1. What English courses does the center offer?

IELTS Courses:

• IELTS Foundation A (IFA): For learners with no basic knowledge, aiming for 3.0 IELTS overall. Focuses on building foundational pronunciation, basic grammar (simple tenses, perfect tenses), practical topic-based vocabulary, and familiarization with data comparison tasks.
• IELTS Foundation B (IFB): For learners at a 3.0 level, aiming for 4.0 IELTS overall. Introduces reading/listening analysis, quick note-taking, basic paragraph formation, and soft skills (conversational vs. academic language).
• IELTS Basic (IB): For learners at a 4.0 level, aiming for 5.0 IELTS overall. Focuses on expanding vocabulary/knowledge across 3 major topics (travel, crime, health), applying advanced structures (idioms, conditional sentences, relative clauses), practicing Scan/Skim techniques, and learning all aspects of Writing Task 1.
• IELTS Intermediate (II): For learners at a 5.0 level, aiming for 6.0 IELTS overall. Expands vocabulary/knowledge on topics (accommodation, work, animals, gifts), improves advanced pronunciation (linking sounds, stress), deepens Speaking Part 1 & 3, practices more Task 1 (maps, processes) and Task 2 (idea development, argumentation).
• IELTS Hi-Intermediate (IH): For learners at a 6.0 level, aiming for 6.5 IELTS overall. Expands vocabulary/knowledge across 6 topics (art, events, money…), applies advanced grammar (cleft sentences, idioms, advanced connectors, nominalization), ‘buying time’ techniques, reviews Task 1 & 2 comprehensively, and upgrades sentence structure (participial phrases, fronting, hedging).
• IELTS Advance – Writing (IA-W): An intensive Writing skills course, with an entry level of 6.5 Writing, aiming for a minimum of 7.0 Writing. Uses exclusive materials by Cô Nương Đoàn, focusing on analyzing charts, maps, processes (Task 1); developing ideas, arguments, and using advanced structures/vocabulary for various Task 2 essay types; and gaining a deep understanding of scoring criteria.
• IELTS Advance – Speaking (IA-S): An intensive Speaking skills course, with an entry level of 6.5 Speaking, aiming for a minimum of 7.0 Speaking. Uses exclusive materials by Cô Nương Đoàn, focusing on Part 1 (natural language, extending answers), Part 2 (story organization, advanced descriptive vocabulary), Part 3 (expressing opinions, in-depth analysis); and gaining a deep understanding of scoring criteria, pronunciation strategies, and intonation.

SAT Courses: designed to thoroughly prepare students for the SAT exam, especially beneficial for studying abroad in the US and applying to top universities in Vietnam, including the following levels:

• SAT Basic (Target 400+ Reading & Writing): For beginners (below 380 points), building foundational grammar, vocabulary (220 core words), and logical thinking, and familiarizing with SAT question types.
• SAT Inter (Target 580+ Reading & Writing): For students with a foundation (from 380 points), focusing on logical thinking methods, skills for common SAT question types (conjunctions, punctuation, main ideas…), data/graph interpretation, and learning 500 core vocabulary words.
• SAT Advanced (Target 680+ Reading & Writing, aiming for 1400-1500+ overall score): For advanced students (from 580 points), delving into techniques for handling the most difficult question types, nuanced thinking, and intensive practice with official/curated past exam papers.

AEF Courses (English for middle school students) based on the Cambridge framework (AEF – Academic English Foundation): This pathway builds a solid English foundation according to the international Cambridge English Scale (CES) standard.

• AEF Beginner (AEFB): Entry level A0-A1, target output B1 (140 CES). Develops all 4 skills comprehensively from the basics, learns vocabulary across 15 topics (daily, academic, abstract), foundational grammar, familiarizes with reading/listening for main ideas, writing letters/short paragraphs, and speaking simple sentences.
• AEF Intermediate (AEFI): Entry level B1 (140 CES), target output B1+ (160 CES). Expands intermediate vocabulary, reinforces grammar (tenses, passive voice, conditional sentences, reported speech), reads/listens to longer texts (500 words), writes argumentative paragraphs/essays (120-250 words), and discusses abstract topics in more depth.
• AEF Hi-Intermediate (AEFHI): Entry level B1+ (160 CES), target output B2 (176 CES). Supplements advanced vocabulary, complex grammar (relative clauses, inversion, reduction), reads/listens to very long (1000 words) and complex texts, writes coherent argumentative essays, debates, and delivers effective presentations.

Academic Writing Courses (Writing Summer): For students who want to focus on improving their academic writing skills.

