Vietnam

Placement Information

• Partner Organization: U.S. Embassy - Hanoi
• Eligible Program Dates: 3-4 months between January – April 2026 or September – December 2026
• Host Institution Expectations: Participants are placed at Vietnamese educational institutions by the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. Depending on the nature of the participant’s research, placements can range from dense urban areas to small rural settings and universities or K-12 institutions.
• Language Requirement: None
• Monthly Allowance: Between $4,200 - $4,500 (exact amount to be confirmed at a later date)
• Dependent Information: An allowance of $2,000 per eligible dependent will be provided as part of the Fulbright award. The host institutions do not provide financial assistance for dependents. However, host institutions take on the responsibility of sponsoring visas for all dependents (spouse and children under 18 years old). Additionally, institutions offer guidance by suggesting housing options for families and recommending suitable school choices for children. Most of the public schools do not provide bilingual classes; thus, it is difficult for non-Vietnamese speakers to study. However, in major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Hai Phong, and others, there are many international schools, with annual fees ranging from $20,000 to $35,000. Private primary and secondary schools, on the other hand, may have fees averaging up to $15,000. Notably, bilingual private schools in Vietnam generally impose lower fees compared to their international counterparts. Please note that tuition support for dependents is subject to availability and requests for funding are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to research schooling options for their dependents during the application phase.

Country Overview

• Overview of Vietnam (introduction, geography, people and society, government, economy, and more)
• Vietnam history and historical sites
• U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic milestones
• Vietnamese culture 

Educational System Overview

Vietnam’s national education system has five general levels:

• Early childhood education, which includes nursery schools (from 3 months to 3 years of age) and kindergarten (ages 3-5).
• General education, which includes primary education (grades 1-5), lower secondary education (grades 6-9), and upper secondary education (grades 10-12).
• Vocational or technical education, which can work as an alternative option to upper secondary education.
• University education, which includes undergraduate, master, and doctoral degrees.
• Continuing education.

Education management is decentralized from kindergarten to lower secondary education, with districts assuming responsibility. Upper secondary education is administrated at the provincial level, while higher education falls under the centralized authority of the Ministry of Education and Training. However, some higher education institutions are overseen by other ministries, government agencies, or provincial people’s committees.

Ongoing reforms aim to update textbooks, curriculums, and teaching methods, though educational institutions may not always meet international standards, particularly in higher education. Vietnam has recently indicated a strong desire to improve the quality of English teachers and enhance students’ foreign language skills. To address this, the government promotes open international relations, encouraging collaborations between Vietnamese and foreign institutions to enhance teaching and learning quality in Vietnam.

Vietnam's education system is committed to continuous development, adapting to the evolving needs of its students and the country's economic growth. By embracing international collaboration and prioritizing quality education, the system aims to prepare a skilled and knowledgeable workforce for the future. 

Possible Topics of Interest for U.S. Educators

• Teaching and learning methods at gifted high schools
• STEM Education and curriculum development in natural science subjects, especially in the three main high school subjects taught in Vietnam (Biology, Physics, and Chemistry) as well as Mathematics
• Technology/Computer Science
• Student-centered learning
• Curriculum and materials to promote creative learning, critical thinking, and teacher development
• Integrating instructional technology in classrooms
• Increasing technological literacy in rural areas