I spent $4,700 over 10 years on my children's English education, and it paid off

By Hung   January 20, 2025 | 03:27 pm PT
Many parents enroll their children in prestigious English centers with expensive tuition fees. My approach to my children's English education was more modest yet equally effective.

My two children, who began elementary school in 2006 and 2010, attended public schools and studied English at a local language center starting from second grade. The tuition was just VND250,000 (US$10) per course, paid annually, and classes were held three hours per week.

The center's structured curriculum quickly gave my children an advantage, as they found their schools' English lessons too simple. They consistently scored perfectly on school exams without much effort and often spent their free time watching English-language movies and YouTube videos without subtitles, which helped reinforce their listening and comprehension skills.

By the time they reached high school, my children had already achieved IELTS certificates sufficient for university admission. Even so, they chose to take the national high school English exam for personal challenge and again scored perfectly. Later, one of them majored in mechanical engineering at an international university, where all classes were taught in English.

A girl types on a laptop. Illustration photo by Pexels

A girl types on a laptop. Illustration photo by Pexels

Over ten years, the total cost of their English education at the center amounted to approximately VND120 million (US$4,700). This was a worthwhile investment, as it provided them with practical language skills that extended beyond test preparation. In contrast, private tutoring with their school’s English teachers would have been more expensive and narrowly focused on achieving high test scores, lacking the broader communication skills required for university and beyond.

To learn English effectively, children need clear goals and persistence. A reputable English center with experienced teachers played a significant role in my children’s progress. For younger learners, parents don’t necessarily need to choose expensive centers. Instead, programs that emphasize listening and speaking skills, especially those with foreign teachers, can be highly beneficial.

At home, watching English-language movies and practicing regularly through diverse resources can further enhance language acquisition. Relying solely on language centers is not enough—consistent exposure and practice are crucial for building vocabulary and overall proficiency.

Interestingly, although I graduated from the University of Languages and International Studies in Hanoi over 30 years ago, I never directly taught my children English. I trusted the center's professional teaching methods and avoided introducing conflicting approaches that could hinder their progress.

Mastering English opens countless doors. For my children, it was the key to thriving in their studies and preparing for opportunities after graduation. Strong language skills remain an invaluable tool for any child’s future.

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