• Writing Summer Intermediate (WRSI): Intermediate level, expected output equivalent to 4.5-5.5 IELTS. Focuses on solid grammar, sentence structure, paragraph development (topic sentences, main/supporting ideas), and handling 3 basic argumentative essay types.
• Writing Summer Hi-Intermediate (WRHI): Advanced level, expected output equivalent to 5.5-6.5 IELTS. Focuses on complex grammar, diverse writing techniques, handling 3 additional argumentative essay types, and avoiding common errors (run-on, fragment…).
• Writing Summer Advance (WRSA): High-advanced level, expected output equivalent to 6.5-7.0 IELTS. Reinforces critical thinking, coherent argumentation, masters 6 types of argumentative essays (Opinion, Discussion, Problem-Solution, etc.), uses advanced structures/vocabulary, and paraphrasing skills.

Supplementary Skills/Knowledge Courses:

• English Pronunciation Course – Basic Pronunciation (B.PRO): A 5-session (10-hour) course for beginners or Pre-Intermediate learners, focusing on correcting fundamental pronunciation errors (vowels, consonants, word/sentence stress, intonation) commonly made by Vietnamese speakers.
• English Grammar in Use – Basic (GR.B): An 18-hour grammar course (+2 hours of assessment) for Beginner to Pre-Intermediate students (currently studying AEFB or IFA/IFB). Reinforces 40 small grammar topics according to the general education curriculum, and practices 8 common exam exercise types.
• English Grammar in Use – Intermediate (GR.I): An 18-hour grammar course (+2 hours of assessment) for Intermediate to Hi-Intermediate students (currently studying AEFI or IFB/IB). Delves into 12 advanced grammar topics, and continues practicing 8 common exam exercise types.

2. How do I know which course/level is right for me?

Based on your needs and aspirations, as well as completing a placement test at ECE, you will determine your current proficiency level to choose the most suitable course. ECE offers a free English placement test, and you can choose the test schedule according to your availability.

After estimating your proficiency level, please refer to the detailed entry requirements for each course listed in answer number 1.

3. What is the duration of courses at ECE?

The duration of courses at ECE foreign language center is as follows:

• IFA: 40 learning hours + 8 assessment hours.
• IFB: 35 learning hours + 10 assessment hours.
• IB, II, IH: 48 learning hours + 12 assessment hours.
• IA-W: 20 learning hours + 3 assessment hours.
• IA-S: 18 learning hours + 2 assessment hours.
• Writing Summer (each level): 24 learning hours.
• AEF (each major level AEFB, AEFI, AEFHI): 82.5 learning hours + 7.5 assessment hours (divided into 3 smaller phases).
• B.PRO: 10 learning hours (5 sessions x 2 hours).
• GR.B, GR.I: 18 learning hours + 2 assessment hours.
• SAT Basic: 13 sessions / 26 learning hours.
• SAT Inter: 25 sessions / 50 learning hours.
• SAT Advanced: 25 sessions / 50 learning hours.

4. Does the center offer intensive courses?

Yes, ECE Center offers Intensive IELTS courses specially designed for individuals who need their certificate urgently (aiming to increase 1 band in ~1.5 months) and already have a foundation of 4.0 IELTS or higher. The course requires high commitment, has small class sizes (maximum 15 students), experienced teachers (8.0+), and a clear outcome guarantee policy. Intensive IB, II, and IH classes are available in both Offline and Online formats. Please note, this course is not suitable for beginners or those with a lost foundation.

5. What textbooks and learning materials are used?

Hello, ECE foreign language center uses official, reputable textbooks and materials from leading global publishers such as Cambridge, Oxford, MacMillan, National Geographic Learning (NGL), Learner, along with materials from the British Council and exclusive materials compiled by our academic team. Below is a list of materials mentioned for each specific course:

Materials for IELTS preparation courses:

