Getting the best education possible from kindergarten through to graduation is a hugely important factor in preparing young people for later adult life. It can have a huge impact on their future successes and how they approach the world.
While academics are just as important as they’ve always been, in today’s interconnected world, an appreciation of cultures outside of your own has also become essential. The opportunity to soak up another country’s customs, learn a second language and mix with peers from a whole range of backgrounds, creates young adults more comfortable in their role of global citizen.
Encouraging this understanding and tolerance is key in operating openly and freely in the modern workplace, regardless what industry or academic interests you choose to pursue. The ability to appreciate, communicate and interact across cultures and borders has become synonymous with success.
Along with a deeper understanding of the world, there is of course the added bonus of getting to see some of the planet’s most beautiful spots. Travelling and living overseas can open your eyes to new and exciting opportunities you never would have found at home, exposing you to adventures you’ve only seen in your dreams.
For adults, this experience can be exciting, but for high schoolers, the exposure can be life-changing. By growing up in such a culturally-diverse environment, they begin to see the world in a new light and dream bigger than their peers who stayed home.
While every study abroad opportunity provides its own unique cultures and experiences, there are some that really pack in the culture and give students the chance to study in beautiful locations with rich history and traditions.
Here are 4 international schools in APAC’s cultural hubs of APAC…
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, HO CHI MINH CITY – VIETNAM
This school is a longstanding leader of education in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the British International School (BIS HCMC) has been making its mark on the Vietnamese education landscape since 1997.
From humble beginnings, BIS HCMC has developed into a world-class learning institute and has become a trusted favourite of expatriate and local families in this cultural melting pot. As the school awaits the opening of a brand-new state-of-the-art campus, it’s easy to see how far they’ve come. The cutting-edge design encapsulates all modern-day educational thinking. By taking the most effective teaching methods and applying them to the learning environment, the school presents a space where children can gain a sense of independence, explore, learn and build their expertise.
This caring and multi-cultural community produces fantastic results, with graduates going on to be dynamic leaders and valued global citizens. The strong reputation the school enjoys for outstanding academic standards is no coincidence. Investments in both their exceptional teaching staff and premium facilities make for a winning combination. Students and graduates include published poets, international athletes, and Oxford University graduates.
All of this comes with the added bonus of being based in beautiful Vietnam. As a country brimming with history and culture, it’s the perfect place for young minds to learn about the wider world and gain an understanding of the beauty and significance of another nation’s customs and traditions. Get in touch with BIS HCMC here.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF NANSHAN SHENZHEN – CHINA
The International School of Nanshan Shenzhen (ISNS) delivers a globally-relevant and accredited curriculum in supportive Canadian style, empowering students through first-rate teaching and a distinct International Baccalaureate (IB) delivery.
This uniquely Canadian structure provides a breadth and depth of study, instilling Primary, Middle and High School students with the expertise, knowledge and attitude needed to thrive at every crucial stage of life. Equipped with two distinct pathways of study – the New Brunswick Diploma and the IB Diploma – ISNS students have every opportunity to grow, learn and excel. As of August 2016, ISNS became the region’s first continuum IB world school to be fully-authorized across the Primary Year (PYP), Middle Year (MYP) and Diploma Programmes.
To complement these elite academics, ISNS invested in a brand-new campus setting, inspiring students with this bright space and its state-of-the-art facilities. Particularly special to ISNS is the Technology Integration and VR program, where high-end media tools, iMac Labs and Makerspace offer an enriching dimension to learning through cutting-edge technology.
The campus was specifically-designed with the eager student in mind, granting them a vibrant, open arena in which to learn and grow. Embellished with a fun adventure playground, a huge sport and playing field, a running track, air-conditioned Gymnasium, Auditorium, libraries, courtyards and comfortable classrooms that are conducive to learning, this is a school that students simply don’t want to leave.
“At ISNS, children are given the opportunity to become great masters in whatever field they choose,” says David Swanson, Head of the School. “We aim to develop leaders in addition to learners.”
RUAMRUDEE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, BANGKOK – THAILAND
Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a place of contrast with action and adventure at every turn. From the gleaming golden pagodas, to the bustling street markets and world-class food, you can’t possibly get bored here.
The Ruamrudee International School’s (RIS) approach to creative and inclusive education is the perfect complement to such a diverse and multicultural city. The School prides itself on creating open minded and critical thinkers, who are collaborative and resourceful individuals.
The holistic style of education, encompasses all aspects of education so students have the chance to explore their interests, develop a sense of self and grow into well-rounded, worldly-wise young adults.
The Athletics programme challenges students to strive for the best and introduces a healthy sense of competition, while the Arts programme gives students the chance to take to the stage and cultivate a sense of confidence that sticks with them for life.
Located on a beautiful 28-acre campus, RIS is home to multiple performing arts and athletic venues, computer labs, a recording studio, and a vast selection of individual multicultural dining options.
KING’S COLLEGE INDIA, ROHTAK – INDIA
In a world first, the renowned King’s College Taunton – located in Somerset, UK – has become the first British private school to open a campus in India, offering identical top-notch British education.
The School opened its doors in August 2016, so you can rest assured that the facilities and the expansive campus is of first-rate quality. They’ve got facilities to rival some of the world’s finest schools, including a golf driving range with real fairway features, climbing wall, skating area, art studio, and music practice rooms fully-kitted out with instruments.
Located outside Delhi, this School offers a unique opportunity for students – a British education with a distinct Indian culture. The School’s curriculum reflects this diversity, incorporating both the academic and spiritual development of students. At King’s College India, education nurtures each child’s interest in making meaning through hands-on experiences and research that is driven by the child.
King’s College strives to ignite the child’s imagination and ensure learning and teaching is not compartmentalised, meaning all subjects remain relevant and interconnected.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
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