Quick summary: When relocating, choose a school based on three factors before considering rankings: whether your child's year of entry falls mid-way through a two-year exam program, how well the school supports English-language learners, and which university pathway that program leads to. Submit applications 6–12 months early, as quality schools typically have waiting lists.
The most common mistake we see with families relocating is not choosing a poor school, but choosing an excellent school in the wrong year. A 16-year-old entering mid-way through a two-year IB Diploma program may need to repeat a year, despite strong grades.
School name and ranking are easiest to compare online, so parents usually start there. But for a child changing countries, what determines whether the first year runs smoothly or becomes difficult lies elsewhere: the program calendar, language support, and alignment with the university pathway.
Choose the country first or the school first?
For most investor families, the country is chosen first for residency reasons, then schools are selected. That's fine, as long as you know what educational rights your child's residency status grants.
In many countries, children with valid residency permits can attend public school like local students. For example, children of E-2 visa holders can attend US public secondary schools without a separate student visa. We analyze this pathway in our article E-2 Visa to the USA for Vietnamese Nationals.
Conversely, some places offer very limited international school options. Small Caribbean islands have only a few schools following international curricula, so many families with Caribbean passports still send children to school elsewhere. If you haven't finalized a country, our program recommendation tool lets you factor your child's educational goals into the criteria.
IB, English, US, and other curricula—how they differ
| Curriculum | Final Years Structure | University Pathway | Key Consideration When Transferring |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB | Diploma two-year final program (equivalent to grades 11–12), 6 subjects + extended essay + TOK | Broad, recognized across many countries | Entering mid-program is very difficult |
| English (IGCSE, A-level) | IGCSE in Years 10–11, A-level in Years 12–13 (equivalent to grades 9–12) | Strong for UK and Commonwealth universities | Year groups determined by birth date; students may be placed differently |
| US (AP) | Cumulative credits, AP courses as electives | Strong for US and Canada | Mid-year transfer is easier, but credit conversion needed |
| National curriculum | Varies by country | Strong for universities in that country | Language of instruction is a major barrier |
If your child aims for a UK university, the English program or IB is a direct path. If targeting US universities, a US-curriculum school or IB works well. Choosing a program that misaligns isn't wrong, but your child will need to do additional credit conversion work.
University tuition for international students versus residents differs significantly in some countries, as we discuss in our article university tuition: international students versus residents. Choosing a secondary school should therefore look ahead to that stage.
When to transfer: which years are easiest, which to avoid
Easiest: preschool and primary school. Young children pick up language quickly, and curricula have few exam restrictions.
Acceptable: beginning of secondary school, and the year before entering two-year exam programs.
Avoid: mid-IGCSE (equivalent to grades 9–10), mid-IB Diploma, or mid-A-level (equivalent to grades 11–12). Schools may refuse admission, or accept but require repeating the program from the start.
Two details often overlooked:
- Year grouping by birth date differs. The English system divides the academic year at September 1st. A child born in October might be placed a year ahead or behind compared to Vietnam's system. Ask schools about their placement method before comparing grades.
- Southern Hemisphere academic years begin in early January. Transferring to Australia or New Zealand in August means entering mid-academic year.
If your family's relocation timing coincides with an "avoid" year, there are two options: your child goes ahead or stays behind by one term, or you select a school offering a one-year bridging program before IB Diploma.
Accreditation and quality: reading the right credentials
The word "international" on a school sign is not a credential. What to verify:
- Accreditation bodies: CIS, NEASC, ACS WASC, COBIS, or check for "British Schools Overseas" status. Each maintains a directory of recognized schools.
- Curriculum authorization: IB schools must be licensed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. IGCSE and A-level schools must be registered exam centers with the relevant exam board.
- Local inspection reports: Dubai has KHDA, the UK has Ofsted and ISI. Reports are public and fully available.
A question used by education professionals: "What percentage of Year 12 students take the full IB Diploma exam, and what is the average score?" Some schools report high averages but only for a small group of top students taking the full diploma; others take it as a certificate-only course.
Enrollment documents: what schools ask for
Most international schools request the same documentation, so preparing from Vietnam saves time:
- Academic transcripts from the past two to three years, translated into English, with school verification.
- Teacher recommendation letters, preferably in English.
- Vaccination records, translated into English. Some countries require additional vaccinations before enrollment.
- Passport and proof of residence for the child. Some schools only confirm the place once residency visa is obtained.
- Documentation of special learning needs, if applicable. Withholding this usually creates larger problems than disclosing it upfront.
Many schools administer entrance assessments, commonly cognitive ability tests and English proficiency tests, sometimes with a brief interview. These tests are for placement and determining the level of English language support needed, not for rejection. See our article learning English before moving: how much is enough for guidance on pre-departure language preparation.
Checklist of questions when visiting schools
- Does the school offer English Language Learner (EAL) support, during regular hours or as supplementary classes, and is there an additional fee?
- What percentage of students do not speak English at home?
- What class will my child be placed in, and what criteria determine placement?
- How long is the waiting list for my child's year group, and is the placement fee refundable?
- Additional costs beyond tuition: registration, one-time enrollment fees, transportation, uniforms, meals, field trips.
- Annual teacher turnover rate, and does the homeroom teacher stay through the full academic year?
- Exam results and university acceptances of recent graduates over the past three years.
- How does the school handle new students experiencing isolation or bullying?
The last question may seem sensitive, but good schools always have a specific answer. How children adapt in their first year is something we cover separately in children's first year at a new school.
Drawbacks and risks to know upfront
Tuition increases annually. Nearly all international schools raise tuition yearly. Budget for your child's entire education, not just the first year. In Dubai, tuition is typically the largest expense after housing, as we detail in cost of living in Dubai by income level.
The international bubble. A child at international school may become fluent in English but unable to speak the local language, with few local friends. If your family plans to stay long-term, this is a real price of the choice.
Your child's Vietnamese literacy fades. After two or three years, many families notice their child's Vietnamese reading and writing weakens. This requires planning from the start; it won't be preserved naturally.
Placement fees may be forfeited. If visa timelines slip, placement fees and first-term tuition may not be refundable. Ask about refund policies before paying, especially if residency documentation is still pending.
Public school: overlooked option or second choice?
Many Vietnamese families assume international school by default, while public school in the host country may be excellent and free for residents. In English-speaking countries, public school helps children integrate faster.
The key factor is school district boundaries: public schools typically admit students by home address. So if you're considering public school, identify the school first, then rent a house within its district. The experience of relocating the entire family, including school transitions, is covered in our article moving the whole family abroad: what actually happens in year one.
Next steps
Create a three-column table for each child: current school year, expected year on arrival, and desired university pathway. From this, filter schools that fit the program timeline, then email to request campus visits with the questions above. Do this at least six months before submitting residency applications.
