Hundreds of Vietnamese parents blindsided as English school shuts down after collecting $250,000

Thanh Phuc, whose child attended the AIES facility on Kha Van Can Street, said he and other parents have been unable to reach the school's management since its unexpected closure more than a week ago.

Phuc explained that he had already paid three years' tuition at VND30 million ($1,157) after receiving a 45% discount back in April. However, on May 8, the center informed parents via an announcement that it would temporarily close until May 14 for repairs following heavy rain. It never reopened.

"My house is nearby. The center had been operating for over 10 years, so I trusted them completely. I never imagined something like this could happen," Phuc said.

Another parent, Nga, echoed similar concerns, stating she had paid VND31 million ($1,195) for her child's three-year tuition, discounted by 15%, since mid-2024.

"I'm completely shocked. Now, my money might be gone, and there's nothing I can do about it," Nga said, adding that even employees of the center were unable to contact its director, as all their work accounts have been locked.

Ngoc Phuong, whose child studied at another branch on Le Van Viet Street, also expressed frustration. "The center said it was closed temporarily for repairs, but when I checked, there was no maintenance happening. Later, we heard branches in Binh Duong and Dong Nai had also shut down without notice. No one can reach the director," she said.

Around 200 parents have been affected by this sudden closure. They have collectively reached out to local police and education authorities for assistance, hoping to recover their money.

The website of AIES is no longer operational as of May 16. The center belongs to the Duy Khang Training – Education company, established in 2007. The AIES has four facilities in Ho Chi Minh City, and its neighbors Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces.