Rural Vietnamese parents pour money into children's English education

In rural Vietnam, parents are increasingly prioritizing their children's English education despite the financial burden, reflecting a nationwide shift in attitudes toward language learning. Kim Thai, a father from Vinh Phuc Province, travels over 10 kilometers to bring his children to English classes in the provincial capital, having spent more than VND240 million ($9,663) so far. He, like many other parents, is determined to ensure his children have access to quality English education, seeing it as essential for their future success.

Similarly, Thanh Thanh from Nghe An Province has enrolled her 4-year-old in an English center with foreign teachers, despite the high costs. She believes foreign instructors will help her child develop proper pronunciation. Thanh and her husband are willing to take on extra work to support this investment, emphasizing the growing belief that early exposure to English will offer significant advantages.

The demand for English education in rural areas has sparked a rise in the number of English centers. A FiinGroup Vietnam survey highlights a nationwide increase in educational spending, with families in major cities allocating 47% of their budgets to education. Extra English classes are now a common focus, with 54% of children attending supplementary sessions, according to Q&Me.

Pham Thi Minh Phuong, admissions director of Ocean Edu English International School in Vinh Phuc, noted that English learning is no longer limited to wealthier families; even those with modest incomes are prioritizing it. The trend has opened up opportunities for teachers like Hoang Chau, who has seen her income multiply by offering extra English classes in Lang Son Province.

For many parents, the drive to invest in English education stems from personal experiences. Thanh shared how her own lack of English proficiency once cost her a well-paying job. Both she and Thai emphasize that in today’s world, knowing multiple languages is crucial for children to succeed, not just in Vietnam but globally.

This shift in mindset is further supported by educators like Phuong, who points out that English is increasingly seen as a practical life skill rather than just an academic requirement. "Parents understand that English is a tool for life, careers, and future opportunities, which is why they are investing early," she said.