Dak Lak police warn parents about risks from substandard, unauthorized language centers

The economic police division of the provincial Department of Public Security recently issued the warning, urging parents to carefully verify the legitimacy of centers and avoid losing money to illegitimate operations.

Authorities say demand for foreign language education has grown rapidly, with around 230 licensed centers currently operating in the province.

However, illegal teaching continues, with classes often held at private homes or rented spaces without approval, centers displaying signage without meeting regulatory standards, or institutions transferred to new owners without proper registration.

Some establishments employ unqualified teachers, falsely advertise native-language instructors, or claim international affiliations to attract students.

The police said studying at these centers carries significant risks, including poor teaching quality, unstandardized curricula, and difficulties in resolving fee disputes, particularly if a center suddenly closes.

Certificates issued by such centers are often invalid.

In January 2026, authorities discovered two organizations operating without proper licenses and employing unqualified teachers, imposing fines of VND37.5 million (nearly US$1,400).

Notably, the IALC Vietnam English Center, which had operated on a rented premises on Hung Vuong Street in Tuy Hoa Ward, Dak Lak, recently closed and no longer offers classes.

According to a March 4 report from the Division of Vocational Education and Continuing Education under the Dak Lak Department of Education and Training, the center had previously been licensed and operated legally.

However, after receiving complaints from parents that the center had ceased operations without refunding tuition fees to their children, authorities were unable to contact the center’s director.

The landlord said the center had ceased operations before the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) break, owing two months of rent and unpaid electricity and water bills, which led to contract termination.

A former employee added that the center had stopped teaching at the end of December 2025 due to financial difficulties.

While some students were refunded, many cases remain unresolved.

Pressured by parents, the director has cut off communication and avoided addressing the issue.

Authorities said they will continue efforts to reach the center in order to protect students’ rights and will propose further action if necessary.

Dak Lak police advised parents to choose only licensed centers, verify information on the provincial Department of Education and Training’s portal, and carefully review curricula, instructors, and tuition fees before enrolling their children.