Understanding International Bilingual Schools: What Are the Key Differences? UTS Understanding International Bilingual Schools: What Are the Key Differences? Understanding International Bilingual Schools: What Are the Key Differences?

Understanding International Bilingual Schools: What Are the Key Differences?

TIN TỨC

18/12/2025

In the context where parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s holistic development, international bilingual schools have emerged as a prominent choice thanks to their high-quality educational programs, modern learning environments, and advanced teaching methodologies. Amid the rapid growth of this educational model, the following article offers a comprehensive perspective to help parents make informed decisions when choosing the most suitable school for their children.

Definition of an International Bilingual School

An International Bilingual School is an educational model that integrates the Vietnamese national curriculum with an international curriculum, in which students study in both Vietnamese and another language across multiple subjects. The primary goal of this model is to establish a strong academic foundation, foster independent thinking, and develop global citizenship skills, equipping students to confidently integrate into the international community in the future.

Trường Song ngữ Quốc tế trở thành xu hướng giáo dục nổi bật tại TP. Hồ Chí Minh

International Bilingual Schools as a Growing Educational Trend in Ho Chi Minh City

Key Features of International Bilingual School Curricula

The curriculum at international bilingual schools is distinguished by four core characteristics.

Firstly, the curriculum is developed based on educational standards from leading countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, with a strong emphasis on creative thinking, critical thinking, communication skills, and responsibility toward global issues.

Mô hình giáo dục song ngữ quốc tế hướng đến sự phát triển toàn diện của học sinh

The international bilingual education model aims for the holistic development of students

Secondly, through subjects taught in a second language and daily engagement in a multicultural and multilingual environment, students rapidly develop multilingual proficiency and gain confidence in communicating across diverse international contexts.

Học tập trong môi trường song ngữ giúp hình thành kỹ năng sử dụng ngoại ngữ linh hoạt

Learning in a bilingual environment helps students develop flexible and effective foreign language skills

Thirdly, by applying modern international teaching approaches such as differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and inquiry-based learning, students cultivate a proactive learning mindset, along with strong research and problem-solving skills.

Học sinh tiếp cận các môn học qua nhiều phương pháp học sáng tạo, chủ động và ứng dụng thực tế

Students engage with subjects through innovative, student-centered, and real-world–oriented learning methods

Ultimately, international bilingual education emphasizes the comprehensive development of students, encompassing academic competence, physical well-being, talents, character formation, and social skills. This approach supports well-rounded growth and equips students with the essential skill set needed for successful global integration.

Learn more: Teaching methodologies at Vietnam International Schools

Benefits of Enrolling Children in International Bilingual Schools

Experiencing an International Learning Environment

Students study in a multicultural environment with teachers from various countries, gaining exposure to innovative teaching styles and experiential learning. This enables them to communicate confidently, broaden their perspectives, and develop a global citizen mindset from an early age.

Trải nghiệm môn ”Sustainability trong môi trường học đa văn hóa

Experiencing the subject “Sustainability” in a multicultural learning environment.

Learn more: Sustainability - A new subject that UTS pioneers in teaching in the Oxford International Curriculum

Outstanding Development of Bilingual Competence

By using Vietnamese and a foreign language simultaneously and continuously through academic subjects and daily communication, students naturally and progressively strengthen their bilingual abilities. Daily exposure to both Vietnamese and English across subjects and authentic interactions allows students to develop strong bilingual competence, build confidence in communication, critical thinking, and public speaking, and adapt easily to international learning environments.

Học sinh rèn luyện kỹ năng tư duy phản biện tại trường Song ngữ Quốc tế

Students develop critical thinking skills at international bilingual schools

Modern Facilities Meeting International Standards

The modern dining area at an international bilingual school

Modern facilities serve as a powerful foundation that transforms each school day into an inspiring journey of discovery. At international bilingual schools, students learn within a fully integrated educational ecosystem, including technology-enabled classrooms, science laboratories, STEM spaces, open libraries, and international-standard sports facilities.

