Since its first class proudly entered the world in 2014, British Vietnamese International School Ho Chi Minh City (BVIS HCMC) has provided a launchpad for more than 530 graduates to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world. By combining the rigor of the National Curriculum of England with a deep appreciation for Vietnamese culture, language, and values, BVIS equips students to succeed globally while remaining connected to their identity.
BVIS's first graduating class in 2014
To truly understand how BVIS fosters confidence, adaptability, and cultural grounding, one must look beyond impressive test scores and university placements. Hearing alumni explain their journeys reveals the type of driven, accomplished, and talented young adults who are nurtured at BVIS.
Culture Shaped by Values
“Culture isn’t bound by nationality — it’s shaped by values. BVIS taught me integrity, perseverance, and respect, and carrying these forward has allowed me to integrate naturally wherever I go,” shares Nguyễn Tấn Phát, a student who entered Year 9 during BVIS’s inaugural year. The school’s academic rigor prepared him to excel at university abroad, followed by a Master’s degree and career opportunities in Dubai, Vietnam, and now Australia. BVIS’s reinforcement of cultural roots empowers him to make meaningful connections in these global settings.
Phát currently works in Australia as a fitter and marketing associate for a bespoke tailor, where he interfaces with clients and attends to their well-being with skills he cultivated at BVIS. “At BVIS, I helped organise events like Live Lunch and school dances through the Student Council, which sparked my interest in creating experiences for people. When my Maths teacher suggested hospitality, I researched the field and was drawn to its opportunities and the wide range of skills it develops,” he noted.
BVIS’s curriculum, which includes the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A-Levels, and extracurricular activities help students strengthen transferable skills, including leadership, communication, and accountability, which Phát relies on in his current role. When asked how his Vietnamese identity influences the way he works and connects with people from diverse backgrounds, he explained: “I see it as open-minded, approachable, and deeply rooted in a culture known for friendliness, great cuisine, and beautiful scenery. There is so much to be proud of. For example, I often bring up Vietnamese food or landscapes when speaking with clients and friends — it’s a natural way to break the ice and connect.”
Confidence to Step into New Horizons
BVIS’s holistic approach to academic excellence involves the development of personal skills, including confidence, resiliency, and global adaptability. Yến Đặng, a class of 2018 graduate, exemplifies the personal growth students experience at the school. She explained: “From the very first day, my classmates were warm and supportive, which helped me settle in quickly and focus on my studies. Their encouragement also gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and try new things – from joining the girls’ basketball team to taking part in school performances, house sports events, and various clubs.”
Yến brought this determination and self-assuredness to new roles and opportunities during her time at American University in Washington, DC. While doing so, her deep connection with her Vietnamese heritage was a source of pride and strength. She co-founded the school’s first Vietnamese Student Association and served as its Vice President. In this capacity, she connected communities within and outside the school, including some in Vietnam.
After graduating from university, Yến returned to Vietnam to work as a Brand Manager at Sanaky. In this position, she relies on many of the skills and traits that BVIS emphasizes. “The international environment and the proactive, open mindset that BVIS instilled in me helped me become more adaptable and confident when studying and working with peers from different cultural backgrounds. At the same time, I became more agile, creative, and proactive in problem-solving, always maintaining an “outside-the-box” mindset to find new directions,” she explained.
Building a Sense of Individual Belonging
While BVIS graduates have the skills and experiences to adapt to any international setting, the goal isn’t merely for them to fit in. Rather, by staying true to who they are as people, thanks to the school’s embrace of the Vietnamese sense of family, respect, and community, they stand out as singular individuals. Nhật Minh, a BVIS Ho Chi Minh City alumna (Class of 2023), currently studying Business at New York University (NYU) with a scholarship worth nearly 4.5 billion VND, said: “BVIS helped me understand that cultural roots are the key to connection and creating a unique identity in a diverse world.”
BVIS’s emphasis on cultural values and knowledge provided Minh with a sense of self and a source of strength when adapting to life in New York amongst many other high achievers. She had developed a deep respect and familiarity with Vietnamese language and culture through BVIS’s curriculum and events, including Tết and the Mid-Autumn Festival. This allowed her to connect with other students via NYU’s Vietnamese Student Association, organizing events like the Tiến Lên card tournament and a Vietnamese Night Market to promote Vietnamese values internationally, build bonds with peers, and maintain her own sense of self.
At BVIS, she was the nation’s top scorer in IGCSE History and received the “Cambridge Outstanding Achievement Award.” Meanwhile, she leveraged A Level credits in Mathematics, Psychology, Business, and Biology to shorten her studies by 1.5 semesters at NYU, saving over 1.6 billion VND in tuition. But just as important, she developed a firm understanding of who she is and the special impact she can have on the world because she never lost a sense of belonging with where she is from.
The Holistic Approach Unites One Child, One Curriculum, One World
While Phát, Yến, and Minh’s stories are remarkable, they are not unique amongst BVIS graduates. Rather, they exemplify how the school’s strong academic foundation, alongside an emphasis on maintaining a connection to Vietnamese heritage, combine to empower personal and professional success in global contexts.
The modern, world-class facilities at BVIS prepare students for future learning experiences.
Some BVIS students will follow in Phát, Yến, and Minh’s footsteps and study abroad after graduation, while others remain in Vietnam. Some will embark on international careers while others will set their focus domestically. But they will all share pride in their Vietnamese heritage and the tools to excel in whatever they put their mind and passions towards.
BVIS fosters exciting explorations.
[Top image: Kevin Lương Nghị, BVIS Class of 2023, won the Best Presentation Award with his team at the PVH Corp Ground Floor Challenge Competition 2024 in the US]
