Sharing personal experiences and observations from our recent Vietnam trip
Over the years, Vietnam has gained global attention as an emerging destination—thanks to its economic growth, picturesque landscapes, and welcoming tourism culture.
For Indian travellers, Vietnam is often seen as a cost-effective and friendly country to explore. But when it comes to choosing Vietnam as a destination for higher education, the picture may not be as clear-cut.
During our recent visit to cities like Hanoi and Da Nang, we had the opportunity to speak with local students, parents, and education professionals.
What we learned was both enlightening and thought-provoking—especially for Indian students or parents considering Vietnam as a study destination.
The Language Barrier: A Major Concern
One of the most noticeable challenges we observed was the language barrier. While Vietnam is a fast-developing nation with a growing global outlook, English proficiency among locals—especially outside of tourist zones—is still limited.
Students in universities may struggle with everyday communication, making it difficult to navigate public transport, find part-time jobs, or even access health services without assistance.
Although some Vietnamese Universities have started offering English-medium programs, they are still relatively few in number. In comparison to countries like the UK, Canada, or even Dubai, where English is widely used, Vietnam may not offer the same comfort level for Indian students when it comes to academic and social integration.
Cultural Differences & Classroom Dynamics
Another observation that stood out was the difference in classroom culture. Based on conversations with local students and parents, the Vietnamese education system still leans heavily towards teacher-centred instruction and rote learning.
Creativity, open discussion, and critical thinking—skills highly valued in global workplaces—are not yet a major part of the teaching framework in many institutions.
Moreover, there appears to be a noticeable quality gap in education between urban and rural areas. While some private or international institutions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer progressive learning models, many other colleges still follow a traditional approach.
For Indian students who are used to interactive classrooms or are seeking cutting-edge, application-based learning, this might be a mismatch.
What Works in Vietnam’s Favor
That said, Vietnam does have a few strong positives that can appeal to budget-conscious Indian families:
- Low cost of living: Compared to Western countries, daily expenses like food, transport, and accommodation are significantly more affordable.
- Closer proximity: With shorter flight durations and time zones closer to India, it becomes easier for students to travel home during holidays.
- Simple visa process: For Indian students, Vietnam offers a relatively straightforward visa system with quicker processing times.
- Pleasant climate: For those who struggle with extreme winters or harsh summers, the temperate weather in many parts of Vietnam can be more comfortable.
Final Thoughts: Tourist Haven, Not Yet an Education Hub
There is no doubt that Vietnam is a beautiful, peaceful, and fast-growing nation. As a tourist destination, it offers unmatched hospitality, rich cultural experiences, and natural beauty.
However, from an educational standpoint, we believe it still has a long way to go in becoming a suitable choice for Indian students.
The language gap, traditional education structure, and limited exposure to global learning models may make it challenging for Indian students to thrive academically and socially.
Image Source: Vietnam National University – VietnamOnline.com
As more Universities in Vietnam modernize and adopt global education standards, the scenario may change in the future. But for now, we advise students and parents to do thorough research, speak to current International students, and assess whether Vietnam’s academic environment truly aligns with their expectations and career goals.
We too look forward to collaborating with the top Vietnamese Universities in the near future once we are confident that our students will excel through their education system.
Have you or someone you know considered Vietnam for studies?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
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