"I swim early in the morning so it doesn't affect other activities," says 15-year-old Nguyen Phan Anh from Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

For over a year, whether summer or winter, Phan Anh has been swimming in the river for two hours every day before returning home to study his homeschool curriculum. In the afternoons, his classroom becomes a barbershop, a pottery studio, or a car repair shop. Regardless of the location, he ends his day playing sports in the park, having dinner with his family, playing a few guitar tunes, and then going to bed.

"I wake up before dawn and have such a fun day that I sometimes forget we have a gaming console at home," the 15-year-old says.

Phan Anh swims in the Red River one summer morning in 2025. Photo courtesy of the subject

Phan Anh swims in the Red River one summer morning in 2025. Photo courtesy of the subject

Phan Anh’s life now is a stark contrast to three years ago when he attended a private school. Back then, he spent all day in class, doing homework until midnight, with no time for any other activities. His parents, however, wanted him to have time to experience the world, explore himself, and try new things.

During the summer before 9th grade, Phan Anh’s father asked him, "If you studied less but understood more deeply, and had more time for experiences, would you want to try it?" Phan Anh immediately agreed, even though he didn't fully understand what homeschooling entailed.

Father and son spent five hours discussing the pros and cons of homeschooling. His father asked him to think critically and pose questions in return. They thoroughly examined questions about diplomas, friends, and discipline.

Phan Anh’s primary concern was his diploma. His father, a business executive, explained that five years ago, the priority was hiring graduates from top universities, but now the focus is on those who can deliver results. "Society is changing faster than ever. Those who are adaptable and produce results will last," he said. A homeschool diploma can still grant access to some universities in Vietnam, study abroad opportunities, or vocational training.

Finally, his father encouraged him: "You choose, son. I believe in you."

However, the first week of homeschooling was a shock. Without the school bell, he reveled in his freedom. He studied, but it wasn't productive. His father became a full-time supervisor, but as soon as he turned his back, his son would be lounging around. Recognizing the situation, the family convened and agreed on four principles: self-discipline; honesty; no half-hearted efforts; and play only after completing work.

Phan Anh studies at home in Ba Dinh ward, Hanoi, in 2024. Photo courtesy of the subject

Studying online with an American curriculum.

Phan Anh cycles in Da Lat in 2025. Photo courtesy of the subject

He attended summer camp in Japan in 2024.

Diving for sea urchins in Mui Treo, Quang Tri.

Learning to make coffee in Huong Hoa, Quang Tri.

Going into the forest to hunt for honey.

Learning to livestream while working at a pottery studio.

Learning to cook with Chef Hungazit Nguyen Manh Hung.

Participating in a photography class.

Phan Anh participates in and wins many river and sea swimming competitions.

Based on this foundation of discipline, Phan Anh's curriculum is built on three pillars: knowledge, personal development, and competitive skills. For knowledge, he follows a homeschooling program from a school in Nebraska (USA), which upon completion will grant him a high school diploma. The program consists of 24 subjects for grades 9 through 12. Since the American curriculum doesn't cover Vietnamese Literature, History, and Geography, his parents supplement with Vietnamese textbooks.

Phan Anh can study anytime, anywhere. Maintaining a pace of three hours per day, he expects to finish in 2.5 years, 1.5 years shorter than the traditional track. Having registered through a center, he receives tutor support when facing difficulties. Additionally, he studies in a group with two teachers to reinforce his knowledge.

Regarding personal development, his father directly teaches him everything, from table manners to real-life situations. Every week, the family engages in exploratory activities so he can learn from real-world experiences.

Competitive skills are divided into physical fitness and job skills. His father believes anyone can be his mentor if they possess four qualities: kindness, passion for what they teach, discipline, and dedication.

Phan Anh's homeschooling journey is also a learning process for his parents. Initially, lacking experience in finding supplementary activities, they had Phan Anh study continuously from morning to afternoon. After just one week, noticing signs of stress in their son, they adjusted the schedule to allow for more real-world interaction.

