Statistics show that Vietnam had 137,022 students pursuing higher education abroad by 2024, making it the leader in Southeast Asia and ranking 9th globally in terms of outbound student mobility at the tertiary level.
The Vietnamese market also shows strong interest in secondary and post-secondary studies in the U.S., according to FindingSchool's Vietnam Market Insight 2024. The report is based on a survey of 923 participants from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, providing valuable insights into motivations, demand, and preferences of Vietnamese families considering study abroad opportunities.
Parents' and Students' Perspectives: What Drives Decisions?
Both parents and students in Vietnam show a strong interest in studying abroad, although their concerns differ. Parents prioritize financial aid, safe environments, and, to a lesser extent, the curriculum.
To be specific, living conditions in the host country and the total cost of education are the two most important factors for parents. The credentials and facilities of the school are also of great importance to most parents.
Students, on the other hand, are more concerned with the course material and campus facilities. Students still prioritize financial concerns such as tuition and fee waivers, but they also seek out demanding academic curricula and modern, well-equipped facilities.
This demonstrates the dual nature of the decision-making process: parents are frequently worried about safety and economics, while students desire an education that provides both academic excellence and a comfortable living environment.
Motivations Behind Studying Abroad Pathways
For many Vietnamese families, studying abroad represents more than just an academic opportunity. According to the report, 31% of survey respondents cited "better education" as their primary motivation for pursuing transnational education.
Interestingly, 23.9% of respondents were influenced by trends, suggesting that studying abroad has become somewhat of a status symbol in certain social circles.
Furthermore, 23.3% of students saw studying abroad as a chance for an independent life, reflecting a desire for autonomy and self-development in a foreign environment. Immigration also plays a role, with 21.8% of respondents considering studying abroad as a stepping stone towards long-term settlement in a new country.
Challenges To International Education
Despite the significant interest in studying abroad, two key barriers may deter Vietnamese families from pursuing this path: financial overrun and concerns about students adapting to the new environment.
High costs, especially if they exceed initial expectations, are a major concern for many families. Specifically, financial pressure can lead to many other consequences for international students, including neglecting their studies, leading to poor results and not being able to continue studying.
Poor academic results prevent many students from being granted visas, forcing them to return home with unfinished studies and unresolved financial burdens.
Additionally, parents worry about how well their children will adjust to life abroad, including the cultural and social differences that come with living in a foreign country. This can lead to culture shock among students, showing through their feeling alone, disoriented and wishing to go back home.
The report from FindingSchool reveals a growing interest in international education among Vietnamese families, driven by the desire for better academic opportunities and enhanced career prospects.
This trend shows that Vietnamese parents and students are increasingly prioritizing global learning experiences, viewing them as an investment in the future. This shift also highlights Vietnam’s rising middle class and its focus on education as a tool for global competitiveness.