Verbier International School: academic differentials and accommodation structure

Swiss education gained a new dimension with the Verbier International School, which combines international academic excellence with accommodations that redefine the concept of student life in boarding schools. The institution developed a unique model that goes far beyond traditional teaching, creating an environment where each student has access to elite academic resources and lives in facilities that rival the best Alpine hotels.

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IB Diploma: the strong currency of global universities

The VIS International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is not just another international curriculum. It is considered the gold standard for admission to the most selective universities in the world.

Strategic advantage for Brazilians

Unlike the Brazilian education system, which requires entrance exams or ENEM, the IB Diploma is directly accepted by the main international universities. Brazilian students graduated from VIS enter without additional selection processes in:

• Harvard, MIT, Stanford (United States)
• Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College (United Kingdom)
• ETH Zurich, École Polytechnique (Continental Europe)

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Differentiated curricular structure

The IB program at VIS requires students to take six subjects simultaneously, including:

• Native and foreign languages (maintained Portuguese, English, French)
• Social sciences (History, Geography, Economy)
• Exact sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
• Arts (Music, Theater, Visual Arts)

This curricular breadth develops critical thinking and intellectual versatility that elite universities value over early specializations.

Cambridge IGCSE: solid academic foundation

For students in years 10 and 11, VIS offers the Cambridge IGCSE, preparing solid foundations for the IB Diploma.

Cambridge International Accreditation

As a Cambridge International accredited school, VIS offers:

• Globally standardized exams recognized by world universities
• Evidence-based curriculum developed by the University of Cambridge
• Ongoing assessment that develops self-study skills
• Subject-specific certifications that allow gradual specialization

Strategic transition to IB

The IGCSE at VIS works as a specific preparation for the rigor of the IB Diploma, developing:

• Independent research skills
• Advanced Analytical Thinking
• Oral and written presentation skills
• Time management and multiple disciplines

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Teacher-student relationship: quasi-tutorial teaching

With approximately 200 students and a 1:4 ratio between teacher and student, VIS offers unparalleled personalized attention.

Impact on educational quality

This academic intimacy results in:

• Early identification of strengths and areas for improvement
• Curricular adaptation to the specific needs of each student
• Detailed letters of recommendation Essentials for selective universities
• Individualized mentoring for career choices and specialization

Comparison with traditional systems

While elite Brazilian schools maintain classes of 20-30 students, VIS operates with classes of 6-8 students in advanced disciplines, allowing for university level discussions starting in high school.

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Multilingualism as a competitive differential

The VIS develops natural fluency in up to four languages during student training.

Integrated linguistic structure

• English: Primary language of instruction, developing academic fluency
• French: Required due to the location, with natural immersion in the local community
• German: Offered as a third language, taking advantage of its proximity to German-speaking regions
• Spanish: Available as a fourth language option

Bilingual program at the base

Younger students pursue bilingual English-French education, developing:

• Academic competence in both languages
• Deep cultural understanding of Anglophone and Francophone traditions
• Cognitive flexibility that facilitates the acquisition of additional languages
• Preparing for international careers in multilingual organizations

For families interested in programs of High school abroad more traditional, VIS offers a level of linguistic sophistication that goes far beyond simple immersion in English.

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Accommodations: redefining the concept of boarding school

VIS residential facilities set a new standard for international boarding schools.

Mascot Chalet and Orny Chalet

Students reside in renovated historic chalets in downtown Verbier, offering:

• Authentic Alpine architecture preserved and modernized
• Privileged location In the heart of the village
• Immediate access urban and cultural facilities
• Family atmosphere distinct from traditional institutional dorms

Private rooms with hotel facilities

Each student has:

• Single room with private bathroom (en-suite)
• Ergonomic furniture designed for study and rest
• High-speed connectivity for academic research
• Storage space suitable for sports and personal equipment
• Controlled air conditioning adapted to the Alpine climate

Separation by gender and age

The residential structure maintains:

• Separate wings for male and female students
• Grouping by age facilitating social adaptation
• Segregated common areas Respecting privacy and development
• Supervised living spaces promoting healthy interaction

Houseparents: 24/7 family supervision

The VIS houseparent system differs radically from traditional supervisory models.

