Those were the words of Tuấn Duy — valedictorian of the SACE program at Hanoi Adelaide School — as he began his new journey at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), one of Australia’s prestigious institutions.
Recalling the days when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak, Tuấn Duy — then studying in Germany — was forced to stop attending school. Amid long-distance calls across continents and a flood of uncertain news, his family was gripped by anxiety. Should they bring him home or let him stay? Should they end his study-abroad dream or find a new path forward?
During those days of deep deliberation, a close family friend introduced them to Hanoi Adelaide School — where his own child was studying and where he felt completely assured. A school tour on a beautiful sunny day, initially meant to be “just a quick look,” unexpectedly became a turning point for the whole family.
The modern facilities, abundant greenery, and open, internationally oriented learning spaces immediately won over Tuấn Duy’s mother. Yet what truly touched her was the warmth and dedication of the teachers. At H.A.S, students are always placed at the center, with teachers acting as companions who help HASians discover themselves, maximize their potential, and prepare to “set sail into the open sea.”
As they learned more about the Australia–Vietnam Dual Diploma Program (SACE), the family realized it was more than just a school curriculum — it was a wide-open gateway to advanced education systems around the world. A program taught entirely in English, with a strong focus on critical thinking, self-directed learning, and practical application — exactly the conditions Duy needed to continue his unfinished study-abroad dream.
“I want to give it a try,” Duy said — and his parents trusted that choice.
From a somewhat shy and reserved student, Duy began to take greater initiative in his learning. He selected subjects that matched his abilities and interests, organized his own schedule, and learned to seek support when needed. Studying was no longer just a task to complete — it gradually became an exciting journey of self-discovery.
With the dedicated support of his teachers and academic advisors — those who constantly created an open and inspiring learning environment — Duy discovered his passion for Mathematical Methods. That passion eventually guided him toward his future major in Computer Science.
Two and a half years later, Tuấn Duy graduated as valedictorian of the SACE program at H.A.S. Today, he is pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) with a 30% scholarship.
“SACE has truly brought about many changes. My son has become more proactive in his learning, developing self-study skills, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize information. Most notably, his English has improved significantly. When he began his university studies in Australia, he confidently said: ‘Thanks to studying SACE in Vietnam, I felt completely at ease learning here,’” shared Tuấn Duy’s mother with joy.
Hanoi Adelaide School
A pioneer in competency-based education
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The Dual Diploma Program at Hanoi Adelaide School is an optimal choice, equipping students with academic knowledge, modern skills, the development of 14 key competencies, and valuable real-life experiences — all of which empower them to shine confidently in both domestic and international universities, as well as in their future careers. High school students at Hanoi Adelaide School enjoy world-class learning conditions with outstanding advantages. By enrolling in the Dual Diploma Program, students have the opportunity to earn two high school diplomas at the same time: the Vietnamese High School Diploma and the Australian High School Certificate. The Australian diploma, issued by the SACE Board, is equivalent in form and value to that of students in South Australia and is recognized worldwide. It serves as proof that students have completed an international high school program, meeting the requirements for direct entry into universities around the globe while also increasing their chances of securing scholarships at top institutions — not only in Australia but in many other countries. The program is also considered a “priority ticket” that allows students to progress straight into the first year of leading universities without the need for a foundation year. Studying at Hanoi Adelaide School — one of the pioneers in competency-based education — students are supported and given opportunities to develop essential skills and competencies, while maximizing their individual strengths to become the “lighthouse” of their own journey. |
