What Is an International Curriculum? Comparing the Most Popular Systems What is an international curriculum, and is it really right for school students in Hanoi? This article helps parents understand popular systems such as the IB, Cambridge, AP, Common Core and bilingual programmes, so they can choose a pathway that suits their child’s ability, age and learning goals. What is an international curriculum? An international curriculum is a learning framework built to the standards of an international education organisation or a foreign education system. It usually has defined learning outcomes, a subject structure, assessment methods and qualifications recognised beyond a single country. An international curriculum isn’t simply about learning in English. Its core lies in a clear academic framework, the way students’ abilities are assessed and the ability to progress to international levels of study. An international curriculum has clear goals, assessment and outcomes How is an international curriculum different from MOET? The difference between an international curriculum and the MOET (Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training) curriculum isn’t just the language of instruction. Parents should look at three main factors: the language of learning, final qualifications and how students’ abilities are assessed. Language of learning: International curricula usually use English as the main language, or combine English with Vietnamese depending on the school’s model. What matters is that students use English to learn subjects, not just study English as a separate subject. Final qualifications: Students may work towards certificates or diplomas such as the IB Diploma, IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), A Level, AP (Advanced Placement) or a High School Diploma. Parents need to check each programme and the recognition policies of their target universities. Learning approach: Students are encouraged to ask questions, carry out projects, give presentations and solve problems. Teachers act as guides, helping students take a more active role in their learning. However, not every programme that involves English is an international curriculum. Enhanced English classes, integrated English classes or courses at language centres aren’t considered international curricula if they lack a clear academic framework, assessment system and outcomes. Comparing international curricula with MOET helps parents understand the differences before choosing How is international education different from an international school? Many parents use the terms international education, international curriculum and international school interchangeably. However, these concepts aren’t exactly the same and should be distinguished before choosing a school for your child. International education: An educational approach that helps students develop global thinking, language skills, academic skills and the ability to adapt in a multicultural environment. International curriculum: A specific learning framework such as the IB, Cambridge, AP or Common Core. Each has its own subject structure, assessment methods and outcomes. International school: An educational institution that delivers an international curriculum, with its own teaching staff, learning environment, accreditation and student support services. Bilingual programme: A model that combines the Vietnamese curriculum with international elements. It can support transition, but shouldn’t be assumed to be a fully international programme. The benefits of an international curriculum Once they understand what an international curriculum is, parents need to assess its practical benefits for their child. These benefits are usually clearer when the curriculum is delivered to the proper standard with suitable support from the school. Developing academic English English in an international curriculum isn’t only for everyday communication. Students use English to read materials, write essays, give presentations and put forward their views in many subjects. With early exposure, students can gradually come to see English as a learning tool. This is an important foundation if the family is aiming for an international university or study abroad. Strengthening critical thinking Many international curricula encourage students to ask questions, look for evidence and defend their views with reasoning. This way of learning helps students not just remember knowledge, but understand how to analyse problems. Critical thinking is useful in many fields, such as business, technology, medicine, design and communications. It is a skill that needs to be developed over time through projects, discussion and teacher feedback. Students develop critical thinking through discussion, projects and presenting their views Preparing for university applications Programmes such as the IB Diploma, A Level, AP or a High School Diploma can support students when applying to many university systems. However, the level of recognition depends on each university, each country and each admissions year. The key advantage isn’t just the qualification itself. Students also become used to a way of learning that involves a lot of reading and writing, independent research, projects and presenting their views clearly. Developing teamwork skills International curricula often include projects, presentations or personal research. Students need to plan, divide up tasks, manage their time and present their results. These