My friend is reconsidering international school despite earning over $4,000 a month

This friend of mine, a mid-level manager, earns about VND110 million (US$4,230) per month. With that income, he thought his family could live comfortably. But recently, he confided that he's seriously considering withdrawing his second-grade child from an international school in Ho Chi Minh City because the financial strain is becoming too much.

A girl writes numbers on a blackboard in a classroom. Illustration photo by Pexels/Yan Krukau

The tuition alone is nearly VND20 million per month, and that doesn' include meals, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Add in birthday parties, class events, toys, school supplies—the list goes on.

He sees no realistic path to increasing his income anytime soon while the older his child gets, the more expensive schooling becomes.

I'm not against international schools. For families with ample resources and long-term financial stability, it can be a worthwhile choice. But enrolling a child in such a school isn't just an investment—it's a long-term commitment. Once a child becomes accustomed to a certain educational environment and teaching style, shifting to a public school can be emotionally and psychologically disruptive.

The real issue isn't just the tuition. It's whether parents have the financial and emotional bandwidth to walk the entire journey alongside their child. In life, love isn't necessarily about offering our children the flashiest options. It's about making steady, thoughtful decisions—ones that support their growth over the long term.

Studying at an international school isn't inherently better. And public school doesn't mean a child is disadvantaged. What matters most is the presence and support of parents, and the everyday lessons children learn from their home environment—about resilience, values, and how to navigate the world.

My friend isn't wrong for wanting the best for his child. But I also hope other parents—especially those thinking about international schools—will take a moment to ask themselves honestly: Am I doing this for my child, or for something else?