HOW WE TEACH

Our teachers combine a wealth of experience, a passion for education and a stimulating and safe environment, to inspire your child to achieve more than they ever imagined possible.

About our teachers

Our highly experienced teachers are some of the best educators in the world. They know how to inspire our students to realise their aspirations, achieve their goals and develop a lifelong love of learning.


Children learn best when they're happy, and our teachers make this happen. Our international and Vietnamese teachers are all fully qualified and create a truly special relationship with one aim – to provide high-quality, results-focused learning for every single child. 

 
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  • Leadership Team
  • EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE
  • PRIMARY
  • SECONDARY

MEET OUR TEAM

Simon Higham
Principal

Simon is an experienced educator and educational leader. He has a wide range of school leadership experience within the UK and Asia spanning more than 20 years. 

  • BA (Hons) History with Education University of Warwick
  • National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), UK

Simon is an experienced educator and educational leader. He has a wide range of school leadership experience within the UK and Asia spanning more than 20 years.

Simon’s previous posts include Head Teacher of BIS HCMC at the An Phu Primary Campus and Head Teacher of BIS HCMC at the Junior Campus. He has worked as a Headteacher at Jerudong International School, Brunei and also as a Deputy Head Teacher in the UK. He has a degree from The University of Warwick (UK) in History and Education and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship. He’s also a qualified, level 3 school inspector for BSO (British School’s Overseas).

He has a proven track record of outstanding educational leadership and is passionate about the development of the whole child across their educational journey. 

Mary McAloon
Primary Headteacher
On the completion of her Masters of Education in 2015, Mary chose to move to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where she took the role of Deputy Headteacher at our sister school, British International School3 (BIS HCMC). She spent her first years at BIS HCMC as Deputy Headteacher of the Tu Xuong Primary Campus and the latter years as the founding Deputy Headteacher of the BIS HCMC Early Years and Infant Campus. 
  • Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) with QTS, UK
  • Master of Education (Leadership and Management)
  • BSO Inspector (Level 2) 

On the completion of her Masters of Education in 2015, Mary chose to move to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where she took the role of Deputy Headteacher at our sister school, British International School3 (BIS HCMC). She spent her first years at BIS HCMC as Deputy Headteacher of the Tu Xuong Primary Campus and the latter years as the founding Deputy Headteacher of the BIS HCMC Early Years and Infant Campus. 

Mary is a sports enthusiast and will always be training for an upcoming triathlon race. 


 
Jack Rudin
Secondary Headteacher

Jack is an experienced educator and school leader and has worked in both the UK and internationally.

  • B.Sc. (Hons), Chemistry, University of Manchester UK
  • M.Sc., Energy in the Built Environment Cranfield University UK

Jack is an experienced educator and school leader and has worked in both the UK and internationally.

While studying at Manchester university, Jack developed a strong interest in how the global atmosphere was changing and went on to pursue this interest through a master’s degree called Energy in the Built Environment. He subsequently worked for the UK government’s greenhouse programme at the Building Research Establishment.

He is enthusiastic about outdoor sports and, depending on where he has been living, has maintained a keen interest in mountain biking, surfing and mountaineering.

 
Cuc Doan
Operations Manager

Cuc is an advocate for learning who believes that education can change people’s life. She was born and educated in Vietnam and has BA degree in Economics from Foreign Trade University. 

  • BA degree in Economics from Foreign Trade University
  • Master’s Degree in International Economics and Finance from University of Queensland, Australia

Cuc is an advocate for learning who believes that education can change people’s life. She was born and educated in Vietnam and has BA degree in Economics from Foreign Trade University. 

She  obtained her master’s degree in International Economics and Finance from the University of Queensland in Australia. 
Cuc brings more than 14 years’ experience in leading multinational companies including Unilever, Wrigley and Kimberly Clark and has worked for many years managing a large team in Indochina in previous companies. She believes BVIS is the best bilingual international school for children to become truly global citizens and reach their potential.

