During the recent “Excellence in Education, Nurturing Identity” forum in Ho Chi Minh City, experts highlighted the potential negative effects of the nation’s growing adoption of international education models.

Educator Thanh Bui stressed that to ensure future generations appreciate their cultural identity, international schools need to incorporate lessons on Vietnamese traditions.
At Vietnam Tinh Hoa Primary School, for instance, students must become proficient in both English and Vietnamese. They also delve into Vietnamese culture and history, learning the significance of traditions like making sticky rice cakes for Tet and the role of lanterns in the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Bui expressed concern that an emphasis on English and globalization might result in Vietnamese youth who are fluent in English but lack basic knowledge of their native language. He insisted that Vietnamese should not be seen as a foreign language to its own people.
He believes the goal of effective education is to blend global academic standards with an appreciation for local identity. Such a foundation enables Vietnamese youth to compete globally while remaining connected to their roots: “We cannot successfully integrate without understanding our true selves,” he added.
In discussing how he raises his children with a balanced cultural identity, Bui shared that they often switch between Vietnamese and English. They converse in Vietnamese with their paternal grandmother and in Chinese with their maternal grandmother, fostering adaptability and self-expression.
Bui noted, “Vietnamese deeply resonates on an emotional level. While English helps discuss social matters, during times of emotional conflict, we rely on Vietnamese to express love and empathy.”
Having lived in Australia for 28 years, he admits he initially felt lost until he returned to Vietnam and connected with his roots. He stated, “My mother tongue is my foundation; Vietnam is where I belong.”

Bui recounted a transformative incident on a flight from Hanoi, witnessing a mother and daughter who could not communicate—one spoke only Vietnamese and the other only English. This disconnect resulted in tears, highlighting how language barriers can create emotional divides within families.
“That moment impacted me profoundly. It showed me that language is crucial for maintaining emotional bonds among family members,” he reflected.
Following this, he pondered what families might be sacrificing if their children excel in English but lose connection with their native language.
Ton Nu Thi Ninh, a respected diplomat and former Vice Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations, acknowledged that while international schools signify global integration in Vietnam, they also face the challenge of maintaining Vietnamese values.
She noted that the problem partially arises from foreign educators, who often enter classrooms with a mindset focused on global ideas rather than an understanding of local culture.
Ninh shared her experience at Marie Curie School, where she was asked to adopt a French name, despite “Ninh” being simple to pronounce. Ironically, none of her French peers demanded she change her name when she studied in France.
She remarked, “Disregard for local culture often starts with minor actions. Many foreign teachers currently in Vietnam uphold a similar mindset; they earn high salaries but neglect to learn proper pronunciation of Vietnamese names or cultural context.”
Ninh argued that schools shouldn’t simply appease foreign teachers; they should serve as cultural bridges. Hiring should focus not just on skills but also on an openness to learn about Vietnamese culture: “A teacher’s eagerness to learn is essential.”
“Founders of international schools must prioritize local culture in their hiring practices. If teachers bring ideas from places like Silicon Valley or Hollywood, they must also make an effort to understand Vietnamese culture. Setting these requirements is key to preserving our cultural integrity,” she concluded.