International education in Asia is fast becoming the necessary choice for parents seeking to prepare their children for the world. Research supports this. One study of secondary school students found that when schools treat students fairly and support positive contact between different groups, students do better at school and feel happier, partly because they feel a stronger sense of belonging.
In a world defined bydemographic shifts, migration, and climate change,who sits next to your child in class matters. In a good international school, diversity manifests itself throughout thewhole campus. Different languages, family histories, faiths, and ways of seeing the world.
And as more schools add bilingual learning (one research says over a third now offer bilingual instruction), students pick up the habit of switching between worlds — a skill that helps in universities and later in careers and lives. Across Asia, a few schools go further than most, building that global mindset on purpose.
Learners are at the heart of everything at Nexus International School (Singapore). Source: Nexus International School (Singapore)
Nexus International School (Singapore)
At Nexus International School (Singapore), learners are truly at the heart of everything. Instead of asking “What do you want to be?”, the school flips the question to “What problems do you want to solve?”
It’s a simple shift, but it changes everything. Learning becomes more engaging, more relevant, and more exciting. With this approach, students grow into well-rounded individuals while being encouraged to discover what they’re capable of.
The Nexus journey begins from as early as three years old, with the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Known for its academic rigour and focus on critical thinking, research, and global perspectives, the curriculum encourages learners to connect their studies with real-world issues. In the Year 6 Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition, for example, students explore themes linked to the United Nations Global Goals, such as gender equality in sport and wildlife conservation.
In secondary school, they launch social enterprises. One cohort launched Neutrino Coffee, a coffee brand in collaboration with a local roaster. The venture now supports One Million Lights Philippines by donating all proceeds to provide solar lighting for rural communities in the Philippines.
Just as diverse as the learning at Nexus is the community itself. The school is home to over 60 nationalities, including the US, Sweden, South Africa, China, Singapore, Australia, and so much more. And since no single nationality makes up more than 20%, everyone here can feel that they belong. That diversity shows up in everyday school life.
In class, teachers often add cultural perspectives into lessons, while students are encouraged to share their own backgrounds. Outside class, the Nexus Community Group (NCG), the school’s parent group, organises year-round events such as the annual International Fair and festive celebrations, including Lunar New Year, Carnival, Christmas, and Eid. The result is a truly global mindset, one that stays with students as they move on to leading universities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Spain, France, and Italy.
Garden International School’s holistic education produces graduates in high demand globally, sought after by leading universities. Source: Garden International School
Garden International School
Founded in 1951, Garden International School (GIS) is one of the first British international schools in Malaysia. With its rich history of delivering British-based education, this is a school that knows how to help children grow. “It is the quality and range of learning and enrichment opportunities we offer that helps to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their greatest potential,” shares GIS Principal Peter J. Derby-Crook MBE.
Trained teachers help students understand their feelings and learn how to work well with others through social-emotional learning. At the same time, there’s an emphasis on sports, trips, leadership opportunities, or co-curricular activities. Students get to explore different cultures, including their own, which helps them better understand the world around them. It’s all about raising open-minded, thoughtful young people who are ready to make a difference.
GIS’s community is another big part of what makes the school special. With over 65 nationalities, it’s like a mini global village. There’s always something happening too, including the annual Eisteddfod Festival, Model United Nations, and Mufti Charity Day. Plus, every student belongs to a house, which adds fun and team spirit to school life through competitions throughout the year. “Seeing my Year 5 daughter so happy and confident each day makes me truly grateful to be part of this community,” shares Melly, GIS parent since 2025.
BIS HCMC’s partnership with the Juilliard School enhances learning in the performing arts. Source: British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC)
British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC)
There’s no limit to what your child can achieve at British International School in Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC), the largest international school in Vietnam. Here, 2,300 students from 55 countries come together for a global learning experience that blends academic excellence with personal growth and wellbeing.
It starts in the classroom, with a balanced curriculum based on the National Curriculum for England, alongside the International Primary Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate programme. With supportive British and international teachers, learning is shaped around each child’s strengths and interests, helping them stay curious. The results affirm this: BIS HCMC is the highest-ranking IB Diploma Programme school in Vietnam, with an average score of 36.4 (well above the global average of 30.6).
It’s not just about academics though; your child will embark on unforgettable adventures, including trekking through jungles, hiking hills, hitting the slopes, canyoning, cycling, kayaking, and more. Back at school, there are over 100 co-curricular activities, so there’s always something new to try.
And with the Global Campus platform, your child make friends and take on new challenges with students from 81 Nord Anglia Education schools around the world. These opportunities add up to a well-rounded experience that prepares them to step out into the world with confidence.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