 
Rob Duff
Secondary Assistant Headteacher

Mr Duff has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) since 2001. After spending his first four years as an English language teacher in Hanoi, he returned to the UK where he worked with students from a variety of countries, eventually specialising in teacher training. He moved to Ho Chi Minh City in 2009 and for three years ran University of Cambridge CELTA and DELTA courses. In his free time, he enjoys tennis, diving and studying Vietnamese.

  • BA (Hons) Politics, University of Essex, UK
  • University of Cambridge ESOL CELTA
  • University of Cambridge ESOL DELTA
Mr Duff has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) since 2001. After spending his first four years as an English language teacher in Hanoi, he returned to the UK where he worked with students from a variety of countries, eventually specialising in teacher training. He moved to Ho Chi Minh City in 2009 and for three years ran University of Cambridge CELTA and DELTA courses. In his free time, he enjoys tennis, diving and studying Vietnamese.
Joe Shooter
Secondary Deputy Headteacher

Joe studied History at the University College London before graduating as a history teacher in 2006. He was Assistant Head in charge of KS4 for two years in an international school in Cairo, Egypt where he worked for four years in total. 
He is a passionate sportsperson, participating in football, rugby and cricket as well as many other sports. He also enjoys traveling, music and films.

  • BA (Hons) History, School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London (UCL)
  • PGCE Secondary History, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff

Joe studied History at the University College London before graduating as a history teacher in 2006. He was Assistant Head in charge of KS4 for two years in an international school in Cairo, Egypt where he worked for four years in total. 
He is a passionate sportsperson, participating in football, rugby and cricket as well as many other sports. He also enjoys traveling, music and films.

 
Khuyen Tran
Primary Assistant Headteacher

Ms Khuyen began her teaching career at Chau O Primary school, Quang Ngai before joining BIS in 2003. During her time at BIS, Ms Khuyen taught different subjects in English as well as Vietnamese language for Vietnamese and expatriate children. She joined the BVIS team in 2011 and now leads the Maths curriculum in our Primary school. When not at school, Ms Khuyen enjoys reading children’s books, dancing and socialising.

 
  • PGCE - Sunderland University
  • BA in Education - Hue Pedagogical University
  • BA in Primary Education - Ho Chi Minh City Pedagogical University

Khuyen began her teaching career at Chau O Primary school, Quang Ngai before joining BIS in 2003 
During her time at BIS, Khuyen taught different subjects in English as well as Vietnamese language for Vietnamese and expatriate children. She joined the BVIS team in 2011 and now leads the Maths curriculum in our Primary school. When not at school, Khuyen enjoys reading children’s books, dancing and socialising.

Oliver Sargent
Primary Deputy Headteacher

Oliver joined BVIS HCMC in 2013, at the beginning of our third year, and is delighted to have seen the school go from strength to strength. 

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Mathematics Education, Sheffield Hallam University UK
  • PGCE in Education 5-11, York St. John University UK
  • BA Hons in Business Studies, Sheffield Hallam University UK

Oliver joined BVIS HCMC in 2013, at the beginning of our third year, and is delighted to have seen the school go from strength to strength. 
Since completing his PGCE at York St. John University in 2007, Oliver has worked as a primary teacher at several schools in the UK, with the additional roles of PE coordinator, maths leader and KS2 phase leader.
In his spare time, Oliver likes to travel and partake in a range of sports including football, squash and kite-surfing in Mui Ne.

 
Thao Nguyen
Director of Admissions and Marketing

Thao is passionate about education, and believes there’s no limit to learning or growing. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City.

  • BA of Business Administration, University of Economics, HCMC

Thao is passionate about education, and believes there’s no limit to learning or growing. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City.
Thao has worked at BVIS HCMC since 2017 and is proud to be a part of the best bilingual international school in Vietnam—one that has nurtured and developed so many global citizens with Vietnamese perspectives.