• IELTS Foundation A (IFA):
  • Basic Tactics for Listening (Oxford)
  • Oxford Word Skills Basic
  • British Council Official Materials
  • Grammar for IELTS (Cambridge)
  • Headway Academic Skills (Oxford)
• IELTS Foundation B (IFB):
  • Expanding Tactics for Listening (Oxford)
  • Vocabulary Building (Learner Publishing House)
  • Grammar in Context 3 (National Geographic Learning)
  • Pathway 3 (National Geographic Learning)
  • Headway Academic Skills
• IELTS Basic (IB):
  • IELTS Introduction (MacMillan)
  • Cambridge English IELTS Series
  • Advanced English Pronunciation in Use (Cambridge)
  • The Best Preparation for IELTS Listening
  • IELTS Foundation (MacMillan)
  • Improve your IELTS: Reading Skills (MacMillan)
• IELTS Intermediate (II):
  • Cambridge English IELTS Series
  • Common mistakes at IELTS Advanced (Cambridge)
  • Improve your Skills: Listening & Speaking for IELTS (MacMillan)
  • Mindset for IELTS (Cambridge)
  • New Insight into IELTS (Cambridge)
• IELTS Hi-Intermediate (IH):
  • Cambridge English IELTS Series
  • Mindset for IELTS (Cambridge)
  • Vocabulary Building (Learner Publishing House)
  • New Insight into IELTS (Cambridge)
  • Common mistakes at IELTS Advanced (Cambridge)
  • Improve your Skills: Writing for IELTS (MacMillan)
  • Improve your Skills: Reading for IELTS (MacMillan)
  • Improve your Skills: Listening & Speaking for IELTS (MacMillan)
• IELTS Advance – Writing (IA-W):
  • EXCLUSIVE exercises, original materials, and guidance by Cô Nương Đoàn.
• IELTS Advance – Speaking (IA-S):
  • EXCLUSIVE exercises, original materials, and guidance by Cô Nương Đoàn.
• Intensive IELTS Courses (Intensive IB, II, IH):
  • Primarily use reputable core materials similar to the standard IB, II, IH courses (listed above).
  • These materials are adjusted, refined, and optimized by the ECE academic team to suit the intensive pace.

Materials for AEF courses:

• AEF Beginner (AEFB):
  • Laser A2, B1 series (McMillan)
  • THiNK 1, 2, 3 series (Cambridge)
  • Destination B1 series (McMillan)
  • Vocabulary in Use (Cambridge)
  • Grammar in Use (Cambridge)
  • Pronunciation in Use Elementary - Intermediate (Cambridge)
  • British Council Online Resources
  • KET / PET practice exercises
• AEF Intermediate (AEFI):
  • Laser B1, B1+, B2 series (McMillan)
  • THiNK 3, 4 series (Cambridge)
  • Destination B1, B2 series (McMillan)
  • Vocabulary in Use (Cambridge)
  • Grammar in Use (Cambridge)
  • Pronunciation in Use Intermediate - Upper-Intermediate (Cambridge)
  • British Council Online Resources
  • PET / FCE practice exercises
• AEF Hi-Intermediate (AEFHI):
  • Laser B2, C1 series (McMillan)
  • THiNK 4, 5 series (Cambridge)
  • Destination B2, C1 series (McMillan)
  • Vocabulary in Use (Cambridge)
  • Grammar in Use (Cambridge)
  • Pronunciation in Use Upper-Intermediate - Advanced (Cambridge)
  • British Council Online Resources
  • FCE / CAE practice exercises

Materials for English grammar courses: materials compiled by ECE, closely following the English curriculum of the Ministry of Education, aimed at helping students improve school scores and prepare for 10th-grade entrance exams.

6. How many students are in an ECE class?

To ensure the quality of each lesson and continuous interaction between students and teachers, basic classes at ECE are organized with a class size of 10-15 students. In addition to basic classes, students can register for one-on-one sessions with a teacher or classes with fewer than 10 students.

7. Does the center offer online classes?

Yes, ECE offers 100% online classes and hybrid classes (classes that include both students learning online via Zoom and students learning offline at ECE facilities). These two learning formats are suitable for students who live far from the center but have a genuine desire to study.

For online learning at ECE, tuition fees will also be adjusted down by 10% compared to offline learning (for the same proficiency level class).

8. Who are the teachers at the center? Are there native English speakers?

ECE is proud of its team of full-time Vietnamese teachers, who possess excellent expertise and extensive teaching experience (from 3 to over 19 years). The majority of our teachers have achieved IELTS 8.0 or 8.5, graduated from top universities in Vietnam and abroad, and many hold Master’s degrees and international teaching certificates (CELTA). With a deep understanding of effective teaching methods for Vietnamese learners and the impressive achievements of many generations of students (hundreds of students achieving 7.0 – 8.5 IELTS), ECE ensures superior teaching quality.

You can view the list of full-time teachers at ECE here.

9. The center has many classes with different teachers. How does the center ensure the quality of teaching?

– As mentioned above, ECE’s teaching staff consists of teachers with many years of English teaching experience, holding all relevant degrees and teaching certificates. Additionally, ECE organizes professional development sessions and provides teaching materials for the center’s teachers. These materials are continuously compiled and revised to ensure they meet students’ learning needs and knowledge requirements.

– Each class at ECE always has operational staff to handle unusual issues, such as teachers not completing the full lesson duration, or teachers not assigning homework to students. Therefore, students’ legitimate learning rights are always guaranteed in every class at ECE.

