High School in Vietnam

Study Abroad in Vietnam

Immerse yourself in a transformative three-month journey of learning and cultural exchange in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, famous for its rich history and architecture, colorful culture, stunning landscapes, tasty foods, and warm hospitality. Live with a typical Vietnamese family and attend a local high school, where you’ll make lifelong connections and experience life alongside your fellow classmates. AFS Vietnam, along with your host school and family, will provide a rich cultural learning experience that deepens your understanding of this vibrant country.

Things to Know About Vietnam

Vietnam blends natural beauty with dynamic, close-knit communities. The capital city of Hanoi is known for its iconic street food, coffee culture, and its high-energy atmosphere. Motorbikes weave through narrow streets, markets hum with activity, and centuries-old architecture stands alongside contemporary development. Despite the apparent chaos of urban life, Vietnamese social behavior is deeply influenced by the broader philosophy of Confucianism, which emphasizes collectivism, social harmony, respect for elders, and humility. These values shape family structures, education, and community life, creating a strong sense of shared responsibility and mutual care throughout society.

Public etiquette is an important part of Vietnamese culture, so expect to be on time, treat others with kindness, and show an appreciation for tradition. Gift-giving is also a common practice and often seen as a symbolic gesture in addition to an exchange of goods. Food is a very important tenet of Vietnamese life – aside from the excitement of trying Hanoi’s world-renowned cuisine, you’ll find that partaking in meals is an important aspect of connecting with people in Vietnam.

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible?	No, high school graduates are not eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA	No Minimum GPA
Age Range (at program start)	15 years and 0 months to 17 years and 11 months at the start of the program
Language Skills	Having a basic knowledge/understanding of Vietnamese before the program starts is highly recommended.

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to Vietnam

Visa Information

AFS will provide visa guidance and support documents (if applicable). Visa processes can be lengthy and complex; you may be required to travel long distances to apply for the visa if there is not an embassy, consulate, etc. close to your home. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond a return date from your host country. We urge you to apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible if applying to an AFS program. We recommend not taking any trips (domestically or internationally) within 2 months prior to your AFS program as it may interfere with the visa application process and result in a late program start date.

Travel & Orientation

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience.

Also during this time, AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in Vietnam will begin when you land, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers…as well as your fellow AFSers from around the world! Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation in Hanoi and get a crash course on Vietnamese culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures.

Your Accommodations

During your time in Vietnam, you will live with a host family in the capital city of Hanoi. Although you’ll be spending much of your time immersed in the bustling energy of urban life, you’ll also have access to Hanoi’s tranquil greenery and sprawling lakes. National parks that feature dense tropical forests, expansive cave systems, and picturesque mountains. Vietnam is even home to the world’s largest cave!

Meeting Your Vietnamese Host Family

Most Vietnamese families are interdependent, with several generations often living in the same house. Respect and pride are two core parts of family in Vietnam. Collective harmony and mutual support are common as well, so you will find members of the family sharing responsibilities and caring for one another. Because you’ll be living in the city, you may find yourself within a smaller, more ‘modern’ family structure.

Your High School in Vietnam

Similarly to the U.S., the school year in Vietnam runs from September through the end of May. One notable aspect of Vietnam’s high school system is its focus on specialized educational tracks – students have the opportunity to choose from various paths, including the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, or vocational training, aligning with their interests and career goals. Vietnamese students are expected to take school very seriously and to work hard. In school, you’ll wear a uniform and experience a lecture-style curriculum that includes required courses in Vietnamese, literature, math, science, and art.

Daily Life

Teenage Life in Vietnam

After school, Vietnamese students take part in a lot of activities. Some students play sports; soccer, table tennis, basketball, and badminton are the most popular. Others enjoy going swimming, playing musical instruments, or going to the cinema with their friends to see the latest films. In addition, some students play video games or spend time at home helping their parents. After-school activities help students find friends with similar interests, develop their talents, and sometimes even discover their career goals!

Foods You’ll Encounter in Vietnam

Vietnamese food is known for being full of fresh, colorful ingredients, with a heavy reliance on noodles, herbs, fish sauces, and rice. Common meals you may have in Vietnam are Phở, a broth consisting of beef or chicken with noodles and fresh herbs and Gỏi Cuốn (spring rolls.) Bánh Mì, a popular street food, is a Vietnamese sandwich infused with French influence, served on a crispy baguette and filled with meat, pickled vegetables, herbs, and creamy condiments. You’ll find many Vietnamese foods to be savory and interchangeable between meals – so your breakfast may consist of similar ‘dinner’ foods like noodle soups and rice rolls. People often satisfy their sweet tooth with iced coffee in the morning, as Hanoi is especially world-renowned for its coffee culture!

What’s included

75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 30,000 dedicated volunteers
Accommodations with a vetted host family
Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
School enrollment fees
Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
International secondary medical travel coverage
Visa support and guidance
Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

What’s not included

Domestic travel to your international departure city
Visa and passport fees
Spending money
Fees imposed by the airlines outside of your international ticket, such as luggage fees.
COVID-19 testing
School Lunches – the host family will cover lunches during holidays.
Transportation to and from school
School Uniform
Additional fees may apply depending on the specific host country. Please email [email protected] for additional details.

We invite you to learn more about where your dollars go, our payment and refund policy, and answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Scholarships and Aid

We believe in the power of intercultural experiences and the potential of our students! That’s why we’re dedicated to meeting the demonstrated financial need of accepted applicants. The deadline to be considered for scholarships for semester and year-long programs departing January through March is July 15th. For programs departing July through September the deadline is December 5th. Learn more and view all deadlines below!

Learn More View Deadlines

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for Vietnam?	Yes
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country)	In-person
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex)	Average
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses ($ – $$$)	$$
Frequently Asked Visa Questions	Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one. When you return home from your study abroad in Vietnam, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.

That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning. It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Vietnam.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.