Winter Term in Switzerland: How does the winter exchange work at Verbier International School?

The winter season in the Swiss Alps takes on new contours when it comes to international education. The Verbier International School (VIS) developed a specific program that allows Brazilian students to experience some of the best months of the European academic year, combining academic excellence with authentic alpine experiences.

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What is the VIS Winter Term?

The Winter Term is a flexible educational program that caters to families who wish to spend the winter months in Verbier but reside in other countries. Unlike traditional programs, this modality offers anything from one-week stays to a full term, which runs from January to April.

The school perfectly accommodates temporary students in its family atmosphere, maintaining the same academic standards as regular students. The curriculum follows the English education system, with a strong emphasis on French, as Verbier is located in the French-speaking region of Switzerland.

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Academic structure during winter

Differentiated curriculum

The program follows an adapted version of the English National Curriculum that prioritizes outdoor education and individual attention. For Brazilian families considering different educational options, it is also worth knowing how our High School program, which offers similar flexibility in several countries.

Integration with mountain sports

The most striking differential is the integration of skiing into the regular curriculum. All students, from preschool to high school, ski at least twice a week as a mandatory part of physical education classes.

VIS offers different levels of ski programs:

• Improvement and Enjoyment: For beginners and intermediates
• Race Academy: Competitive training three times a week
• Freeride Academy: Off-road skiing techniques with mountain guides
• Combi Academy: Combination of modalities

Modalities of participation

VIS Winter Experience

This option allows for stays of 1 to 3 weeks at the school's boarding school. It is perfect for families who want to test the experience before a greater commitment or for young people who seek an intense cultural immersion during their Brazilian school holidays.

Full Winter Term

It covers the entire period from January to April, offering full immersion in the Swiss education system. Students participate in all curricular and extracurricular activities, including expeditions to other regions of the Swiss Alps.

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Boarding school accommodation and living

Modern facilities

The VIS boarding school is located in the historic center of Verbier, offering rooms with private bathrooms for students from 7th to 11th grade. Facilities include common areas, shared kitchen, and study spaces, always with 24-hour supervision from houseparents.

Hosting flexibility

The school offers several options:

• Full boarding throughout the Winter Term
• Flexiboarding (night per night for local students)
• Weekly boarding
• Short experiences of 1-3 weeks

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Activities beyond the classroom

Active weekend

During the weekends, students participate in a variety of activities that include:

• Skiing and other winter sports
• Excursions to Swiss, Italian and French cities
• Visits to music festivals and nature reserves
• Activities organized by the students themselves

Cultural development

Verbier's location allows easy access to three different countries and cultures. Students naturally develop multilingual skills and a global perspective through daily living.

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Requirements and admission process

Required Documentation

International students must submit:

• Valid passport
• International health insurance
• Visa or residence permit (where applicable)
• Updated school transcript
• Academic Assessment Reports

Language skills

The level of English or French required varies depending on the student's age. The older, the greater the need for fluency to follow classes without difficulties.

Exclusive program benefits

International networking

With 90% of international students representing 20 different nationalities, VIS offers global networking from an early age. These connections often become valuable over the course of a professional career.

University preparation

The IB Diploma program offered by the school is recognized by the best universities in the world. For families thinking about continuing education abroad, it is worth visiting our University abroad program, which facilitates the transition to international higher education.

Development of autonomy

The experience of living away from family, even temporarily, develops emotional maturity and independence. Students learn to manage their time, academic responsibilities, and social life in a supervised environment.

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Competitive differentials

Privileged location

Verbier is situated in the Four Valleys ski area, with over 400 km of pistes and nearly 100 cable cars. It is considered one of the most exclusive and well-equipped ski resorts in the world.

Small classes

With approximately 200 students in total at the school, the class size is small and guarantees individualized attention from qualified teachers.

Holistic educational philosophy

VIS promotes five fundamental values: curiosity, courage, kindness, teamwork, and sense of family. This approach develops not only academic competencies but also character and leadership.

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Family planning

Parental involvement

The school maintains regular communication with families through progress reports and direct contact channels. Parents can monitor their children's academic and personal development even from a distance.

Return and validation

All grades and credits obtained at the VIS can be validated in the Brazilian education system. The school provides complete documentation to facilitate the student's reintegration upon return to Brazil.

For families seeking experiences more focused on professional development, our Vocational Exchange offers immersion in different professional areas during the vacation period.

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Pre-shipment preparation

Practical aspects

Preparation includes guidance on alpine weather, equipment needed for skiing, cultural adaptation, and academic expectations. Be Easy offers full support in this preparation process.

Documentation and visas

The visa process for Brazilian students in Switzerland requires advance planning. Our specialized team advises on all necessary requirements and deadlines.

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Be Easy

The Winter Term at Verbier International School opens doors to a truly differentiated educational experience in the Swiss Alps. Be Easy connects Brazilian families with this and other unique educational opportunities around the world, offering personalized support from planning to student return. Our specialized team is deeply knowledgeable about each program and is ready to guide your family through every step of this journey. Contact us and discover how we can facilitate your child's access to one of the best international educational experiences available.