Life at ISHCMC: parent perspectives

When it comes to making the crucial decision of choosing the right school for their children, parents understand the immense significance it holds. Recently, we had the privilege of engaging in conversations with four parents whose children are currently studying at The International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC).

Through their individual stories and perspectives, it became apparent that ISHCMC offers an unparalleled educational experience that empowers and inspires their children to learn and thrive within a supportive community.

From the moment these families became part of the ISHCMC community, they witnessed first-hand the exceptional environment that cultivates growth, enabling their children to reach their full potential.

Loc Pham: a parent of three children in Early Explorers, Grade 2, and Grade 4.

Loc Pham shared with us that she chose ISHCMC entirely English curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

“When I found out that ISHCMC was one of the top schools in Ho Chi Minh City that provided the IB programme, I decided to choose ISHCMC,” she said.

Loc also appreciated the school's emphasis on practical application and critical thinking skills, explaining, “My kids are taught to apply multiplication to a real scene, in lieu of simply learning the multiplication table by heart.”

As a mother who always encourages her children to take part in extracurricular activities, Loc really enjoyed the After School Activities at ISHCMC. “I have been super busy taking my daughter to ASAs classes - she enjoys them,” Loc said.

Additionally, Loc revealed her love for the student support. “My kids' teachers are always conscientious and supportive, sharing different methods of learning and providing in-depth feedback.”

Loc’s other son was a bit of an introvert when he first joined, although after a teacher encouraged him to join the school's hip hop dance group, he started to gain confidence. “I’m truly happy to see that my son has a place to unleash his talent and nurture it,” Loc said.

Romina Campana: a parent of a child in Studio 5

Having been at ISHCMC for five years, Romina is an enthusiastic member of the school community, and she shared stories about her son's journey.

Despite initially struggling to communicate and integrate with his class due to a lack of English fluency, Romina’s son now confidently communicates in English thanks to the exceptional English support provided by the school.

Romina emphasised that the school also prioritises his wellbeing, not just his academic performance.

“The school always gives him emotional support to help him navigate different situations,” she said. “The support that the school provides is not limited to the classroom, which is something I truly appreciate about ISHCMC,” Romina shared.

In addition to her son’s experiences, Romina highlighted the sense of community that ISHCMC fosters, not only for her son but also for herself.

Romina currently teaches a cooking class as part of the school's parent education community programme and has formed many friendships with other parents through school and PTO activities. “For us, as expats, the school has become an integral part of our social life,” she said.

For Romina, ISHCMC is more than just a school; it is a significant part of her social life. She described the school as having an open door, where she can talk to the school principal, or anyone else.

“If you feel like you need the school to be there for you as a parent, ISHCMC is there for you,” she said.

Nao: a parent of two children in Kindergarten and Grade 6

Nao and her children recently joined ISHCMC, making a significant move from Japan. In their short time at the school, they have already experienced an overwhelmingly positive journey, thanks to the kind and helpful teachers as well as the supportive ISHCMC community.

Her oldest daughter is enrolled in the Intensive English Language Programme (IELP), which has been immensely beneficial for her language skills.

Nao said, “It’s been very beneficial for her in terms of building up skills, like speaking, writing and reading skills.”

Beyond language proficiency, she is impressed by the concept of self-discovery offered in the secondary programme. Her daughter has embraced the freedom of choice, exploring who she is, what she likes, and she is eager to learn more.

What truly stands out for her is the unwavering support her family has received from the ISHCMC community. Whether it's Mio involvement in sports teams, which has helped her feel more comfortable with English, or the kind and helpful teachers, Nao feels confident that she and her children are in good hands.

As a new parent, she values the school's willingness to answer all her questions and guide her through unfamiliar territory. “They are not just checking, but they conscientiously answer every one of my questions,” Nao said.

For parents seeking an outstanding educational experience for their children, ISHCMC is certainly worth considering. Our commitment to academic excellence, character development, and community engagement creates a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters growth and success.

At ISHCMC we truly understand the needs and aspirations of both students and parents, making it an excellent choice for families in Ho Chi Minh City.

For more information, please reach out to the admissions office: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn or visit ishcmc.com

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