Boarding school in Switzerland: discover the Verbier International School

Elite international education has taken on a new dimension in the Swiss Alps. Verbier International School is not just another boarding school in Switzerland, it has redefined what it means to prepare young leaders for a globalized world. Located 1,500 meters above sea level in the heart of one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world, this institution combines academic rigor with character development in a truly unique environment.

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Strategic location: where prestige meets excellence

Verbier isn't just a mailing address. It's one of the most sophisticated ski destinations in Europe, frequented by influential families from around the world. Verbier International School takes advantage of this privileged location to offer much more than traditional education.

The geographical advantage of the Four Valleys

The school is situated at the epicenter of the Four Valleys ski area, which encompasses nearly 100 cable cars and more than 400 kilometers of pistes. During winter, students have direct access to one of the largest and most well-equipped ski areas in Switzerland, turning the mountains into a natural extension of the classroom.

Architecture that inspires

Students live in carefully renovated historic chalets, such as Chalet Mascotte and Chalet Orny, located in the historic center of Verbier. Each accommodation has rooms with private bathrooms, spacious common areas, and environments that promote both concentrated study and natural socialization.

Academic program: preparation for world elite universities

The VIS follows the adapted English National Curriculum, culminating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. This strategic choice is not an accident.

The power of the IB Diploma

The IB is widely recognized as the gold standard for admission to elite universities. Brazilian students graduated from the program enter directly into:

• Ivy League Universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia)
• British Russell Group (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London)
• Prestigious European institutions (ETH Zurich, Ecole Polytechnique, Bocconi)

Differentiated teacher-student ratio

With approximately 200 students and a 1:4 ratio between teacher and student, each young person receives truly personalized attention. This academic intimacy results in extraordinarily detailed letters of recommendation, fundamental to the selection processes of the best universities in the world.

Multilingualism as a basis

The curriculum is taught in English, with a strong emphasis on French due to the French-speaking location. Students also have access to German and Spanish, developing natural fluency in up to four languages during their training.

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Winter Term: flexibility for global families

One of VIS's most notable innovations is its Winter Term program, designed specifically for families that maintain seasonal residences in Europe or have a nomadic lifestyle.

Adaptable modalities

• Full Winter Term: January to April for families temporarily settled in Verbier
• VIS Winter Experience: stays of 1 to 3 weeks at boarding school
• Flexiboarding: Evening by night options for day students

This flexibility allows families to maintain their quality of life without compromising their children's excellent education.

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Ski programs: leadership development through sport

Skiing on VIS isn't just recreation. It is an integral component of character development, teaching risk management, discipline, and resilience in a controlled but challenging environment.

Specialized academies

Improvement and Enjoyment: Basic program for safe technical development, twice a week.

Freeride Academy: For students from the 7th year onward, including a minimum of six days with a professional mountain guide during the Winter Term.

Race Academy: Starting in the 5th year, with training on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, including participation in the Swiss Group of International Schools competitions.

Combi Academy: Strategic combination of Race and Freeride for complete athletic development.

All programs are run in partnership with École Suisse de Ski, ensuring professional instruction at the highest level.

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International Networking: Building Lifelong Connections

With 90% of the students being international, representing 20 nationalities, VIS offers genuine networking since adolescence. Today's classmates could be tomorrow's business partners, diplomats, or business leaders.

Strategic cultural diversity

The student composition includes children of:

• Multinational executives established in Europe
• Diplomats and employees of international organizations
• Technology entrepreneurs Silicon Valley and European ecosystems
• Heritage wealth families with tradition in international education

This diversity is not accidental. It is deliberately cultivated to create an authentic multicultural learning environment.

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Community life: developing social responsibility

Student governance structure

Interns actively participate in community management, from organizing weekend activities to making decisions about community life. This participation develops leadership and social responsibility skills from an early age.

Sustainability and environmental awareness

The school integrates Forest School concepts and environmental sustainability into the curriculum, aligning with the values of social responsibility that characterize the contemporary global elite. Students participate in alpine conservation projects and local sustainability initiatives.