skills are hard to develop through theory alone. Students need to practise them across many subjects and situations, with plenty of feedback. Broadening global thinking An international environment exposes students to many different cultures, languages and perspectives. When learning alongside classmates of many nationalities, students have more opportunities to build confidence and intercultural communication skills. At Westlink, the learning environment brings together students of many nationalities, combined with personalised EAL (English as an Additional Language) support that helps new students settle in with confidence. Popular international curricula In Vietnam, parents commonly come across the IB, Cambridge, AP, Common Core and bilingual programmes. Each has a different learning structure, assessment method and outcome, so they need to be compared against each student’s goals. The IB (International Baccalaureate) The IB (International Baccalaureate) is an international curriculum that originated in Switzerland. It is one of the programmes recognised by many schools and universities worldwide, particularly among families aiming for a global education. The IB consists of four main programmes, each corresponding to a stage of student development. Parents should understand each level to avoid confusing the name of a programme with each school’s authorisation status. PYP (Primary Years Programme): For students aged 3–12, focusing on inquiry-based learning, exploration and developing foundational thinking. MYP (Middle Years Programme): For students aged 11–16, with 8 subject groups, helping students connect knowledge to real-world contexts. DP (Diploma Programme): For students aged 16–19, usually lasting 2 years, with academic subject groups, the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS. CP (Career-related Programme): A career-related programme that is currently less common in Vietnam than the PYP, MYP and DP. The IB suits students who need a well-rounded academic foundation, critical thinking and the ability to learn across disciplines. Before choosing a school, parents should check which levels the school is authorised by the IB to teach, rather than relying only on how the school describes itself. In Hanoi, schools authorised as IB World Schools for the PYP include UNIS, BIS Hanoi, Concordia, ISH, ISV and Westlink. Westlink was authorised for the PYP on 1 May 2024 and for the MYP on 3 December 2025, according to the IB’s records. The IB suits families who want their child to build a well-rounded academic foundation, develop critical thinking and have flexible options when applying to international universities. The Cambridge curriculum The Cambridge curriculum is developed by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), part of the University of Cambridge in the UK. It offers a continuous pathway from primary school to Year 13. It is structured in 4 stages: Cambridge Primary (ages 5–11) Cambridge Lower Secondary (ages 11–14) Cambridge Upper Secondary / IGCSE (ages 14–16): students choose 5–14 subjects from more than 70 Cambridge Advanced / A Level (ages 16–19): in-depth study of 3–4 subjects aligned with university plans The outcomes are IGCSE and A Level qualifications, which are commonly considered by universities following the British education system. It suits students who have already decided on a specific university subject (such as engineering, economics or medicine) and want to focus deeply on related subjects. Advanced Placement (AP) AP (Advanced Placement) is a programme developed by the College Board in the United States. Unlike the IB or Cambridge, AP isn’t a complete school curriculum, but a set of advanced courses usually taken at upper secondary level. Students can choose AP subjects that match their university plans. AP results can support applications to US universities, but policies on recognising scores and granting credit depend on each university. AP suits students with a strong academic foundation, good independent learning skills and plans to attend a US university. It needs to be taken alongside a core school curriculum and doesn’t replace the whole secondary pathway. Common Core Common Core is a set of academic standards adopted by many US states for Maths and English Language Arts. In some international schools, Common Core may be combined with science standards such as NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) to build an American-oriented curriculum. Common Core isn’t a textbook or a fixed curriculum. It is a framework of learning outcomes that helps schools design lessons, assessments and progression pathways for each grade. It suits families aiming for the American education system or who want their child to get used to learning to US standards early on. However, parents need to look carefully at the school’s accreditation, the qualifications it awards and how the pathway to upper secondary is designed. Bilingual programmes A bilingual programme is a model that combines the Vietnamese curriculum with some international subjects or academic standards. Students usually learn in both Vietnamese and English, depending on each school’s design. This model suits parents who want their child to keep a foundation in the Vietnamese language and culture while developing academic English. It can also be a gentle transition before students move into a fully international programme at a higher level. Comparing popular international