English 
Tiếng ViệtIn recent years, schools in Vietnam have been applying the integrated teaching program, with the goal of helping students to integrate internationally. The program has been implemented for many years with an increasing number of interested parents. So what is integrated English program?
1. Overview of integrated program in Vietnam
1.1. What is integrated program?
In essence, the integrated program is a combination of Vietnamese educational program and the international program through two languages – English and Vietnamese. The subjects are Math, Science and English taught in both Vietnamese and English. The integrated program has been applied by Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training since 2014 and has improved year by year. Particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, Department of Education and Training has coordinated with EMG to implement this program.
See also: What is specialized English?
1.2. The integrated program curriculum
Integration is the combination of necessary content into the inherent syllabus of the subject. Therefore, the curriculum of the international program outside Vietnamese curriculum will be added to the subject. If there is duplicate knowledge, students will be approached according to the foreign program to agree on the content and distribution of the program.
The integrated program includes:
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- Intra-subject integration: The curriculum includes content and topics that are practiced in accordance with reality.
- Multidisciplinary integration: Students discuss a variety of topics in a variety of subjects.
- Interdisciplinary integration: Students practice, research, and deal with problems arising from many subjects.
- Cross-disciplinary integration: Practical skills from common subjects can be applied anywhere.
1.3. How do teachers teach the integrated program?
Subjects will be taught by native teachers, along with a Vietnamese teacher to support students. Native teachers must ensure professional qualifications and teaching experience. English program will be handled by foreign teachers and coordinated with Vietnamese teachers to avoid duplicate content.
1.4. Conditions for learning the integrated program
Each level offers different conditions for student approval. Grade 1 does not have specific conditions, but it is up to parents whether they want their children to attend. To reach the lower secondary level, students need to complete the integrated primary school program, and if they only complete the program of Ministry of Education and Training, they must meet the prescribed English proficiency or need to take the school’s survey. Particularly at the high school level, if students want to continue studying this program, students will have to take the entrance exam to grade 10 in integrated subjects.
1.5. The integrated program tuition fee
In Ho Chi Minh City, before the school year 2021-2022, the tuition fee for the integrated program is 10,800,000 VND per 3 months (primary and junior high school). From the school year 2021 – 2022 with the impact of Covid-19 epidemic and online learning, the tuition fee has been adjusted to 8,100,000 VND per 3 months. As for high school, the tuition fee is 8,500,000 VND per month.
1.6. The advantages and the disadvantages of the integrated program
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- Improve English ability: Previously, if English was only a foreign language subject, in the integrated program, students would write, do math and study science subjects in English. This is a very good platform for students to quickly improve their English.
- Developing soft skills: These are skills that Vietnamese students in general are lacking in, including self-study, critical thinking, group work, presentation…
- Opportunity to gain international certificates: Improved English ability also opens up opportunities for students to achieve international certificates such as Cambridge, IELTS, SAT, ACT… Studying in English will complement other students’ qualifications in international competitions.
- Heavy learning program: When studying, students take 8 extra lessons per week (primary and junior high school) and 15 lessons per week (high school) with native teachers. Therefore, the program is heavier and knowledge requires English.
- Not effective if English ability is limited: Students with weak English are almost unable to absorb lessons in English, even with Vietnamese teachers’ support.
2. Should you study the integrated program?
The integrated program is an advanced program with a balance between theory and practice. If the Vietnamese program is strong in theory, the international program is famous for its practicality. Therefore, if the above two factors can be combined, students can develop comprehensively.
With the ability to link knowledge from subjects, students also develop the ability to synthesize and analyze problems in a multi-dimensional way to come up with the most effective solution. In addition, the opportunity to study abroad from taking international certificate exams is also a reason that you should study this program. However, students who have difficulty in foreign languages should consider carefully because English content will easily make you bored and exhausted.
