Top 5 picks for leading International Schools in Asia

24 May 2017

Choosing a school for your child can be a long and difficult process, particularly when every global region presents a wealth of choice. School is the foundation that prepares a child for the next stage of their life, and it is vital that they are offered the necessary tools and support necessary for success.

Studying abroad presents young people with an opportunity to explore a new way of life, broaden their horizons and thrive as an individual. Working alongside pupils from every corner of the globe, your child will gain an insight into numerous global cultures, allowing them to flourish into an open-minded and understanding adult.

Asia is a melting-pot of culture and diversity, boasting some of the largest and most historic cities the world has to offer. There are an increasing number of people, both within the region and around the world, who are choosing Asia as the most preferred study destination for their children. With some of the most progressive and dynamic countries and cities in the world, Asia has quickly become a hub for business and technology innovation.

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Behind the exponential growth of Asian economies is the investment that has recently been poured into the education sector. Asian schools and universities are now frequently listed among the world’s best, while prosperous regional economies are presenting students with an abundance of post-study opportunities to help them chase their dream career.

Speaking of the region, Alexander Stubb, former Prime Minister of Finland, said: “Asia is probably the most dynamic continent in the world and economically it presents endless opportunities. The centre of gravity is moving towards the East.”

If you are considering Asia as a potential study path for your child, here are 5 outstanding schools across the continent that are renowned for their prominent academia and commitment to providing the best possible student opportunities…

RUAMRUDEE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (RIS) – THAILAND

Source: Ruamrudee International School

As Thailand’s second-oldest school, Ruamrudee International has been providing first-class education to its students since 1957. Based in Bangkok, RIS has grown into a community of 1,200 students from all walks of life, pursuing an academic experience steeped in prestige and moral excellence.

Ruamrudee, a Thai word which translates to ‘Union of Hearts’, encapsulates the welcoming philosophy of the School. RIS champions a rich diversity that sets the trend for other schools in Asia and worldwide, while its array of courses and programmes are focused on developing your child into a creative and open-minded adult set not just for university, but also later life. Ruamrudee consistently produces top graduates; this year alone, the School has received 111 offers from universities ranked in the global top 100, including University of California at Berkeley, Cornell University and University College London. RIS is one of the few schools to offer both the Advanced Placement track and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

Coupled with a track-record of academic merit, Ruamrudee boasts an impressive list of facilities to provide a platform for your child’s interests and hobbies. The beautiful 25-acre Wi-Fi enabled campus is home to multiple performing arts and athletic venues, a Robotics labs, a Makerspace, and even a recording studio. There is also a host of extracurricular clubs and activities in which your child can get involved, ranging from 70 different sports teams to Model UN, World Scholar’s Cup, chess, and the Pet Animal Welfare Society.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HO CHI MINH CITY (ISHCMC) – VIETNAM

Source: International School Ho Chi Minh City

Boasting a 100 percent university acceptance rate, the International School Ho Chi Minh is an academic centre of excellence. Students are taught in safe and modern learning environments which act as a smooth transition to universities and colleges around the world. Diversity is at the heart of ISHCMC, with more than 50 nationalities represented on campus.

ISHCMC was also the city’s first International Baccalaureate (IB) accredited school to offer all three programmes. Teaching children from the ages of two to 18, the school has a dedicated compliment of international teachers who are passionate about their profession and take an active role in the wellbeing and development of all students.

The ISHCMC campus is in the heart of the historic Ho Chi Minh City, and is home to 75 classrooms, an indoor gymnasium, a 25-metre swimming pool, and a number of sporting facilities. There are also science labs, a makerspace, music rooms, art rooms and a health clinic. The start of the academic year 2017/18 will also see the opening of a brand new state-of-the-art secondary school campus, featuring a 350-seat professional-standard theatre and a wide range of sporting facilities to further support the welfare of ISHCMC students.

“I am delighted to see the exciting expansion of the famous ISHCMC brand in Ho Chi Minh City with the upcoming opening of the new second campus. ISHCMC is synonymous with delivering high levels of academic achievement and this is also at the heart what Cognita Schools seeks to achieve around the world. ISHCMC is certainly staying true to the Cognita vision of “Inspiring children to achieve more than they believe possible,” says Michael Drake, CEO, Cognita Asia.

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (AIS) – SINGAPORE

Source: Australian International School

As the only southern hemisphere school in Singapore to offer both the IBDP and Australian Curriculum for students aged 18 months to 18 years, the Australian International School represents a beacon of excellence on the education stage. The School is dedicated to the provision of an enriching and holistic learning experience, allowing each child to thrive and be known within the friendly and inclusive community.

“Each child is special, each is important,” states Mr Andre Casson, Principal of the School. “We remain non-selective in our admissions policy, confident that is not intellectual ability alone that determines an individual’s worth or contribution to the betterment of our world,” he says.

Students at AIS are whole-heartedly encouraged to pursue School life at full throttle, urged to delve into the abundant opportunities available both in and outside of the classroom. In addition to its choice of academic pathways, AIS offers a comprehensive sports programme, as well as a wealth of opportunities across creative and performing arts, making the student journey both lively and unforgettable.

“We are equally committed to the notion of our students becoming adults, who have a moral commitment to making our world a better place as reflective, caring, knowledgeable and principled people,” Casson concludes.

KIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL – THAILAND

Source: KIS International School

Set amid the bright lights of Bangkok, Thailand’s booming capital city, KIS International School consistently seeks to inspire students and challenges them to become better people.

Established in 1998, the School is among the nation’s first fully-accredited IB Schools, offering the PYP, MYP and DP, and cementing its position as a pioneer of outstanding international education.

Teaching 650 students from 49 global regions, KIS is a cultural melting-pot of unique ideas and perspectives. This tight-knit, intimate size means students receive the one-to-one teacher attention they deserve, while the distinct international atmosphere leaves students more open to progressive and creative ideas – something that will pay dividends as they move towards a healthy and successful future.

This light, spacious and green campus boasts unparalleled learning facilities – including an extensive library, media centre and swimming pool, just to name a few. The school sits in a gated housing estate close to the perks of the city, offering a conducive learning environment away from noise and pollution, but still easily accessible from both central Bangkok and the suburbs.

DWIGHT SCHOOL SEOUL – SOUTH KOREA

Source: Dwight School Seoul

Dwight School Seoul prides itself on its ability to “find the spark of genius in every child”, through an accredited and rigorous international curriculum. Dedicated to providing students with the best possible opportunities for later life, the school offers an extensive foreign language programme and follows the IB programme for students in preschool through to age 18.

Dwight Seoul forms part of a wider global community, with campuses and programmes in New York, London, Vancouver Island and Beijing. Students across all five schools are able to connect, interact and share their unique perspectives and cultural experiences through an impressive series of exchanges and trips.

Personalised learning is at the heart of Dwight Seoul’s mantra. Whether it’s crafting a unique study programme for one student, or running a unique physical workout programme, Dwight will strive to help your child achieve their personal goals.

Providing the necessary resources to help nurture your child’s hobbies and interests is also of great importance to the Dwight School, which has an Extra Curricular Programme (ECP) that provides a variety of opportunities in sport, theatre, music, film and visual arts. In the past, students have curated a whole school Visual Arts exhibition, facilitated and hosted Dwight’s Got Talent, designed sound and lighting for school assemblies, directed films as part of the Dwight 24-hour Film Festival, and led the band in the annual School Production.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International