Online English lessons for children in South-East Asia: a parent's guide by country

Which countries does this guide cover?

We have a guide for parents in each country: Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Timor-Leste. For Singapore and Malaysia, where families can already book CurioKids lessons, see our guides to Primary 1 English readiness in Singapore and English in Malaysian primary schools and the CEFR.

How does English fit into school across South-East Asia?

Broadly, there are three situations, and knowing which one your child is in tells you what extra lessons should focus on.

• English is used across school. In Singapore, the Philippines and Brunei, English is used to teach other subjects, at least as children move up. Children hear a lot of English, so lessons help most with strong reading, accurate writing and speaking at length.
• English is a subject from primary school. In Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, for example, English is taught as a subject from the primary years. Children often understand more than they can say, so speaking time matters most.
• English is one of several new languages. In Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Laos and parts of Indonesia, a child may meet English after one or two other languages. A clear, step-by-step start in listening, speaking and reading works best.

Arrangements vary between schools and change over time, so your child's school is always the best guide to what they cover in each year.

Does my child's home language change how they learn English?

Yes, in two useful ways. First, the script. Malay, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Filipino and Tetum use the Latin alphabet, so children know the letter shapes already; they need to learn the English sounds, because some letters sound different in their own language. Thai, Lao and Khmer have their own scripts, so English letters are new and deserve careful teaching.

Second, the sounds. Thai, Lao and Vietnamese use tones to change meaning, and words in these languages end in fewer sounds than English words, so endings like the s in cats often need practice. Each country guide describes what to expect. Whatever the language, phonics gives children a clear route into English reading.

When do online lessons fit in South-East Asia?

We suggest choosing a slot after school, between about 4pm and 8pm local time, or a weekend morning. A 25-minute lesson fits around homework, activities and dinner, and there's no travel. None of the countries in this guide change their clocks, so once you've found a time, it stays put all year.

Indonesia has three time zones of its own, so families there should check which zone a lesson time is shown in. Our guide to online lessons across time zones explains how to plan lessons with a teacher in another part of the world.

What should families anywhere in the region look for in lessons?

• Live lessons with a real teacher who responds to your child.
• 1-to-1 time, so your child speaks for much of the lesson.
• A course that teaches reading through phonics as well as speaking.
• A clear starting level, feedback after lessons and progress you can see.
• Lessons short and lively enough for your child's age.
• Clear safety rules: checked teachers, lessons inside the provider's own classroom and a way to report a concern.

Read our safe online tutor checklist before you choose any provider.

How can families measure progress across different school systems?

Each country describes school English in its own way, but the CEFR gives one international scale that works everywhere. Its early levels for children are Pre-A1, A1 and A2, each described with “can do” statements. Malaysia uses the CEFR as a reference for school English, and many international schools use it too. Read CEFR levels for children explained.

Does my child's teacher need to come from a particular country?

No. Across the region, parents often ask this. What matters most is a skilled, warm teacher who speaks clear English, knows how to teach young children and listens to your child. Accents vary everywhere English is spoken, and children who hear a range of voices understand English better in the long run. Read does my child need a native English teacher? for the questions that matter more.

Which of our guides should I read first?

Start with the guide for your country, then pick the topic that matches your child:

• Just starting to read? Read what phonics is, then blending and segmenting.
• Growing up with two or three languages? Read bilingual children who mix languages.
• Understands English but won't speak it? Read when a child is shy to speak English.
• Reads aloud well but misses the meaning? Read when a child reads but doesn't understand.
• Choosing lessons? Read what to look for in a free first lesson.

Can families across South-East Asia book CurioKids lessons?

Families in Singapore and Malaysia can book a free first lesson now from our Singapore and Malaysia pages. Each of the other countries in this guide has its own page, linked from its country guide. Where lessons are open, you can book a free first lesson there; where they haven't opened yet, leave your details on the page's waitlist and we'll let you know when you can book.

Wherever you are, CurioKids lessons are the same: live, 1-to-1 online English lessons for children aged 4–12, 25 minutes each, with a real teacher in the CurioKids classroom. Most children start with Phonics Starter, then move on to CEFR-based levels. See how we keep children safe and our FAQ.