Is high school in Switzerland worth it?

Switzerland stands out as an elite educational destination, especially for Brazilian students seeking a differentiated international education. Among the Alpine mountains, institutions such as the Verbier International School (VIS) offer a unique combination of academic excellence and experiences that shape young people for the global future.

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Why does Swiss education attract Brazilian families?

The Swiss education system goes far beyond the traditional one. With a focus on integral development and outdoor education, Swiss schools prepare students for world-renowned universities. The Verbier International School exemplifies this approach, integrating skiing into the regular curriculum and offering the IB Diploma program, recognized by the best universities globally.

Globally recognized academic quality

O International Baccalaureate (IB) is considered the gold standard for admission to elite universities. At VIS, students follow the English National Curriculum in years 7-9 and prepare for the Cambridge IGCSE exams in years 10-11. This structure ensures that young Brazilians have direct access to the best universities without the need to revalidate their diplomas.

For families considering international programs, High School Be Easy offers diversified options that include both traditional schools and specialized institutions such as VIS.

The Alpine differential of Swiss education

Integrated outdoor education: During the winter, VIS students ski twice a week as part of the curriculum. This integration of mountain sports develops discipline, courage, and resilience. The school is located in the Four Valleys ski area, with over 400 km of pistes, providing experiences that few Brazilian youth have access to.

Multicultural environment: With 90% of international students, VIS creates global networking from an early age. Your colleagues may be the children of UN diplomats or European businessmen, valuable connections for the professional future.

Small classes: The teacher-student ratio of approximately 1:4 guarantees personalized attention impossible in traditional schools. This results in detailed letters of recommendation, essential for competitive university applications.

Available study modalities

Winter term: flexibility for global families

VIS offers the unique “Winter term” concept, perfect for families spending seasons in Europe. Students can participate for a few weeks or the entire winter, maintaining academic continuity.

Full boarding school

The boarding school offers modern accommodation in the historic center of Verbier, with:

• Rooms with private bathrooms
• Separate classrooms by gender
• 24/7 supervision with houseparents
• Familiar and welcoming environment

For young people interested in combining sports and education, Sports Exchange offers programs that develop athletic talent along with international academic training.

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Development beyond the classroom

Skills for the 21st Century

Swiss education develops:

• Multilingualism: English as a base, mandatory French (French-speaking region), Spanish and German as options
• Critical thinking: Holistic approach that questions and analyzes
• Leadership: Active participation in community projects
• Sustainability: Environmental awareness integrated into the curriculum

Strategic university preparation

VIS students receive expert guidance for university applications. The IB Diploma is directly accepted by Ivy League universities, Russell Group (UK) and other world elite institutions.

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Investment and long-term return

While the investment is considerable, the returns are measurable:

• University access: Direct admission to prestigious universities
• Global network: International connections since adolescence
• Cultural fluency: Adaptability to the global market
• Independence: Maturity developed through challenging experiences

Comparison with alternatives

Unlike traditional boarding schools, VIS offers:

• Exclusive location in the Alps
• Winter sports integration
• Truly international community
• Flexibility of seasonal programs

Ideal student profile

Swiss education works best for young people who:

• They seek academic and personal challenges
• Demonstrate emotional maturity to live away from family
• Are you interested in mountain sports
• They want an international career
• They have an intermediate level of English

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Family support during the process

The adaptation process is gradual and well structured. Swiss schools maintain constant communication with parents, offering regular reports and direct contact channels. The distance is compensated by the quality of the pedagogical and emotional support.

For families considering multiple international options, it's also worth exploring university programs abroad that may be complementary to high school training.

Preparing for the Global Future

Young people who have graduated in Switzerland develop unique skills:

• Cultural adaptability: Experience in a multicultural environment from an early age
• Discipline: Developed through structured routines and mountain sports
• Overview: Understanding different perspectives and cultures
• Self-confidence: Achieved through independently overcome challenges

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Be Easy

High school in Switzerland represents an investment in your child's global education, preparing them for elite universities and an international career. A Be Easy specializes in connecting Brazilian families with the best educational opportunities in the world, offering personalized support from school selection to destination adaptation. Contact us and discover how we can facilitate this international educational journey for your family.