See also: Common specialized English vocabulary
3. List of integrated English schools
Due to the requirements of both native and Vietnamese teachers and the ability to integrate international programs, not all schools offer integrated program into their teaching. The following is a list of integrated English schools in Ho Chi Minh City:
3.1. Primary schools with integrated program
| School | District |
| Dinh Tien Hoang | 1 |
| Nguyen Binh Khiem | 1 |
| Le Ngoc Han | 1 |
| Tran Hung Dao | 1 |
| Luong The Vinh | 1 |
| Hoa Binh | 1 |
| Nguyen Thai Hoc | 1 |
| Nguyen Thai Binh | 1 |
| Phan Dinh Phung | 3 |
| Nguyen Thai Son | 3 |
| Luong Dinh Cua | 3 |
| Tran Quoc Thao | 3 |
| Nguyen Van Troi | 4 |
| Minh Dao | 5 |
| Chinh Nghia | 5 |
| Bau Sen | 5 |
| Nguyen Duc Canh | 5 |
| Le Dinh Chinh | 5 |
| Tran Binh Trong | 5 |
| Vo Thi Sau | 7 |
| Luong The Vinh | 7 |
| Nguyen Thi Dinh | 7 |
| Vo Truong Toan | 10 |
| Lac Long Quan | 11 |
| Phung Hung | 11 |
| Trung Trac | 11 |
| Le Dinh Chinh | 11 |
| Giong Ong To | Thu Duc |
| Nguyen Hien | Thu Duc |
| Luong The Vinh | Thu Duc |
| Hoang Dieu | Thu Duc |
| Nguyen Dinh Chieu | Binh Thanh |
| Chu Van An | Binh Thanh |
| Hong Ha | Binh Thanh |
| Bach Dang | Binh Thanh |
| Tan Son Nhi | Tan Phu |
| Ho Van Hue | Phu Nhuan |
| Le Van Si | Tan Binh |
| Dong Da | Tan Binh |
| Thoi Tam | Hoc Mon |
| Nguyen Thi Nuoi | Hoc Mon |
| Nguyen An Ninh | Hoc Mon |
| Truong Van Ngai | Hoc Mon |
| Bui Van Ngu | Hoc Mon |
| Tay Bac Lan | Hoc Mon |
| Tan Xuan | Hoc Mon |
| Tran Van Muoi | Hoc Mon |
3.2. Junior high schools with integrated program
| School | District |
| Tran Dai Nghia | 1 |
| Tran Van On | 1 |
| Huynh Khuong Ninh | 1 |
| Nguyen Du | 1 |
| Vo Truong Toan | 1 |
| Luong The Vinh | 1 |
| An Phu | 2 |
| Ban Co | 3 |
| Le Quy Don | 3 |
| Collete | 3 |
| Van Don | 4 |
| Hong Bang | 5 |
| Kim Dong | 5 |
| Nguyen Huu Tho | 7 |
| Le Quy Don | 11 |
| Hau Giang | 11 |
| Nguyen Van Phu | 11 |
| Binh Tho | Thu Duc |
| Le Quy Don | Thu Duc |
| Le Van Tam | Binh Thanh |
| Ha Huy Tap | Binh Thanh |
| Dong Da | Binh Thanh |
| Tran Quang Khai | Tan Phu |
| Ngo Tat To | Phu Nhuan |
| Nguyen Gia Thieu | Tan Binh |
| Hoang Hoa Tham | Tan Binh |
3.3. High schools with integrated program
| School | District |
| Tran Dai Nghia Special High School for the Gifted | 1 |
| Luong The Vinh | 1 |
| Bui Thi Xuan | 1 |
| Nguyen Thi Minh Khai | 3 |
| Le Hong Phong Special High School for the Gifted | 5 |
| Gia Dinh | Binh Thanh |
| Vo Thi Sau | Binh Thanh |
| Tran Hung Dao | Go Vap |
| Phu Nhuan | Phu Nhuan |
| Nguyen Thuong Hien | Tan Binh |
| Nguyen Huu Huan | Thu Duc |
| Nguyen Huu Cau | Hoc Mon |
| Thu Duc High School | Thu Duc |
4. Some integrated English textbooks and exam questions for reference
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- Conquering English Mathematics (World Publishing House): The set of books is presented in a bilingual format based on the standard British National Curriculum Math program, divided into 5 books from grades 1 to 5 of the primary program, the content is designed Vivid design to stimulate students’ curiosity and interest.
- Science Partner – Exploring the World of Science (Angeline Tan – Vu Thi Huong): This set of books includes 2 books, in which book 1 is suitable for children from 8 to 10 years old, book 2 is for students at the beginning of junior high school from 10 to 12 years old with content compiled based on Singapore program, helping students get acquainted with science in a lively and interesting way.
After understanding “what is integrated program?”, students need to prepare a solid English foundation so as not to be “out of breath” in the learning process. If following this program, students will receive a lot of benefits with the opportunity to study abroad.
See also: Math teacher training course
Intertu Education is currently enrolling IB program courses, AP program courses, A-level program courses, IGCSE program courses. If you have any questions about what integrated program is, please contact us directly, via email or hotline for free advice.