The term "goose family," originating in South Korea, describes families separated by a child's pursuit of international education. Typically, the mother and child move abroad for education, while the father remains at home to work and provide financial support.
This phenomenon has spread beyond South Korea to China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries where families make similar sacrifices for their children's education. However, researchers in South Korea have found that the "goose family" model can have negative consequences.
Family relationships can suffer from the father's absence. Many fathers experience loneliness, depression, or even quiet divorces. Children may struggle with cultural adjustment and identity crises. A Yale University survey of Chinese international students revealed that 45% showed signs of depression and 29% experienced anxiety.
The substantial financial investment in overseas education also puts pressure on families. A survey by Wise, a financial services company specializing in international student money transfers, found that 67% of students experienced significant discrepancies between their planned budgets and actual expenses.
Faced with these challenges, some parents are considering local international school programs. These programs offer a "study abroad at home" experience, saving money while allowing students to gradually adapt to a global learning environment with continued family support.
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Students actively discuss in an international environment. Photo: BUV |
Students actively discuss in an international environment. Photo: BUV
The British University Vietnam (BUV) is a popular choice among parents. According to a BUV representative, students follow a British curriculum, taught entirely in English by international faculty, leading to globally recognized degrees. The total cost of studying at BUV is approximately 70% lower than studying in the UK.
A key advantage of studying at BUV is the international environment combined with the stability of family, cultural familiarity, and local support systems.
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BUV provides modern facilities to support learning. Photo: BUV |
BUV provides modern facilities to support learning. Photo: BUV
BUV emphasizes a blend of theory and practice through real-world projects and extracurricular activities, fostering both academic knowledge and soft skills development.
In addition to BUV's international degrees, students can access study abroad opportunities through a network of nearly 70 partner universities in over 15 countries. These include institutions within the prestigious Russell Group (24 of the most influential universities) and Triple Crown accredited business schools (representing the top 1% worldwide).
Students can participate in short-term study abroad programs, semester exchanges, transfer to a BUV partner university for their final year or two, or pursue postgraduate studies with personalized support services provided by BUV.
To facilitate international study, BUV has streamlined the process, from program advising and application preparation to scholarship applications and enrollment at the new institution, with 4 key advantages: First, personalized learning paths tailored to each student's abilities and aspirations. Second, reduced application workload with support from the International Office.
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BUV students participate in numerous seminars and events with international experts. Photo: BUV |
BUV students participate in numerous seminars and events with international experts. Photo: BUV
Third, a high success rate for study abroad transfers. Students may be exempt from conditional admission requirements such as English proficiency tests and entrance exams. Finally, guaranteed scholarship opportunities. All eligible students endorsed by the BUV International Office have access to guaranteed scholarship packages from BUV partner universities, subject to funding availability and specific requirements.
Yen Chi
BUV is the first university in Vietnam to achieve a 5-star rating from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and the first in Vietnam and ASEAN to receive global quality assurance recognition from QAA, the UK's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. These are two of the most reputable accreditation bodies worldwide.
BUV's curriculum is meticulously designed, incorporating the latest industry trends and emphasizing the integration of theory and practice. It ensures that 100% of graduates secure employment or continue their education within three months of graduation.
Readers can learn more about the Graduation Star scholarship program here.
