Welcoming Ms. Ariana Akhavan – Principal of UTS Saigon South Campus

As UTS enters the 2026–2027 academic year, US Vietnam Talent International School officially welcomes Ms. Ariana Akhavan as Principal of UTS Saigon South Campus. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, including 10 years in senior leadership roles across national and international schools, she will work alongside the UTS community to create an environment where every student is empowered to fulfil their potential and become future-ready.

Nearly 20 years in international education

Born and raised in London in a multicultural family, Ms. Ariana was exposed from an early age to diverse traditions, languages, and perspectives. These experiences shaped her appreciation for differences and her belief in the value of diverse and inclusive communities. It was also in London that her passion for education began, taking her from the classroom as a teacher to becoming an educational leader with experience across both national and international settings.

Ms. Ariana holds a BA (Hons) in History from Royal Holloway, University of London; a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in History from the University of Roehampton; a Master’s degree in Education from St Mary’s University, London; and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) from Best Practice Network.

Over nearly 20 years in education, including 10 years in senior leadership roles at national and international schools in the United Kingdom and Malaysia, Ms. Ariana has led and contributed to initiatives in curriculum innovation, school improvement, inclusive and multilingual education, professional development, staff health and wellbeing, safeguarding, and the enhancement of teaching and learning.

“I believe that, first and foremost, an educator must also be a lifelong learner.”

Ms. Ariana Akhavan brings nearly 20 years of experience in education, including 10 years in senior leadership roles across national and international schools

Every student has their own unique talents

Throughout her journey in education, Ms. Ariana has remained committed to creating environments where students feel seen, respected, and empowered to fulfil their potential.

For her, the quality of an educational environment is not measured by academic achievement alone. Students should be challenged to progress academically while also receiving the care and support they need throughout their journey of growth.

Ms. Ariana shares her vision of creating a learning environment where every student is respected, trusted, and empowered to fulfil their potential.

This philosophy closely aligns with UTS’s educational approach, where every student is recognised as a unique individual with their own strengths, potential, and pathway for growth.

“I believe that every student is a unique talent. The role of education is to nurture that potential with care, build confidence, and inspire students to make a positive difference in the world.”

Together with the team at UTS Saigon South Campus, Ms. Ariana hopes to create a learning environment where students not only make strong academic progress but also develop the confidence, adaptability, and sense of ownership needed to navigate their own journeys.

It takes a community to help a child thrive 

Alongside the quality of teaching and learning, one of Ms. Ariana’s key priorities as Principal of UTS Saigon South Campus is strengthening the partnership between School and Families.

She believes that education is at its most meaningful when School and Families move in the same direction, with students’ growth and development at the heart of every decision. Open dialogue, mutual trust, and regular connection with Parents will therefore play an important role in how she builds the community at UTS Saigon South Campus.

“I place great value on honest conversations, trust, and strong relationships between School and Families. I look forward to listening to your expectations, sharing perspectives, and working alongside you as we support our students through every stage of their growth.”

Together with the UTS team, Ms. Ariana will continue to nurture an open, connected, and future-focused learning environment where every student’s individual identity is valued, their potential is encouraged, and they are progressively prepared to make a positive impact on their communities and the wider world.

Ms. Ariana is committed to building a connected learning community that supports the holistic development of every student

About US Vietnam Talent International School

US Vietnam Talent International School (UTS) officially achieved international accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS) in the 2025–2026 academic year, affirming the School’s commitment to internationally recognised standards of educational quality.

UTS provides a continuous learning journey from Preschool to Grade 12, with two pathways: the Bilingual Pathway, aligned with the U.S. Common Core Standards, and the International Pathway, based on the Oxford International Curriculum (OIC). In particular, the International Pathway provides a British-oriented academic journey, beginning with the Oxford curriculum from Grades 1 – 8 and progressing to GCSEs and A-Levels from Grades 9 – 12. UTS is also an official OxfordAQA Examination Centre, providing students with access to internationally recognised qualifications and preparing them for further study in international university environments.

Beyond academics, UTS embraces its “Beyond Learning” educational philosophy, supporting holistic development through real-world experiences, projects, arts, sports, skills development, and community engagement. Through these experiences, students not only build knowledge but also develop critical thinking, global competencies, personal confidence, and the capabilities needed to become future-ready.

To learn more and receive personalised advice about UTS’s international programmes, Parents are invited to visit HERE or contact us at 028 710 78887.