Relocating to another country is a big decision. When children are part of that decision, there is even more to think about: finding a home, a school, new friendships, and eventually, a sense of community.
For Char and Sim, moving their family to Vietnam was the beginning of that journey.
With their daughters, Ria and Asha, they were looking for a place where their children could settle in, feel supported and grow, while they could also begin building a life of their own in Hoi An.
Finding the right school was an important part of that.
When they first visited Hoi An International School, something felt right. Their daughters, then in Year 4 and K2, quickly found their place at HAIS, while Char and Sim gradually began finding their own connections within the wider Hoi An community.
Today, their story is not only about choosing a school. It is about finding a place where the whole family can belong.
A Parent's Story - Words by Char and Sim
“The amazing Hoi An International School! When we first visited HAIS, we knew it was exactly what we had been searching for!
From the beautiful green campus, small class size and a team of dedicated teachers and staff who seem genuinely invested in and devoted to the top-notch education of the kids. This is somethin
Relocating to another country is a big decision. When children are part of that decision, there is even more to think about: finding a home, a school, new friendships, and eventually, a sense of community.
For Char and Sim, moving their family to Vietnam was the beginning of that journey.
With their daughters, Ria and Asha, they were looking for a place where their children could settle in, feel supported and grow, while they could also begin building a life of their own in Hoi An.
Finding the right school was an important part of that.
When they first visited Hoi An International School, something felt right. Their daughters, then in Year 4 and K2, quickly found their place at HAIS, while Char and Sim gradually began finding their own connections within the wider Hoi An community.
Today, their story is not only about choosing a school. It is about finding a place where the whole family can belong.
A Parent’s Story – Words by Char and Sim
“The amazing Hoi An International School! When we first visited HAIS, we knew it was exactly what we had been searching for!
From the beautiful green campus, small class size and a team of dedicated teachers and staff who seem genuinely invested in and devoted to the top-notch education of the kids. This is something palpable, which can’t be faked and a fantastic combination!
Our daughters in Year 4 and K2 adapted and fitted in straight away.
The academic program follows the British National Curriculum using the Cambridge Program.
The school ethos focuses on instilling positive values in the children. It centres on inspiring excellence and encouraging them to pursue and follow their dreams, which closely aligns with our desires as parents.
The facilities are impressive, with a state-of-the-art music room, huge sports facilities and a swimming pool onsite. The kids are so lucky to have this at their fingertips!
From Year 4 every class has a band and every child has to pick their instrument and participate. I love that!
The program of events throughout the year is both impressive and exciting with productions of the highest level. What a fantastic opportunity to see the kids perform from the little ones, all the way up to the teenagers. Just delightful!
We were most impressed with International Week! What a fantastic and colourful celebration of the 40+ Nationalities who make up the HAIS community. The parade was a rich, colourful and exciting event to witness. It filled us with awe and enthusiasm that our kids are involved in one of the most positive communities we have ever seen in a school. Way to go HAIS!
You can really feel that every element of the school has been designed and developed with the wellbeing of each child in mind. We are committed to our daughters finishing their education at HAIS and excited to see how both kids and school evolve and flourish.”
Relocating to another country is a big decision, especially with children. For Char and Sim, moving their family to Vietnam meant finding not only a new place to call home, but also a community where Ria and Asha could feel comfortable, supported and truly belong.
And over time, that sense of belonging has grown beyond the school gates.
While Ria and Asha have been finding their place at HAIS, Char and Sim have also been building their own connections in Hoi An, becoming part of the community in their own ways. Char, in particular, has begun bringing people together through workshops and conversations around nutrition, healthy food and supporting women through motherhood and beyond.
Perhaps that is what finding a new home is really about.
It is not simply about finding a school for your children. It is about gradually finding your people, building connections, and feeling that you are part of the place you have chosen to call home.
For Char, Sim, Ria and Asha, that journey is already underway.
Read more related stories
Why I choose Hoi An International School for my daughter and me
Binoy’s Story: 4 Years at HAIS