curricula The table below helps parents quickly compare curricula by origin, age range, outcomes and suitability. It is an initial reference step and doesn’t replace speaking directly with each school’s academic team. Criteria IB Cambridge AP Common Core Bilingual Origin Switzerland UK USA USA Vietnam combined with international elements Age range 3–19 5–19 Upper secondary K–12 Usually primary and lower secondary Outcome IB Diploma at DP level IGCSE, A Level Subject-by-subject certificates High School Diploma if the full pathway is completed Depends on the school's programme Best suited to Students who need a well-rounded foundation Students who want to study subjects in depth Students aiming for the US Students following the US system Students who need a gentle transition Note Check which levels the school is authorised for Choose subjects according to university plans Doesn't replace a school curriculum Check the school's accreditation Not automatically a fully international programme Criteria for choosing the right international curriculum After comparing curricula, parents need to match them against their child’s goals and actual abilities. A good curriculum is only the right fit when your child can adapt and receives the right support from the school. 5 criteria to help parents choose the right curriculum Your family’s long-term goals Parents need to decide whether their child will prioritise a university in Vietnam, study abroad or keep both options open. If the family doesn’t yet have a clear direction, choose a pathway with flexible transition options and good academic guidance. For students aiming for the UK, Australia or Singapore, Cambridge and A Level may be worth considering. For students who need a well-rounded foundation and many international options, the IB is often a better fit. Long-term budget Tuition fees are only part of the total cost. Parents also need to factor in registration fees, school transport, uniforms, extracurricular activities, exam fees and tuition increases from year to year. Indicative tuition ranges in Hanoi for the 2025–2026 academic year: the Bilingual programme ranges from VND 260–275 million per year (Grades 6–9); the IB programme ranges from VND 383–603 million per year depending on the year group (see Westlink’s tuition fee schedule). Some high-end English-medium international schools in Hanoi, such as UNIS, Concordia and BIS, can reach VND 700 million to 1 billion per year. As this is a long-term investment, families need to consider their financial capacity over many years, not just the first year. Your child’s age and current language ability Younger children usually adapt more quickly to learning in English. For students in upper primary or lower secondary school, parents should carefully assess their academic English before moving to a fully international programme. If your child isn’t yet used to learning Maths, Science or Humanities in English, a bilingual programme may be a more sensible transition pathway. What matters is that the school provides language support and clearly tracks progress. Your child’s learning style The IB suits students who enjoy exploring, doing projects and making connections between subjects. Cambridge suits students with clear subject strengths, while AP suits students who learn well independently and are aiming for a US university. Parents shouldn’t choose a curriculum just because it’s popular. Observe how your child learns, how well they manage their time, how proactive they are and how they respond to open-ended learning tasks. Learning environment and individual support Even with the same curriculum, the learning experience differs from school to school. Parents should observe lessons, speak to the academic team and ask clearly how the school supports students moving from another system. Factors to check include class size, teacher expertise, English support, academic guidance, extracurricular activities and how closely the school works with parents. A decision framework to help parents choose a curriculum by goals, ability and age Trends in international curricula in Vietnam Demand for international curricula in Vietnam is growing, especially among families who want their child to have more university options both at home and abroad. However, the more diverse the market becomes, the more carefully parents need to evaluate the curriculum, accreditation and the support offered to students. Schools offering two pathways, international and bilingual, on the same campus are attracting growing interest from families. This approach gives students more transition options, especially when their English ability or university goals aren’t yet clear. Parents shouldn’t rely on the word “international” alone. Before choosing a school, check the original curriculum, authorisation status, teaching staff, student outcomes and how the school supports each child. 5 criteria for evaluating international curricula in Vietnam An international curriculum is only the right fit when it is chosen according to your child’s ability, age and learning goals. If you are looking for a pathway that offers both IB and Bilingual programmes in Hanoi, Westlink International School Hanoi is worth considering, as it is authorised for the PYP and MYP and has a campus in Tay Ho Tay and a multicultural learning environment. Contact Westlink today to book a tour, speak directly with the academic team and get advice on the pathway that best suits your child.