Extended family model

• Resident Houseparents They live permanently in the chalets
• Continuous availability for emotional and practical support
• Intimate knowledge of the development of each student
• Regular communication with biological families

Specialized support

The houseparents offer:

• Academic guidance complementary to formal education
• Emotional support during periods of adaptation
• Conflict mediation interpersonal among students
• Coordination of activities For weekends and holidays

Professional training

All houseparents have:

• Training in adolescent development
• First Aid Certifications
• Experience in international education
• Multilingual competence for effective communication

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Common areas: spaces for social development

Gastronomic facilities

• Fully equipped kitchen for community meals
• Formal dining room for the development of social etiquette
• Casual coffee area for spontaneous socialization
• Facilities for special diets accommodating individual needs

Study and leisure spaces

• Specialized library with international academic resources
• Group study rooms with presentation technology
• Game area with various recreational equipment
• Entertainment lounge for supervised social activities

Integrated technology

• High-speed WiFi in all areas
• Digital workstations for collaborative projects
• Communication system with families in Brazil
• Educational platforms accessible 24/7

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Comparison with traditional boarding schools

Advantages over classic British models

Unlike traditional boarding schools in the UK, VIS offers:

• Private rooms vs. shared dorms
• Family atmosphere vs. military structure
• Cultural flexibility vs. strict traditions
• Modern technology vs. unadapted historic facilities

Differential over American schools

Compared to American boarding schools, VIS provides:

• Truly international education vs. American curriculum
• Mandatory multilingualism vs. predominant English
• Unique alpine location vs. traditional campuses
• Smaller and more intimate community vs. large scale institutions

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Academic support infrastructure

Advanced scientific laboratories

• Research equipment comparable to university laboratories
• Specialized software for modeling and simulation
• Materials for experimentation in physics, chemistry and biology
• Access to databases International scientists

Technological facilities

• Digital media studios for audiovisual projects
• Computer labs with professional software
• Videoconferencing systems for international collaboration

Library and research resources

• Physical collection specialized in IB curriculum
• Digital databases from partner universities
• Journal subscriptions scientists and academics
• Study Spaces individual and collaborative

For students with specific sporting talents, the VIS infrastructure perfectly complements subsequent programs of sports exchange, providing the solid academic foundation needed for scholarships at American universities.

Health and Wellness Services

Medical follow-up

• Campus Infirmary with resident professional
• Partnership with hospitals locations for emergencies
• Psychological counseling specialized in teenagers
• Prevention programs and health education

Specialized nutrition

• Professional chef with international experience
• Balanced menus considering the needs of young athletes
• Options for special diets (vegetarians, allergies, religious)
• Nutritional education integrated with the science curriculum

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Specialized university preparation

Admissions Consulting

VIS maintains a dedicated team of university counselors who:

• They develop an academic profile Since the 9th grade
• They guide subject choices aligned with university objectives
• Prepare for exams specific (SAT, ACT, LNAT)
• They coordinate visits To universities during vacation

Summer programs at universities

• Partnerships with universities Ivy League for summer courses
• Research opportunities in university laboratories
• Mock interviews with real admissions officers
• Campus visits organized during school holidays

Portfolio development

• Independent research projects guided by PhD teachers
• Academic competitions international (Model UN, Science Olympiad)
• Internships in international organizations in Geneva
• Service learning in Alpine sustainability projects

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Connectivity with Brazil

Structured family communication

• Scheduled times for video calls with families
• Regular reports of academic and social progress
• Online portal for monitoring notes and activities
• Emergency communication 24/7 with houseparents

Maintaining cultural identity

• Celebration of holidays Brazilians in the school community
• Brazilian cuisine incorporated into the international menu
• Maintained Portuguese as a native language in the IB curriculum
• Connections with the community Brazilian in Switzerland

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Leadership and character development

Round Square membership

VIS is a member of the prestigious Round Square organization, committing to:

• Character development through outdoor challenges
• Community service in local and international projects
• Exchanges with other Round Square schools globally
• Student leadership in sustainability initiatives

Mentorship programs

• Alumni network active in mentoring current students
• Professional mentors in various careers
• Peer mentoring between students from different years
• Faculty Advisors for personal development

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Be Easy

The academic differentials and accommodation structure of the Verbier International School create a unique educational environment in the Swiss Alps. Our team at Be Easy has specific expertise in admission processes for elite Swiss boarding schools, guiding Brazilian families through bureaucratic and cultural complexities. We ensure that your family fully understands the academic differentials and has a smooth transition to this exceptional educational experience.

Contact us and discover how we can facilitate access to world-class Swiss education.

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