MEET OUR TEAM

Rebecca Robinson
F3 teacher, EYFS Coordinator

Rebecca is a specialist who has worked in Early Years for over 10 years. 
During her time teaching in England, she discovered her passion for Early Years education and became the EYFS lead and phonics specialist. Her love of music led her to become the music co-ordinator for the school, leading whole school productions and the school choir in several public performances. 

 

 

  • BA Hons Degree in Primary Education with a specialism in The Early Years, Nottingham Trent University, UK

Rebecca is a specialist who has worked in Early Years for over 10 years. 

During her time teaching in England, she discovered her passion for Early Years education and became the EYFS lead and phonics specialist. Her love of music led her to become the music co-ordinator for the school, leading whole school productions and the school choir in several public performances. 

Rebecca moved to a larger school in the UK where she became Assistant Head Teacher and led the first phase of the school from EYFS to Year One. 

 
Tara Liscano
Fundinotots teacher, EYFS music teacher

Tara completed her PGCE training at BIS An Phu and Tu Xuong prior to teaching at BVIS HCMC. 
She was one of the founding teachers at our school and has experience of teaching all Foundation Stage year groups.  Outside of school, she devotes her time to reading books, travelling, running and wakeboarding.

  • PGCE, Sunderland University, UK
  • BSc, Major in Child Development and Education, Minor in Special Needs, Miriam College, Manila, Philippines

Tara completed her PGCE training at BIS An Phu and Tu Xuong prior to teaching at BVIS HCMC. 
She was one of the founding teachers at our school and has experience of teaching all Foundation Stage year groups. Outside of school, she devotes her time to reading books, travelling, running and wakeboarding.

 
Vi Bui
F1 teacher

Vi joined the BIS group of schools in 2002. During her time at BIS, she worked with different year groups in EYFS and KS1 before joining the BVIS HCMC team in 2011.
During her spare time, she enjoys cooking, yoga and spending time with her family.

  • BA, University of Early Childhood Pedagogy, HCMC
  • BA, in English Nong Lam University Bachelor of Economics, Business Administration, Open University

Vi joined the BIS group of schools in 2002. During her time at BIS, she worked with different year groups in EYFS and KS1 before joining the BVIS HCMC team in 2011.
During her spare time, she enjoys cooking, yoga and spending time with her family.




 
Chrissy Arguilla
F2 teacher

Chrissy started teaching at BVIS HCMC in 2012. Prior to joining us, Chrissy worked at both campuses of BIS in Ho Chi Minh City. Throughout her time at the BIS group of schools, she gained experience teaching children from Foundation Stage 1 to Reception in EYFS. During her spare time Chrissy enjoys reading, listening to music, keeping fit, and learning about different cultures by travelling.

  • BSc Child Development and Education Minor in Special Eduction, Miriam College, Philippines
  • PGCE, Sunderland University, UK 

Chrissy started teaching at BVIS HCMC in 2012. Prior to joining us, Chrissy worked at both campuses of BIS in Ho Chi Minh City. Throughout her time at the BIS group of schools, she gained experience teaching children from Foundation Stage 1 to Reception in EYFS. 
During her spare time Chrissy enjoys reading, listening to music, keeping fit, and learning about different cultures by travelling.

Linh Nguyen
F2 teacher

Linh became an Early Years teacher at BVIS HCMC in 2011 and is delighted to have seen the school go from strength to strength. 

  • BA in English, Da Lat University, Da Lat city, Vietnam
  • PGCE in Education, Sunderland UK

Linh became an Early Years teacher at BVIS HCMC in 2011 and is delighted to have seen the school go from strength to strength. 
Linh feels it is a privilege to work for the schools in the Nord Anglia Education organisation and she thoroughly enjoys her job as an Early Years teacher. In her free time, Linh enjoys going out with her children and her friends. She likes travelling and discovering different cultures around Vietnam and around the world.

 
Jacinth Janabajal
F3 teacher

Jacinth became a part of the BIS group of schools in 2012 as an EYFS Graduate Trainee, joined BVIS in 2014 and is a proud member of the school’s outstanding Early Years team.

