A Complete Guide to Choosing an International School for Your Child With so many options available today, learning practical tips for choosing an international school for your child is essential for making the right decision. A good international school requires more than just an academic framework, quality teachers and modern facilities — it also needs to fit the child's ability, personality and developmental needs. Read on for the practical experience you need to make that decision with confidence. Understanding What "International School" Really Means In Vietnam, the word "international" is used fairly loosely for many schools that simply teach English. Not every one of them actually delivers a genuine international education, though. Getting this distinction clear from the outset helps parents avoid picking the wrong model, and saves time when building a shortlist for their child. An international learning environment at Westlink. Three School Types Commonly Labelled "International" Type 1: Genuine international schools These schools teach primarily in English, using a foreign curriculum such as the IB, Cambridge or a US programme. Students come from a range of nationalities, and the school is usually accredited by an international body such as the IB, CIS or WASC. Type 2: Integrated bilingual schools These schools combine the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) curriculum with an international one. This model suits families who want their child to keep a strong grounding in Vietnamese language and culture, while adding an academic English pathway and future study-abroad options. Type 3: Private schools branded as "international" The curriculum here still largely follows the Vietnamese framework, with enhanced English or a few subjects taught in English. Some of these schools call themselves "international bilingual", but haven't been independently accredited by a credible international education body. Four Accrediting Bodies Parents Should Know When assessing an international school, parents should check which body has accredited it, since serves as a vital benchmark for evaluating the quality of the curriculum, governance and operating standards. IB (International Baccalaureate Organization): accredits the PYP, MYP and DP. IB schools typically move through three main stages — an informal stage, an early formal stage (Candidate School), and full formal status (Authorised School) — and must go through re-evaluation every 5 years. CIS (Council of International Schools): provides whole-school accreditation, focusing on governance, school culture, operational quality and student safety. Schools are typically re-evaluated on a 5-year cycle. WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges): accredits schools against US education standards, suiting schools with a US-style curriculum or a US study pathway. COBIS (Council of British International Schools): accredits international schools following a British curriculum, typically suiting a Cambridge, IGCSE or A-Level pathway. Understanding your child’s needs helps families choose the right learning environment. Understand Your Child Before Choosing a School Many parents start by browsing a list of well-known schools, then ask themselves which one suits their child. This approach can send the whole process in the wrong direction from the start, because a good school isn't automatically the best-fitting environment for every individual student. Instead of choosing a school by reputation, parents should start with the child themselves — personality, age, academic ability, English level, independence, and the family's own wishes. Once you understand what your child actually needs, the shortlist narrows considerably, and comparing schools becomes far more realistic and effective. Priorities Shift with Age At Early Years and Primary level, emotional wellbeing and safety come first. Parents should prioritise an environment with close attention to each student, small class sizes and patient teachers. English exposure should feel natural, built through play and interaction. Clean, safe facilities with green outdoor space are a big plus. At lower secondary level, children start shaping their own identity. Priorities shift towards a curriculum with real depth, a wide range of extracurriculars, and a multicultural peer group. Opportunities to build soft skills matter too. Many parents move their child at Grade 6 or 7, giving them 6–7 years before university. At upper secondary level, university pathways take top priority. Parents should look at recent graduating cohorts' outcomes — the acceptance rate at top universities, the quality of university counselling, and the strength of the alumni network are all worth checking. Investing in a school at this stage is hard to recoup if the curriculum doesn't match a family's study-abroad plans. Understanding the curriculum in depth helps a family build an accurate education pathway. Which Curriculum Fits Your Child: IB, Cambridge, a US Programme, or Bilingual? Once you've told the school types apart, the next step is working out which curriculum fits your child. This is worth thinking through carefully too, since the naming and structure of a programme can vary from school to school. IB (PYP, MYP, DP) The IB is one of the most widely used international curricula in Vietnam. It has three levels: PYP (Primary Years Programme) — primary level (ages 3–12) MYP (Middle Years Programme) — lower secondary level (ages 11–16) DP (Diploma Programme) — upper secondary level (ages 16–19) The IB approach emphasises critical thinking, independent research and connecting knowledge across subjects. Students who suit the IB tend to be self-directed learners who like asking questions and aren't put off by long essays. The IB Diploma is recognised by more than 5,500 universities worldwide, and carries particular weight when applying to top schools in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. In Hanoi, Westlink is a notable option for families who want their child to access the IB early. The school is currently an IB World School authorised to deliver the PYP, while it's a Candidate School for the MYP at secondary level and for the DP. Westlink is also part of International Schools Partnership, a global education network of 116 schools across 25 countries and more than 110,000 students, giving parents an additional basis for assessing a long-term IB pathway for their child. Parents visiting Westlink in person. Cambridge (IGCSE, A-Level) Cambridge International offers two main qualifications at upper secondary level: IGCSE (Grades 9–10) and A-Level (Grades 11–12). Cambridge is strong on deep academic specialisation — students choose 3–4 A-Level subjects and go deep rather than broad, the way the IB does. It suits students who already have a clear career direction, such as engineering, medicine or finance. A-Level is particularly well recognised in the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and other Commonwealth countries. The US Programme (US Core, AP) The US programme typically focuses on core subjects — Maths, Science, English and History — with the option to add AP (Advanced Placement) subjects at secondary level. Its standout feature is flexibility, letting students pick subjects that match their ability, interests and university plans. This pathway usually suits students planning to continue their studies in the US. When researching, parents should check whether the school awards a High School Diploma (the US upper-secondary qualification) and verify its accreditation status with a body such as WASC or an equivalent. Integrated Bilingual Schools (MOET + International Curriculum) An integrated bilingual programme typically combines the national curriculum of the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) with an international programme or academic framework, such as Cambridge IGCSE or elements of the IB. This model suits families who want to keep a strong Vietnamese foundation while broadening their child's international academic direction. This programme can suit families who haven't firmly decided on a study-abroad path, want to keep their options open, or need the flexibility to move between education systems. That said, because students may need to meet multiple academic requirements at once, parents should think carefully about the workload, their child's academic ability and their capacity to adapt. Hours Taught in English English is a global language and plays a central role in international integration, which is why parents pay close attention to how much English is taught, and how well. A strong education environment should create the ideal space for students to practise and use English every day. To assess this objectively, families should look at the proportion of subjects taught entirely in English. It also matters how much students get to practise the language through clubs and extracurricular events. Regular exposure builds a child's confidence to communicate and connect with a multicultural peer group — and fluency in English from an early age is a solid foundation for pursuing academic opportunities globally. English exposure helps children communicate confidently and connect globally. The Expertise of the Teaching Staff Teaching staff directly affect the quality of learning and how well students adapt to an international environment. That's why one of the most useful lessons in choosing an international school is to look beyond whether a school has foreign teachers, and check their actual qualifications, teaching certificates and real-world experience. Some international teaching credentials worth knowing: PGCE: a UK postgraduate teaching certificate, widely regarded as an important standard at many international schools. QTS: the official qualification that allows a teacher to teach in the UK. IB Educator Certificate: a credential tied to the IB programme, showing a teacher has been trained in IB philosophy and teaching methods. Teachers and students in a lesson at Westlink. Parents should look closely into qualifications, teaching certificates, the proportion of international teachers, and staff retention at the school. Beyond credentials, it's worth observing how teachers interact with students — their ability to inspire, their patience, and how well they understand children. A good teacher doesn't just convey knowledge; they know how to build a student's confidence, independent thinking and individual potential. The School's Track Record in Education A school's track record isn't just about how long it's been operating — it also comes from its academic foundations, its operating systems, and its ties to credible education organisations. Experienced schools tend to have highly effective approaches to teaching, which gives parents extra confidence when entrusting them with their child's future. To assess this objectively, families should look at the length of a school's operating history and its notable academic achievements. Strong results in international exams or science projects are solid evidence of teaching quality, and well-rounded development — reflected in arts and sports awards — matters too. A safe education environment consistently earns the trust of families across generations. These concrete achievements measure how seriously and systematically a school invests in learning, and a school that puts students at the centre tends to maintain a transparent, trustworthy academic space. A strong track record and concrete achievements confirm the quality of a school's education. Facilities and Learning Spaces Facilities are an important part of an effective, safe learning environment that fits a student's developmental needs. When researching, parents should look at classrooms, libraries, laboratories and other functional spaces that support learning, creativity and hands-on experience. Beyond scale, the quality of a learning space should also be judged on comfort, safety and how well it supports modern teaching methods. A well-designed environment lets students learn through hands-on practice, projects, experience and interaction, rather than just absorbing knowledge in a traditional classroom. Class Size Education experts consistently rate small, tightly run classes highly. When a class isn't overcrowded, teachers have more time to observe students and step in when needed, making it easier to read each student's ability and personalise their academic path. Every student gets a real chance to develop their natural potential to the fullest. Smaller classes also give students more room and help them focus. Children feel more comfortable in a friendly, close-knit school environment, an ideal setting for building critical thinking skills with confidence. Even shy students find it easier to overcome hesitation and join in. Parents should treat this as a priority to give their child the most well-rounded development possible. Small class sizes make it easier for teachers to personalise each student's learning path. Extracurricular Activities Beyond the Curriculum Beyond a solid academic foundation, extracurricular activities play a hugely important role. They're a key factor in a student's all-round physical and mental development, and international schools tend to invest seriously in these programmes. Parents should look closely into whether a school offers a wide