– All classes have dedicated Zalo groups for continuous academic exchange between teachers and students. All learning materials and teacher lectures will also be recorded and sent to these class groups for students to review after each session.

10. What is the class schedule like? Are there weekend/evening classes?

The class schedule and start dates will be registered by students with the center before the course begins. ECE students typically choose to attend classes in the afternoon or evening to accommodate their other school schedules. The center also offers classes on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) to ensure students’ access to learning.

Information about class schedules is regularly updated at the beginning of each month on both ECE’s fanpage and website. This schedule is agreed upon by the center and students when they register for a course.

11. Where is the center located? Is it easy to find?

As of April 28, 2025, ECE foreign language center has 3 facilities in Hanoi, all registered on Google Maps to help students easily find their way when visiting the center for the first time. Specifically, the addresses of the 3 facilities are as follows:

12. If a student has an unexpected absence, can they get a make-up class?

If a student must miss a class, they must notify the center at least 2 hours before the class begins to arrange a make-up class according to the center’s schedule. Attending a make-up class still counts as an absence to ensure quality. (Students who are late or miss class without permission will not be scheduled for make-up classes).

The center cannot guarantee the scheduling time for make-up classes. If the student is unable to attend both scheduled make-up classes, that make-up session will be canceled. The center will not be held responsible.

ECE Center only guarantees outcomes for students who attend classes, take exams, and complete all assignments as required by the center.

13. How much are the tuition fees for courses at ECE? Are there any additional costs during the study period at the center?

IELTS Course Fees:

ECE’s tuition fees are continuously updated and clearly listed on the center’s website, specifically as follows:

• IELTS Foundation A (IFA) Course: 6,580,000 VND
• IELTS Foundation B (IFB) Course: 7,200,000 VND
• IELTS Basic (IB) Course: 10,580,000 VND
• IELTS Inter (II) Course: 11,880,000 VND
• IELTS Hi Inter (IH) Course: 12,280,000 VND
• IELTS Advance (Speaking/Writing) Course: 8,500,000 VND
• IELTS Advance Course: 17,000,000 VND

For IELTS online courses in 2025, students will attend classes via Zoom, and tuition fees will be reduced by 10% compared to offline learning, specifically as follows:

• IELTS Foundation A online class: 5,920,000 VND
• IELTS Foundation B online class: 6,480,000 VND
• IELTS Basic online class: 9,520,000 VND
• IELTS Inter online class: 10,690,000 VND
• IELTS Hi Inter online class: 11,050,000 VND
• IELTS Advance (Speaking/Writing) online class: 7,500,000 VND
• IELTS Advance online course: 15,000,000 VND

In addition to the basic IELTS classes, you can find out more about IELTS 1-on-1 course fees at ECE.

• Intensive IB course fee: 10,490,000 VND
• Intensive II course fee: 11,490,000 VND
• Intensive IH course fee: 12,190,000 VND

SAT Course Fees are as follows:

• SAT BASIC Course (0 – 400+): 6,500,000 VND
• SAT INTER Course (380 – 580+): 12,500,000 VND
• SAT ADVANCED Course (580 – 680+): 12,500,000 VND

• Writing Summer Intermediate (WRSI) Course: 5,500,000 VND
• Writing Summer Hi-Intermediate (WRHI) Course: 6,000,000 VND
• Writing Summer Advance (WRSA) Course: 6,380,000 VND
• Students registering for 2 courses (WRSI + WRHI): 10,350,000 VND
• Students registering for 2 courses (WRHI + WRSA): 11,142,000 VND
• Students registering for 3 courses (WRSI + WRHI + WRSA): 15,198,000 VND

English Pronunciation Course Fees:

• Listed Price: 3,000,000 VND
• Special offer for new students registering solely for the “Basic Pronunciation” course: 1,500,000 VND
• Super attractive offer for center students: 500,000 VND
• Special: Students registering for combo courses at ECE will receive the Basic Pronunciation English course for FREE.

English Grammar Course Fees:

• Grammar – Basic Course: 2,600,000 VND
• Grammar Inter Course: 3,000,000 VND

All tuition fees listed above include all learning materials for students. Students do not have to pay any additional costs when studying at ECE.

14. Does the center offer any tuition fee incentives for students?

Students who meet the conditions for retaking a course at ECE will be arranged to retake it without any additional costs. The conditions for retaking a course are that students must attend the required number of sessions and complete all homework. Additionally, for students facing difficult circumstances, the center will consider partially or fully waiving tuition fees.

ECE has many tuition fee incentive programs for students studying at the center, specifically as follows:

Incentives for students registering for 1-on-1 classes at ECE (applicable to IELTS and SAT):

– Students registering for 1