United Nations International School Hanoi

From its humble beginnings in 1988, the United Nations International School Hanoi has blossomed into a vibrant hub of international education. Initially, with fewer than ten students, the school operated from a small building attached to the Hanoi-Amsterdam campus. Imagine a handful of students and teachers navigating the bustling hallways of a local high school, their small international community nestled within a larger Vietnamese institution. This was the reality for the United Nations International School Hanoi in its early years. The school was established with the support of the United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam to provide education for the children of UN staff and other international families. The United Nations International School Hanoi’s connection to the UN makes it one of only two UN schools globally, the other being in New York City. Over the years, the school grew, and by 1999, a move to the UN buildings in Van Phuc marked a significant step forward. Finally, in 2004, the United Nations International School Hanoi found its permanent home in the Ciputra Hanoi Estate. This custom-built campus provided the space and resources necessary to accommodate the school’s expanding student body and programs. A further expansion in 2012 saw the addition of a state-of-the-art sports center and arts center. The sports center boasts two covered basketball courts, while the arts center features a theater and a recording studio. Today, the United Nations International School Hanoi caters to over 1,100 students representing 66 nationalities. The school maintains a 20% cap on any single nationality to ensure a diverse and international environment. The curriculum, based on the International Baccalaureate program, spans from pre-school to grade 12, offering the IB Diploma to high school students. The United Nations International School Hanoi was the first school in Asia to offer the full IB program. It’s also accredited by several international organizations, including the Council of International Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school’s commitment to diversity and internationalism reflects the values of the United Nations itself.