 

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  • BS Child Development and Education minor in Special Education, Miriam College, Philippines

Jacinth became a part of the BIS group of schools in 2012 as an EYFS Graduate Trainee, joined BVIS in 2014 and is a proud member of the school’s outstanding Early Years team. Before moving to Vietnam, Jacinth was a volunteer teacher of reading and writing at the Childhood Early Enrichment and Reinforcement School where she taught children from disadvantaged communities. Jacinth also taught in Miriam College Grade School, an exclusive school for girls in Manila. In her spare time, Jacinth enjoys reading, arts and crafts and watching movies.

Tram Le
F3 teacher

Tram joined BVIS in August 2018. Prior to this, she worked for 6 years in BIS with groups of Early Years and Lower Primary students. 

  • BA in Early Childhood Education, HCMC University of Education, Vietnam  

Tram joined BVIS in August 2018. Prior to this, she worked for 6 years in BIS with groups of Early Years and Lower Primary students. 
Believing that every child is born a genius, she is passionate about helping and seeing the progress of young children's development. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and researching to improve her teaching skills. She loves creative activities like art, singing and dancing.

MEET OUR TEAM

Benjamin Brown
Year 3 teacher, Lower Primary Coordinator, Year 3 Leader

Since graduating from the University of Exeter with a BA in Philosophy and History, Ben has spent a large proportion of his time teaching in The Republic of Korea.

  • BA in Philosophy and History, University of Exeter  

Ben is passionate and knowledgeable about teaching children English as a second language and has completed many courses, most notably TESOL and TESMC. When not working, Ben is a passionate hiker, water sports lover and cook. 


Anna Welch
Year 2 teacher, Year 2 Leader

Anna joined BVIS HCMC in 2016 working in Year 1 and 2. Before our school, she spent 3 years working in a large Primary school in Bracknell, Berkshire in the UK.

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  • BA (Hons) Primary Education (with QTS) 

Anna enjoys yoga, swimming and reading a good book. She enjoys travel and visiting new and exciting cultures as well as experiencing more of Vietnam. 


Emily Purdy
Year 5 teacher, IPC (Lien Ket) Coordinator

Emily is very interested in bilingualism and uses her EAL teaching and Primary school teaching experience to support her students. In her spare time, Emily loves to exercise, read, travel and learn Vietnamese. 

  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Hons), University of Leeds, UK
  • Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults; Teaching Young Learners’ Extension Certificate
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education, Oxford Brookes University, UK

Before joining BVIS HCMC, Emily taught in a Primary school in Buckinghamshire, England for two years. 

Matthew Thomas
Year 4 teacher, Year 4 Leader

Before working at BVIS, Matte worked in two inner-city schools in Bristol and Bournemouth teaching in both key stage 1 and 2. During this time, he gained experience in teaching children from over 21 different nationalities.  

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  • BA Honours degree in Sports Teaching - Southampton Solent University
  • Primary PGCE - Canterbury Christchurch University

Outside of school, Matt is extremely active and enjoys participating in and watching a range of sports (especially football, cricket and golf).  

 

Matthew Fahy
Year 5 teacher, Year 5 Leader, Upper Primary Coordinator

Matt joined BVIS HCMC in the summer of 2016 as a Year 6 teacher. Prior to coming to Vietnam, Matt worked at a high-achieving Primary school in Brighton.  

  • PGCE Primary, Brighton University, UK
  • BSc Business Management, Cardiff University, UK

Matt has an interest in children’s attitudes towards learning and has participated in different research projects, looking into how best to engage and motivate pupils to learn. In his spare time, Matt takes part in social and sporting activities and has a particular passion for football, volleyball and rock climbing. He loves to travel and has done so across Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. 

Daniel Penson
Year 6 teacher, Science and STEAM Coordinator

Dan joined BVIS HCMC in 2015 and has been delighted to be a part of this exciting stage in the school's development. 

