“Can’t take it anymore” was the reason behind his and his wife’s decision. Despite their efforts over the past two years, the family finally admitted they could not afford to continue down this path.
Their child, a 7th grader, was used to an English-speaking environment, foreign teachers, and a packed extracurricular schedule. When his parents told him he would be transferring to a public school, he spent the evening in tears. “I’m embarrassed in front of my friends,” he said. That moment—likely the first real shock of his life—marked the start of a significant transition.
Parents naturally want the best for their children, but sometimes studying at an international school becomes more about status than a practical choice for the child.
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A teacher asks a question in a classroom. Illustration photo by Pexels |
Attending an international school is not just an investment in education; it is a long-term commitment. Once a child becomes accustomed to one education system, switching to another system is not just a tearful experience, it can also negatively affect the child’s psychology. It is a culture shock, not just for the child, but for the parents as well.
The issue is that many parents do not consider the worst-case scenario when they choose international schools in the first place. They calculate based on their current income, without a reserve fund or considering potential financial fluctuations such as salary reductions, unemployment, illness, or even a financial crisis.
For instance, if a year of school costs VND200 million (at the primary level—tuition fees increase as the child progresses), then 12 years would amount to VND2.4 billion—a significant sum, not including university fees. Without a solid financial foundation, sending a child to an international school is like betting the future of the entire family.
What’s worth noting is that many parents believe they are sacrificing for their children, but in reality, they are simply living under the pressure of social comparison. Seeing friends send their children to international schools, they feel the need to do the same, so as not to feel inferior. When they see others boasting that their children are fluent in English, they want their children to be like that, too.
International schools can be a valuable choice for families with the means and a long-term vision. However, it is essential to recognize that they are not a guaranteed ticket to the future.
Every parent wants their children to soar high. But to help them fly far, it is not necessary to do so at all costs. Sometimes, all you need is a sky that is within your means and a solid foundation of support—a responsibility that lies with the parents.
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