English center in Da Nang fined $1,328 for operating like regular school

According to the department's announcement on Thursday, Palm River Academy, located in Thanh Nhut Hamlet, Hoi An Dong Ward, must publicly post the department's decision and submit a report on corrective actions.

The penalty follows an inspection in September after public complaints about the center's activities. 

At that time, Palm River Academy employed 10 teachers, including four Vietnamese and six foreign instructors, along with four teaching assistants and two administrative staff members.

The facility had 11 classrooms and functional areas such as a swimming pool, kitchen, and dining room.

Although licensed only to provide English instruction, the center advertised and operated seven classes for students ranging from preschool to high school, enrolling 62 learners. 

It also offered courses in mathematics, science, crafts, arts, dance, and cooking, as well as daycare and boarding services.

Inspectors determined that the center committed several violations, including employing Vietnamese teachers without proper qualifications, using foreign teachers outside the scope of their work permits, and advertising programs beyond its approved functions — misleading the public into believing it was a general school.

The academy was ordered to immediately stop all misleading advertisements and recruitment activities implying it is a formal school, end its boarding services, and cease all classes and activities not covered under its language center license.