Transformative refurbishments and world-class boarding facilities for a bright future at Australian International School

Australian International School and European International School HCMC are set to undergo significant campus upgrades later this year, with a total investment of EUR 10 million. These improvements aim to enhance the learning environment and provide state-of-the-art facilities for an outstanding education journey.

At the Lotus campus, all classrooms and outdoor playgrounds will be revamped with new equipment supplied by Kompan from Europe. Additionally, a new Early Learning School will be introduced, including a space for infants, to take over from the XI campus, ensuring a dedicated space for the youngest learners.

The Thu Thiem campus will experience extensive renovations across multiple floors. The ground floor will feature a new Early Learning School, revamped outdoor playgrounds, and an extension of the football pitch to FIFA regulation size. On the first floor, all primary classrooms will be refreshed with new paint in the corridors and the addition of two new open breakout areas. The second floor will see the creation of eight more classrooms and a new Dance and Drama room, providing ample space for performing arts. The third floor, previously unused, will now house three new Sao Paolo labs and the relocated Design Technology and Art rooms, optimizing the use of space for creative and technical education.

The Cherry Blossom campus will also benefit from a complete overhaul, with all classrooms and playgrounds being revamped. A new auditorium will be constructed, offering a modern venue for school events and performances.

At EIS, the focus will be on revamping classrooms to create a more conducive learning environment. Additionally, the Design Information Technology room will be repurposed into an IB Lounge, providing a dedicated space for International Baccalaureate students to study and collaborate.

These upgrades across the AIS and EIS campuses reflect a commitment to providing high-quality education facilities, supporting the schools' mission to foster a dynamic and engaging learning experience for all students.

As this plays a crucial role in the future for AIS, we sat down with Jon Standen, AIS Executive Principal, who is about to celebrate his first year leading the renowned school. We asked him about his experiences so far and his vision for the future.

Jon, as you approach your first anniversary as Executive Principal and Leader of AIS Saigon, what accomplishments are you most proud of? 

I joined the AIS school community a year ago, immediately noticing happy and well cared for students, along with the dedication of our staff, both academic and support. It was important to me that this culture didn’t change, and I’m pleased to say AIS has the same community atmosphere as when I joined. Staff want the best for the students, and we’ve worked hard this year to ensure the highest quality teaching and learning in every classroom, sharing best practice through instructional coaching. In addition to great academic outcomes, I’m also proud of the holistic education we provide, which helps our students develop the all-round skills and qualities that will support them through their lives, long after they’ve left AIS.

Can you share with us your vision for the coming year at AIS and provide some insights into your long-term goals for the school?

Simply to be the best school we can possibly be, offering our parents the best return on their investment, by helping their children develop into the very best versions of themselves. AIS Saigon is a leading school in Saigon, my vision is to establish it as one of the leading schools in Southeast Asia. To do so we will further improve our teaching and learning, academic results and university destinations. They are excellent already, but you can’t rest on your laurels! We also have significant investment in our buildings and facilities approved, and work begins as soon as the school term ends.

Both the Thao Dien and Thu Thiem campuses are scheduled for exciting facility upgrades. What specific improvements are you and your team most anticipating once these enhancements are completed? 

Firstly, every Primary classroom in the school will be renovated to the Inspired Group’s standards. They will include world-class facilities along with brand new outdoor playgrounds. We will create a state-of-the-art Early Learning Centre in Lotus Campus in Thao Dien, and similarly here at Thu Thiem. There will also be significant investment in science, as we commission a new wing in Level 4 of the Thu Thiem campus, along with new Art and Design Technology rooms too. Quite simply this is the most significant investment in the school since it was built.

AIS is renowned for its exceptional boarding facilities. In your view, what are the primary advantages of enrolling as a boarding student at the school? 

Our AIS boarding facilities were launched in 2020 as Ho Chi Minh City's first premium international boarding school accommodation, complete with state-of-the-art facilities. At AIS, our boarding rooms are designed to ensure the utmost comfort for up to 50 students and is available for students who are 11 years old or above. Boarders have access to a communal area that serves breakfast, dinner and is a place to relax and socialize with friends. Our Boarding is located onsite and is conveniently close to the school, giving boarders access to all its world-class facilities such as outdoor swimming pools, basketball courts, age-appropriate playgrounds, sports fields, and gymnasiums even after school and on weekends. Boarding is a brilliant option for some students, typically students who live a long way from the school and who take advantage of weekly boarding or full boarding options. Our boarding facilities are first class, and our boarding community is warm and welcoming. Boarding is “a home away from home.” Boarders have a fun filled programme of activities in the evenings and at weekends. They also have access to specialist teachers who can support with homework. Perhaps the most notable point about boarders I have witnessed from leading boarding schools for over a decade, is that boarding really does prepare students for life after school. Boarders are already living away from home, supervised of course, but they are more independent and therefore more prepared for life at university than many of their peers.