range of clubs. Arts, sports and science activities give children the freedom to explore their own talents, and real-world field trips add invaluable social lessons on top. Through group projects, students get to build effective communication skills. This process helps them express themselves with confidence and gradually develop a leadership mindset — which is why a rich extracurricular programme is such valuable preparation for a child's future. A structured activity programme supports physical development and healthy habits. Nutrition and School Meals A well-planned diet is a key factor in keeping students energised and supporting their overall physical development. When researching a school, parents should pay close attention to the freshness of ingredients and kitchen hygiene practices. A proper school menu should always balance protein, fibre and essential vitamins. Menu variety and well-judged portion sizes also help keep meals appealing to children. Quality school meals don't just nourish the body — they shape healthy eating habits from an early age, and the care put into every meal is a clear sign of a school's commitment to all-round wellbeing. Weighing Up International School Fees When assessing tuition fees, parents should weigh them against the quality of the curriculum, facilities and the proportion of international teachers. It's also worth budgeting for add-on services such as the school bus, meals and extracurricular activities. A school's fee schedule typically increases gradually with each grade level, which makes it essential to proactively build a sustainable, long-term financial plan. Thorough preparation like this lets a family stay confident alongside their child's development. Direct consultation helps parents build an accurate learning pathway for their child. Visiting an International School in Person Visiting a school in person is an important step for verifying information before making a decision. That said, it's easy for parents to get swept up by the facilities, the learning spaces or the admissions team's pitch, and overlook the factors that directly shape a child's day-to-day experience. One useful piece of advice: prepare a list of questions in advance, and pay close attention to how the school actually operates. 15 Questions to Prepare for a School Tour On curriculum and outcomes What accreditation status does the school's IB, Cambridge or US programme currently hold? When was the school's most recent re-accreditation? What proportion of students go on to top-100 universities worldwide? What has the average IB Diploma or A-Level score been for recent graduating cohorts? Does the school publish an annual outcomes report for parents? On teachers and class size What proportion of teachers hold a PGCE, QTS or IB Educator Certificate? What's the average class size at the level my child would be joining? What is teacher retention like after 3 years? Does the school offer EAL support for students who aren't yet fluent in English? Does the homeroom teacher stay with the same class all year, or change at different points? On support for students transferring in What's the assessment and placement process for a student transferring from another school? Does the school run an orientation programme for new students? Can my child attend a trial day before we commit? If a student is struggling emotionally, is there a school counsellor to support them? Which channels can parents use to reach teachers, and how often? 5 Things to Observe, Not Just Take on the Tour Guide's Word Beyond asking questions, parents should take time to notice the small details during a visit — these often reveal a school's real culture. How teachers interact with students: Watch how staff greet, chat with, and handle situations with students outside the classroom. Tone of voice, attitude and respect for students all reveal a school's teaching culture. Student engagement in class: If possible, ask to sit in on a lesson. Are students actively asking questions, discussing and speaking up, or just sitting and listening passively? The condition of areas rarely shown on the tour: Toilets, lockers, corridors and communal spaces usually reflect how well a school is actually maintained and managed. The library: Look at the number and range of titles, how current they are, the languages available, and — most importantly — whether students actually use the library. Security at the school gate: How visitors are controlled, the cameras, security staff and pick-up/drop-off procedures all show how seriously a school takes safety. A Trial Day Helps Check Whether the School Fits Your Child A trial day is a taster session in a real class, typically lasting half a day to a full day. It's an effective way for parents to find out whether their child fits the learning environment, the pace of the class, the teacher and their peers, before putting down a deposit or finalising an application. If a school doesn't offer this proactively, parents can simply ask about arranging a trial day. A school with a transparent admissions process will usually help set one up, or at least offer some form of observation or assessment before enrolment. If a school flatly refuses, or won't explain why, it's worth thinking carefully before going ahead. Getting Input from Other Parents Online In the digital age, finding education information is easy, but it needs careful filtering. Parents should prioritise reviews from the community, especially from families whose children are currently enrolled — they offer the most honest perspective on teaching quality and the day-to-day environment. Online education forums are also a great space for discussion and getting questions answered. There, parents can easily connect with like-minded families for sound advice. That said, whatever the source, information should always be filtered carefully — pulling together a range of different perspectives gives a family the fullest possible picture. This kind of careful preparation makes the decision-making process easier, and safer, for a child's future. Listening to the community brings a range of perspectives to choosing a school. To put these tips for choosing an international school for your child into practice, the most important step is to observe and experience things first-hand. At Westlink International School, parents can Book a tour to experience the classroom atmosphere for themselves, learn about the curriculum in detail, and get a personalised pathway consultation from the school's team of experts. Families can get in touch via hotline 0865.777.900, or register directly on the Westlink admissions website, to start building a strong future for their child today.