His father sought mentors to teach his son various skills, from river swimming and AI to writing and video editing. He also taught his son effective learning and working techniques like using Kanban boards, teamwork, and the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break).

"Before, my dad would constantly ask, 'Phan Anh, what are you doing?' Since adopting these techniques, he doesn't need to ask or supervise me anymore," Phan Anh shares.

Phan Anh studies at home in Ba Dinh ward, Hanoi, in 2024. Photo courtesy of the subject

The 15-year-old’s learning process has become increasingly enriching. Last summer, wanting to learn AI, his father connected him with a colleague who was not only experienced but also exemplified the motto "if you want something, figure it out." This mentor didn't teach from a textbook but started with his student's practical needs. For example, if he was struggling with video ideas, the mentor would guide him in creating a content assistant; if he wanted a balanced diet, they would set up a nutrition chatbot to remind him of daily menus; or configure ChatGPT to send inspirational stories at 7 a.m. for him to read.

Over the past year, Phan Anh has traveled extensively with his family, learning and making friends with many people. He recounts conversations with 10 street vendors in Hue, roasting coffee beans on a hillside, meeting Van Kieu ethnic people, and diving for sea urchins in Mui Treo (Quang Tri).

His friends are no longer confined to his classroom but represent diverse ages, professions, and nationalities. "I remember the fun afternoons playing with Nam, who lives on a coffee hill in Quang Tri, or following Sau in Quang Nam to catch birds. I also have unforgettable memories with children in the Lao border region and regularly chat with a Spanish bullfighter I met on a trip," he says.

Recently, Phan Anh embarked on the "100 jobs" challenge. He interned at a pottery shop, learning decorating skills, livestreaming, and tireless carrying from the staff. Other weeks, he experienced working at a nearby barbershop, a car repair shop, helping sell vegetables at the end of his alley, or assisting with tagging and packaging at a fashion store.

At the end of July, Phan Anh traveled alone to Singapore for two weeks for swim training. Away from home, he managed his expenses, went to the market, and cooked for himself. "My dad gave me the task of getting at least 10 pieces of advice from strangers. I came back with a notebook full of stories and advice," he excitedly shares.

Above all, river swimming is the activity that makes Phan Anh feel most mature and confident. Regular swimming has instilled perseverance, established a habit of waking up early, and provides energy for the entire day. After a year, he consecutively achieved 1st place in the Red River swim (6.8 km), 1st place in his age group at Ly Son Cross Island (5 km), 2nd place in his age group at SeaStar Nha Trang (10 km), and is now nurturing a dream of swimming across Vietnam.

Among countless memories of swimming in rivers and seas, he most vividly recalls the 15 km challenge from midnight to dawn in 12/2024. Having only trained in river swimming for five months and never exceeded 10 km, Phan Anh still asked his father to participate. That day, T. Anh made his son go to bed early, while he anxiously awaited the starting time.

At exactly midnight, in 15-degree weather and icy water, the youngest participant plunged into the river with five others. His father paddled a stand-up paddleboard beside him, his hands numb; in the water, his son continued to swim steadily. Near the last kilometer, his lips turned purple, and his eyes grew drowsy. His father let him hold onto the board to rest, gave him some honey, and whispered, "Come on, son, you're almost there. I believe you can do it."

Reaching the finish line as the sun rose, father and son looked at each other with tears in their eyes. T. Anh admitted to feeling immense admiration for his son while accompanying him that day. After that experience, his son became significantly more confident, not only in swimming but also in his thinking and work ethic. "Every time he dares to try something difficult, he grows a little more. And to have that opportunity, adults have to believe in him first," his father says.

Phan Anh cycles in Da Lat in 2025. Photo courtesy of the subject

For Phan Anh, it's his most cherished memory with his father. Over the past year, his father assigned him to read an inspirational story every day, but it turns out his father is his greatest inspiration. Whatever he studies, his father also researches it and offers feedback.

"My parents raise me like gardeners, pruning a little each day," the 15-year-old says.

Video: Phan Anh's story of making friends while homeschooling.

Phan Duong