 
  • Graduate Teacher Programme, University of Reading
  • BA (Hons) Leisure and Business Management, University of Salford

Before teaching at BVIS HCMC, Dan worked in schools in central London and Buckinghamshire, UK and has brought exciting projects such as mini-enterprise with him to Vietnam. In his spare time, Daniel likes to keep fit by playing football and tennis as well as travel around Southeast Asia as much as possible.

Nga Huynh
Year 2 teacher, Primary Community Coordinator

Nga joined BVIS HCMC in 2011 as a Secondary Mathematics teacher. Prior to this, she taught Mathematics across the Secondary age range for four years at an international school in HCMC.  

  • MA, International Education, King’s College London, UK
  • BA, Primary Education, HCMC Pedagogical University
  • BA, Mathematics, Saigon University
  • Education Management, Saigon University  

Throughout her years of teaching, she also held a middle-leadership role as an assistant Headteacher. In 2013, Nga started teaching the primary education curriculum to promote bilingualism in the classroom and prepare primary students to learn subjects in English in secondary. Nga enjoys teaching a curriculum filled with creativity. Her interests include listening to all genres of music, singing and going to concerts and reading and cooking with her daughter. 

Yen Tran
Year 4 teacher, Maths Coordinator
Yen joined BVIS HCMC in 2011 as an integral part of the Language Support department and was responsible for the provision of support for children who need extra help with Vietnamese.  
  • MA, International Education, King’s College London, UK
  • BA, Primary Education, HCMC Pedagogical University
  • CELTA, University of Cambridge, UK
  • BA, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, HCMC

In 2019, Yen took on the role of Primary Maths Coordinator and is responsible for the entire Maths curriculum across Primary. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, cooking and playing musical instruments. 

MEET OUR TEAM

James Webb
Head of English

Prior to joining BVIS HCMC, James spent seven years at the Harwich and Dover court High School where he held the position of Whole School Literacy Co-ordinator. 

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  • BA (Hons) English, University of Leeds, UK, QTS, CELTA 
  • PGCE Education, University of East Anglia and Essex, UK

Between 2001 and 2007 James worked as the Director of Studies at an English Language centre in Chiang Mai, Thailand. James also has a keen interest in Creative Media which he has taught at both GCSE and Post -16 levels. In his spare time, James enjoys spending time with his family as well as reading, kayaking and photography.

Andy Milne
Head of Maths and Computing

Before arriving in Vietnam, Andy trained as a Mathematics teacher through the Teach First programme before spending five years working in Oldham, North Manchester.

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  • BA Politics, Philosophy and Economics, University of Manchester, UK 
  • PGCE Secondary Maths Education, University of Manchester, UK 

Andy's hobbies include travelling, football (both playing and watching), enjoying good food, surfing and snowboarding. Andy is an avid Liverpool Football Club fan and is excited about the prospect of living in Ho Chi Minh City.

Jon L. R. Every
Head of Science

Before working at BVIS HCMC, Jon worked at an Outstanding College in Dartmoor National Park as head of subject.

 
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  • BSc 1st class (Hons) Botany, University of Reading
  • MSc Botanical Conservation, University of Plymouth
  • PGCE (QTS) Secondary Science, Exeter University

Fired by a love of discovery and adventure, he’s a great believer in outdoor education, helping lead a group of 33 teenagers on a three-week trip to the Indian Himalaya. Whilst in Vietnam he is keen to build on his botanical experience, which includes working at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 

Olivia Lopez
Drama subject leader, Head of Hanoi

After several years as Head of Drama in England, Olivia spent four years working for BVIS in Hanoi, Vietnam.  

  • BA in Acting, London South Bank University in Association with Italia Conti Academy ò Theatre Arts 
  • PGCE, University of Warwick

Most recently, Olivia was Head of Performing Arts at a Nord Anglia school in Shanghai, China. In her spare time Olivia enjoys travel, competitive fitness and theatre.

