into Ho Chi Minh City, its contemporary post-war successor. Teaching opportunities abound here, offering the perks of city life, including potential higher salaries. With multinational corporations in abundance, teaching positions may involve instructing classes of Korean businesswomen or providing specialized education for expatriate families relocating to Vietnam. For those with creativity, the opportunities are limitless.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were deeply affected by the American-led conflict, culminating in 1975 when the North Vietnamese Army unified the country by entering Saigon with tanks. Despite their distinct identities, both cities offer appealing prospects for English teachers. Hanoi boasts numerous job openings in educational institutions like colleges and language schools, catering to a substantial expatriate community. The city features diverse English-language bookshops and cultural venues, including art museums and international eateries, ideal for multicultural field trips. The American Center at the U.S. Embassy provides extensive resources on American culture and education, along with a packed calendar of events such as movies, seminars, and student excursions. Hanoi's strategic location allows for easy exploration of Vietnam's northern regions, known for their less crowded landscapes. In contrast, while Ho Chi Minh City's bustling heat and traffic can pose challenges, Hanoi's cooler temperatures and lakes make it a more inviting environment for outdoor activities like running and biking.
Haiphong isn't just a bustling harbor city with colonial architecture; it's also Vietnam's third-largest city and a popular destination for local tourists who come to see its traditional temples and pagodas. Known as the "City of Flame Flowers" during the vibrant red flowering season, Haiphong's population is growing rapidly but remains less than half that of larger cities. With fewer expatriates, there's a greater chance for interaction with locals, offering a deeper cultural immersion. The city has a high demand for English education, leading to numerous teaching opportunities. As Haiphong's English teaching market has flourished over time, many reputable schools have established themselves here.
This means you should obtain essential recommendations from past instructors to ensure you join a favorable teaching environment. In the modern city of Haiphong, pizza is as popular as pho. The cost of living is lower, and winters are milder. For nightlife, focus on bars, restaurants, and karaoke bars to connect with new Vietnamese friends. Haiphong's proximity to Halong Bay, known for its wild limestone cliffs emerging from azure waters, is a major advantage. Just under 50 miles away, you can easily spend weekends scuba diving, hiking, and rock climbing in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Can Tho is located on the southern bank of the Hau River, one of the distributaries of the Mekong Delta. Despite being the largest city in the Delta, Can Tho exudes a slower pace of life.
Perhaps it's the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, where vendors skillfully navigate their boats to sell fresh local produce. The availability of fresh food is nearly utopian here. Explore the region's fruit orchards and marvel at the abundance of ripe tropical fruits that often require both hands to pick. You can also visit a chocolate plantation and a bee farm. While teaching positions may not be as abundant as in larger cities, they do exist. Can Tho is home to several prestigious colleges and universities, with Can Tho University being the largest. For those interested in learning Vietnamese, Can Tho offers an ideal setting.
With significantly fewer foreigners residing here compared to other cities on this list, learning Vietnamese and interacting with locals is more straightforward. If you crave the urban experience, Ho Chi Minh City is just a short weekend trip away, allowing you to explore without the high cost of living. Can Tho's nightlife revolves around strolling along the riverbank and sampling street food at the night market. The city boasts numerous hot pot restaurants, and I can confirm that there's nothing quite like sharing a spicy seafood hotpot with friends on a balmy evening in the Mekong Delta. Can Tho International Airport connects to various Vietnamese cities, perfect for weekend getaways, or you can stay and further explore the enchanting Mekong Delta region.