Hệ thống máy tính hiện đại tại phòng ICT tạo điều kiện tối ưu để học sinh tiếp thu kiến thức và kỹ năng máy tính

Advanced computer systems in ICT rooms provide optimal conditions for students to acquire knowledge and digital skills

Each area is designed to maximize the learning experience, enabling students to experiment, innovate, and develop physically in a safe and inspiring environment.

Hệ thống phòng thí nghiệm tại Trường quốc tế Song ngữ với trang thiết bị hiện đại

Modernly equipped laboratories at international bilingual schools

Thanks to this comprehensive infrastructure, students not only absorb knowledge more effectively but also develop harmoniously in intellect, skills, and physical well-being, true to the holistic education philosophy that international bilingual schools strive to deliver.

International Academic Pathways and Study-Abroad Orientation

Academic programs at international bilingual schools are structured along a clear and coherent pathway from primary to secondary education. With internationally recognized qualifications such as GCSEs and A-Levels as graduation outcomes, students can seamlessly transition to higher levels of education in countries around the world.

To achieve this, early career orientation combined with studying multiple subjects in English helps students develop a global academic mindset, confidently pursue study-abroad goals, and unlock diverse international educational opportunities in the future.

Distinguishing International Bilingual Schools from Other Educational Models

Comparison with International Schools

When compared with the monolingual international school model, international bilingual schools offer a more flexible option for many families. In terms of curriculum, monolingual international schools deliver a fully international programme with 100% instruction in a foreign language. In contrast, international bilingual schools harmoniously integrate the Vietnamese national curriculum with international subjects, preserving core cultural and academic foundations while simultaneously expanding students’ foreign language proficiency and global thinking.

Regarding learning outcomes, monolingual international schools are well suited to students who plan to study abroad at an early stage and follow a fully international pathway from the outset. Conversely, the international bilingual model allows for greater flexibility: students may continue their education in Vietnam, transition to advanced international programmes such as GCSEs and A Levels, or pursue overseas study when they are ready.

Finally, in terms of tuition fees, monolingual international schools typically require a significantly higher financial investment due to the exclusive use of international curricula and teaching staff. International bilingual schools offer a more accessible level of investment while still ensuring a modern academic environment, clear learning outcomes, and strong international integration opportunities.

Comparison with High-Quality Private Schools

Compared to high-quality private schools, which primarily follow the Ministry of Education and Training curriculum and enhance English instruction without integrating international standards, the bilingual model provides more flexible learning outcomes. Students are able to pursue domestic education while also being well prepared for potential overseas study.

In terms of tuition, international bilingual schools generally have higher fees than high-quality private schools due to their international-standard facilities and foreign teaching staff. However, their tuition remains lower than that of monolingual international schools, which fully implement international curricula and primarily serve students with early study-abroad orientations.

Educational Models Comparison Table: International Bilingual Schools, International Schools, and High-Quality Private Schools

Criteria Bilingual International School International School High-Quality Public School
Curriculum Integrated Vietnamese Ministry of Education & Training (MOET) curriculum + international programs (Oxford, Common Core, IPC...) 100% international curriculum Vietnamese MOET curriculum, with enhanced English in some subjects
Language of Instruction Bilingual (English–Vietnamese), with a high proportion of subjects taught in English 100% of subjects taught in a foreign language Mainly taught in Vietnamese, with increased English instruction
Teachers High proportion of foreign teachers + Vietnamese teachers meeting international standards Mainly foreign teachers Mainly Vietnamese teachers
Learning Environment Multicultural, international-standard Fully International Focused on domestic academic standards
Post-graduation Pathways Suitable for studying abroad or attending Vietnamese universities 100% oriented toward overseas study Continue to Vietnamese high school and universities
Tuition Fees / year 100-500 million VND (some schools up to 600 million VND) 350 million VND - over 1 billion VND 70–250 million VND (may be lower or higher depending on the school and program)

UTS International School System - A Reputable International Bilingual Education Environment in Ho Chi Minh City

Introduction to UTS and Its Distinctive Academic Programmes

The UTS International School System is a trusted choice in Ho Chi Minh City for parents seeking an international-standard bilingual education for their children.

