Building Good Relationships with Vietnamese Students and Parents

For foreign teachers in Vietnam, academic success goes hand in hand with building strong relationships with both students and their parents. In Vietnamese culture, education is highly valued, and parents play an active role in their children’s learning journey. When teachers take the time to connect with students and communicate effectively with families, they create a positive classroom environment that leads to better outcomes for everyone.

In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies for building good relationships with Vietnamese students and parents to ensure a rewarding teaching experience.

1. Understand Vietnamese Educational Culture

Before building relationships, it’s important to understand the cultural context:

• Respect for teachers: Teachers are traditionally viewed with high respect in Vietnam. Students are expected to show politeness, while teachers are expected to be role models.
• Parental involvement: Parents often closely monitor their children’s academic progress and may communicate regularly with schools.
• High expectations: Education is seen as the key to success, so both parents and students may put strong emphasis on grades and results.

By understanding these values, foreign teachers can better align their approach with cultural expectations.

2. Build Rapport with Students

Strong teacher-student relationships motivate learners and make lessons more engaging.
Practical tips:

• Learn students’ names quickly to show personal care.
• Use positive reinforcement such as praise, points, or certificates.
• Encourage students to share their hobbies and interests, then incorporate them into lessons.
• Balance authority with approachability, be friendly but maintain professional boundaries.

When students feel respected and valued, they are more willing to participate actively in class.

3. Communicate Effectively with Parents

Parents appreciate teachers who keep them informed and involved.
Practical tips:

• Share regular updates on student progress, either through messages, school apps, or parent meetings.
• Highlight strengths as well as areas for improvement.
• Be clear and polite in communication, especially when discussing challenges.
• When possible, learn basic Vietnamese greetings or use interpreters to bridge language gaps.

Clear, respectful communication reassures parents and builds trust.

4. Show Cultural Sensitivity

Demonstrating respect for Vietnamese traditions helps strengthen relationships.

• Acknowledge important holidays such as Tet (Lunar New Year).
• Respect cultural norms in behavior and communication.
• Show appreciation for Vietnamese food, customs, and family values when appropriate.

Even small gestures of cultural awareness show parents and students that you care about their background.

5. Involve Parents in the Learning Process

Parents are more supportive when they feel part of their child’s education.
Ways to involve parents:

• Suggest at-home activities to reinforce classroom lessons.
• Invite parents to attend special class events or presentations.
• Provide resources for practicing English at home, such as storybooks or apps.

This collaboration creates a stronger support system for the student.

6. Handle Conflicts with Care

Challenges may arise - such as disagreements about grades, discipline, or teaching style.
How to manage effectively:

• Stay calm and professional, even if parents are emotional.
• Listen actively before responding.
• Focus on solutions, not blame.
• Document important conversations for clarity and follow-up.

Respectful conflict resolution strengthens long-term relationships and maintains professional trust.

For foreign teachers, success in Vietnam is not only about delivering lessons but also about building good relationships with students and parents. By showing cultural respect, creating positive classroom connections, and maintaining clear communication with families, teachers can foster an environment where students feel motivated and supported. When teachers, students, and parents work together, the result is not only academic success but also meaningful cultural exchange and long-lasting bonds.