Nicola Bartram
Learning support teacher, Head of Hue
Nicola has worked in various schools in the Northeast of England as a science teacher and as Head of Applied Science, before training as a SENDCO, and moving into the area of education she loves.
  • BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences, Durham University, UK
  • GTP Science, University of Sunderland, UK
  • Master’s in Special Needs and Inclusive Education, University of Sunderland, UK
  • National SENDCO Award, University of Sunderland, UK

Nicola has always had a love for science and the way the human mind works, writing her dissertation on neurobiology and taking part in a study to increase student achievement whilst still at university. She enjoys being in a part of the world where she can scuba dive in warmer waters all year round!

Craig O'Nions
Maths teacher, Head of Saigon

Prior to teaching for three years in Phuket, Thailand, Craig taught Mathematics for five years in the UK.

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  • BSc (Hons) Mathematics, University of Portsmouth, UK
  • PGCE Secondary Mathematics, University of Portsmouth, UK

Upon arriving in Phuket for his sixth year of teaching, Craig was responsible for coordinating the Duke of Edinburgh International Award and was promoted to Head of Mathematics for the following two years. Craig likes to promote the importance of Mathematics for everyday use in his lessons and is excited to be working with the students at BVIS HCMC. In his spare time, Craig enjoys being involved in a variety of sports such as rugby, football, cycling, running and more recently, wakeboarding.  

 

Gavin Brown
Computer Science teacher, Business teacher, Head of Dalat

Gavin began his career teaching ICT and Business Studies in Sheffield, where he taught a variety of age groups for four years.

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  • BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology , Sheffield Hallam University, UK 
  • PGCE Applied ICT, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

Gavin was also the lead teacher on a four-week school expedition to Malawi and Zambia and has continued with his charitable commitments through his community coordinator role at BVIS HCMC. 

Emily Lavender
Head of Creative Arts

Emily studied Illustration at Middlesex University before graduating as an art teacher in 2009.

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  • BA (Hons) Illustration, Middlesex University, UK 
  • PGCE, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
  • CELTA, Concorde International, UK

She has been Lead Tutor of Art and Design up to A Level for the last four years at the International School of Creative Arts in England, where she helped establish the courses run at the school. She has experience in a wide range of media, processes and techniques, especially within Fine Art and Photography.  

Preparing your child for the future

TEACHER-LED TECHNOLOGY

BVIS HCMC draws on the latest and most innovative education technology to enhance teaching, including VR and AR tools. This means your child’s learning will be uninterrupted, whether they’re on campus or learning from home. 

Students can also meet and collaborate with their peers around the world on Global Campus, our online platform connecting Nord Anglia students in more than 30 countries worldwide.

 

TEACHER QUALITY

BVIS HCMC recruits outstanding teachers from around the world with an internationally recognised qualification. Most of our teachers are either from the UK or have experience in British-style international schools, with subject-specific training from leading institutions like MIT, The Juilliard School and King’s College London.

Just like our students, our teachers never stop learning. We encourage and support their professional growth, from online courses to a fully funded bespoke Master’s in International Education with King’s College London. We also have leadership pathways and training courses to develop even the most ambitious teachers, including aspiring principals.

Our teachers have access to Nord Anglia University, where they collaborate with more than 10,000 of their peers from across our worldwide network, sharing resources, recommending best practices, and joining training exercises.

We also have a unique programme in our primary school, where our expatriate teachers work alongside their Vietnamese colleagues to share and develop good practices in the classroom. In this way, our Vietnamese staff are trained to an internationally recognised standard.

 

Outstanding international standards

We hold ourselves to a high standard, with ongoing internal reviews and assessments conducted by Nord Anglia’s global education team who drive our success in academia, quality assurance, accreditation and safeguarding. We also have external accreditations by CIS and WASC, so you know your child will receive the finest international education available.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

WORKING WITH US

We only recruit the most passionate, empathetic, and talented teachers. If you’d like to join our thriving school community, check out our vacancies and get in touch today.
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Friday 01 Mar to Friday 15 Mar 2024

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU!

A BVIS HCMC experience is like no other. With an exceptional education under their belt, your child will be prepared for whatever path they choose to take in life.

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