UTS offers two academic pathways that allow students to develop according to their individual strengths:

  • The Oxford (UK) Pathway is ideal for students with clear academic goals who prefer a structured and rigorous curriculum framework.
  • The American Common Core Pathway is well suited to dynamic students who value English proficiency development and global-minded thinking.

Upon completing their 12-year educational journey at UTS, students achieve the following outcomes:

U.S. Common Core Standards-based International Program:

  • SAT or AP certification (recommended)
  • National Upper Secondary School Graduation Diploma
  • English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0

Oxford International Curriculum (UK):

  • International GCSEs and A-Levels certificates
  • National Upper Secondary School Graduation Diploma
  • English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.5

Learn more: Curriculum Structure at UTS

Learn more: Explore the Oxford International Pathway at UTS International School

Facilities and Teaching Staff at UTS

UTS features a modern campus system with smart classrooms, specialised functional rooms, Music and Piano rooms for Primary students, science laboratories, STEM and ICT rooms, and dedicated libraries for each educational level. Sports facilities and outdoor experiential learning areas enable students to stay active and explore daily. The campus layout is thoughtfully designed by grade level to ensure a safe, age-appropriate, and supportive learning environment.

Currently, UTS operates three campuses from early childhood to secondary education, located in convenient and highly accessible areas across Ho Chi Minh City.

UTS Van Lang Complex Campus:

  • 68/69 Dang Thuy Tram Street, Binh Loi Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
  • 80/68 Duong Quang Ham Street, An Nhon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

UTS cơ sở Văn Lang với không gian học tập chuẩn quốc tế

UTS cơ sở Văn Lang với không gian học tập chuẩn quốc tế

UTS Van Lang campus with an international-standard learning environment

UTS South Saigon Campus: 68 Street No. 22, Binh Hung, Ho Chi Minh City

UTS cơ sở Nam Sài Gòn với cơ sở vật chất hiện đại

UTS cơ sở Nam Sài Gòn với cơ sở vật chất hiện đại

UTS Nam Saigon campus with modern facilities

UTS Botanique Campus: 360D Ben Van Don Street, Vinh Hoi Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

UTS cơ sở Botanique tràn ngập mảng xanh

UTS cơ sở Botanique tràn ngập mảng xanh

UTS Botanique campus surrounded by lush greenery

Regarding the teaching staff, UTS teachers are highly qualified, experienced, and carefully selected based on their pedagogical competence, understanding of student psychology, and strong dedication to the profession.

Teachers at UTS are not only instructors but also mentors, academic advisors, and sources of inspiration, supporting students in developing character, skills, and clear future pathways.

Giáo viên và các bạn học sinh tại Trường Quốc tế Nam Mỹ UTS

Teachers and students at UTS South American International School

With the ability to listen, respect individual differences, and support students in overcoming challenges, UTS teachers foster a safe, positive, and nurturing learning environment that helps students build confidence and grow stronger every day.

Learn more: Explore international schools in Ho Chi Minh City - Teaching staff overview

Register for a consultation today to help your child begin their learning journey in an international-standard bilingual environment!

International Bilingual Schools offer a harmonious integration of the Vietnamese national curriculum and international programs, enabling students to develop critical thinking, skills, and language proficiency in a natural and balanced way.

With a multicultural learning environment, modern teaching methods, and a clear academic pathway, the international bilingual model is an ideal choice for parents who wish to prepare their children for a global future.

To learn more, receive consultation, or arrange a campus tour, parents are warmly invited to visit HERE or contact us at 028 710 78887.

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