With Covid-19 restrictions still in place in Ho Chi Minh City, parents have been frustrated to hear that many of the city’s international schools will increase tuition fees for the school year 2021-2022.
The announcements suggest that many of HCMC’s private schools will increase their tuition fees by 5-20%, a move which has raised questions from some parents across the city, as distance learning and potential school closures look likely to impact students for some time to come.
Objections to the increases seem to have been raised for a number of reasons, not least because parents feel that schools are failing to understand the difficulties that are being faced by many families at this time. With thousands of businesses in the city halting operations and many more working at a reduced capacity, it is unsurprising that parents are unhappy at being expected to find what may amount to an additional USD $2,000 in some instances.
Other parents raised concerns about the reduced educational experience that students are receiving when studying online when compared to actually attending the school. One parent, whose child attends Vietnam Australia International School, said that he understands that it is a difficult time for the schools, but more must be done to make sure that standards are upheld if they wish parents to keep paying fees.
“Parents send their children to international schools or private schools because their children get more experience, skills, and care than in public schools,” he said. “ When the epidemic occurs, I do not ask for a reduction in tuition fees, … but the quality of education cannot be reduced… The epidemic has lasted for two years, schools must have experience to organize effective teaching.”
Even in the cases where online teaching standards were not brought into question, the fact that students are not currently attending classes was another reason that parents questioned the fee increases. Parents explaining as students are not actually on campus right now, investment in improving facilities would not be expected during this difficult time. However, as a result the increases in annual fees, which many parents have previously accepted as inevitable, are not needed at this time.
A Reasoned Response
Saigon’s schools have responded to parents’ concerns by offering a number of explanations for the increases, adding that adjustments to fees are a regular event as schools continue to aim for better experiences for students.
Mr. Cao Quang Tu, Admissions Director of Asia International School, said “ Every year, the school invests a lot to maintain international school standards which are in accordance with the accreditations criteria of world-renowned educational institutions. This may include the development of activities and facilities that serve students or improving the quality of teaching. Instead of adjusting the fee once when these costs are incurred, the school has tried to break it down and make gradual adjustments' year by year to create more favorable conditions for parents.”
Mr Tu also said that in 2020, when the COVID-19 epidemic hit and students had to study online, the school invested a lot into the technology, infrastructure and staff training that was needed to develop an online programme that supported students’ ongoing study.
Other schools echoed Mr Tu’s comments and in response to the parents who questioned the quality of their child’ education whilst studying online, Dr. Ha Thi Kim Sa, Principal of Hong Ha Middle School - High School, acknowledged that teaching online is much more difficult for students and teachers alike.
“When teachers can communicate directly, they will see, feel and evaluate how well students understand, check if they did their homework on time and quickly correct lessons. But when switching to online teaching, teachers must speak and act differently. It is more difficult to control quality.”
“Science and math teachers in particular said they faced many difficulties. Normally, they can engage students by giving vivid demonstrations, but when they have to switch to indirect teaching, they must constantly draw pictures, use devices, and think of many ways to explain the topic so it is easy for the students to understand.
However, Dr. Ha Thi Kim Sa was quick to explain that it is not only in the classroom where the teachers are having to adjust their teaching style. Without face to face contact the teaching day has become longer and more involved.
“After the lesson, teachers have to go use Zalo or other tools to answer and explain the questions of each student. The homeroom teacher has to remind students to come to class and check their work. Even the head of the department and the management board may log into the online classes to attend. Everyone is trying to achieve the best environment for the students in these unusual conditions.
This additional workload for all teaching staff is offered as another reason for the increase in fees as many schools are being required to make extra salary payments to cover additional working time, often in evenings. In some cases schools are also building their own online teaching software to help them be more prepared for future restrictions.
Although many of Saigon’s schools have been quick to acknowledge the questions raised, it seems unlikely that fees will be adjusted again in response to parental concerns. There is no doubt that many schools have been forced to make unplanned investments in response to the pandemic, and despite the lack of contact time, teachers are working longer hours to ensure that students are educated successfully at home. However, parental pressure to make sure that teaching standards are upheld and that student needs continue to be a priority at Ho Chi Minh City’s international schools is unlikely to wane whilst restrictions continue to affect the city.
Summary of Announced Tuition Fee Increases in HCMC
The American International School (TAS) announced that tuition fees in Grades 11 and 12 will increase from 632 million VND to 656 million VND.
The Asian International School announced that the tuition fee for the 2021-2022 school year from Grade One will increase by 15%, Grade Six - Grade 7 will increase by 14%, Grade 8 will increase by 13%, Grade 9 will increase by 12%, and Grade 10 - 12 will increase by 11 %.
Australian International School (AIS) announced Grade 12 fees are now VND 699 million/year, an increase of VND 53 million.
The International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) announced fees in Grades 11 and 12 during 2021-2022 will be VND 821 million/year, an increase of VND 45 million higher from last year.
Renaissance Saigon International School has increased fees for fifth graders, from VND 503 million to VND 528 million for the school year 2021-2022. Grade One fees have also increased from VND 444 million to VND 466 million.
Saigon South International School (SSIS) will increase primary school tuition fees to around 570 million VND/year, an increase of about 25 million VND.
Vietnam Australia International School (VAS) announced the Grade 12 tuition fees for the school year 2021-2022 will be nearly VND 497 million/year, an increase of 52 million VND compared to the previous year.
Content in this article has been adapted from a Vietnamese article "Hai năm chìm trong COVID-19, giáo dục phổ thông tư thục tơi tả Bài cuối: Muốn đồng hành phải sòng phẳng" that was published on Phu Nhu Online.com on 11th June 2021