Extracurricular activities: holistic training

During the week

• Visual and performing arts: theater, music, plastic arts
• Technology and innovation: videography, musical production, programming
• Traditional sports: tennis, golf, swimming
• Craft activities: woodworking, international cuisine

Weekends and expeditions

• Cultural tours for cities in Switzerland, Italy and France
• Alpine expeditions for regions such as Aletsch and Lenzerheide
• Music festivals and cultural events in European destinations
• Summer activities: mountain biking, sailing, surfing on alpine lakes

These experiences expand cultural horizons and develop independence in a supervised environment.

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Admission process: selectivity that guarantees quality

Academic requirements

The admission process is strictly selective, requiring:

• Academic record demonstrating consistent excellence
• Assessment reports Specialized academic and psychological
• Letters of recommendation of educators and mentors
• Personal interview with Headteacher (face-to-face or virtual)

Language skills

Depending on the entry age, candidates must demonstrate appropriate proficiency in English or French. The more advanced the level, the greater the linguistic requirement.

Trial days

The school offers free experience days for candidates:

• Part-time for Primary School
• Full day for Secondary School

This policy allows for mutual evaluation before formal commitment.

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Strategic university preparation

Specialized consulting

The school maintains dedicated university counselors who guide students through the application processes for the world's best universities. This support includes:

• Strategic planning of the academic profile since the 9th grade
• Exam preparation specific (SAT, ACT, British admissions)
• Portfolio development for competitive applications
• Mock interviews for selective universities

Proven results

VIS graduates consistently enter top-tier universities, with an acceptance rate higher than the national average at institutions such as MIT, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge.

Educational Technology and Innovation

Digital infrastructure

The school has high-speed connectivity and specialized laboratories for science, technology, and digital arts. Students have access to:

• Media studios for audiovisual production
• Scientific laboratories with research equipment
• Maker spaces for engineering and design projects
• Digital libraries with access to international academic bases

Family communication

Digital platforms allow regular communication between school and families, including:

• Academic portals with notes and progress in real time
• Regular updates From the Houseparents about social life
• Structured video calls to maintain family ties

For Brazilian families considering international educational programs, VIS offers an experience that goes far beyond traditional programs of High school abroad. While these programs provide excellent cultural and linguistic immersion, VIS adds the dimension of leadership development and elite networking.

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Complementary athletic development

For students with specific sporting talent, the experience at VIS can later be supplemented with specialized programs of sports exchange at American universities or European academies, creating a truly international educational and athletic trajectory.

Integral development philosophy

The school doesn't just train athletes or academics. It forms young leaders who understand the importance of balancing intellectual, physical, and social excellence. This holistic approach is what distinguishes VIS from more specialized programs.

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Health and well-being

Specialized psychological support

The school maintains educational psychologists who monitor students' emotional well-being, especially during adjustment periods. This support is essential for international students far from their families.

Nutrition and fitness

Meals are planned by specialized nutritionists, considering the needs of young athletes and the cultural diversity of the students. Fitness facilities allow for year-round fitness maintenance.

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Connections with American universities

University Pathways

VIS maintains special relationships with selective American universities, facilitating the application process for qualified students. These relationships include:

• Regular visits From Admissions Officers
• Summer school programs in partnership with Ivy League universities
• Research opportunities for advanced students
• Mentorship programs with alumni at elite universities

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Long-term impact

Alumni network

VIS graduates maintain active connections, creating a global network of professionals in diverse sectors. This network proves to be invaluable for career opportunities, business partnerships, and continuous personal development.

Return on investment

In addition to immediate educational benefits, training at VIS results in:

• Easy access Elite universities and opportunities
• Long-lasting networking with global leaders
• Multilingual skills valued in the international market
• Cultural experience that makes it easier to work in global environments

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Be Easy

Verbier International School isn't just a school, it's an investment in your child's global future. Our team at Be Easy has specialized experience in admission processes for elite Swiss boarding schools, guiding Brazilian families through each stage, from initial application to full adaptation to the Alpine environment. With our expertise in high-level international education, we ensure that your family has access to the best educational opportunities in Europe.

Contact us and discover how we can open the doors of excellent Swiss education for your family.