Why Should Parents of International School Students Care About Summer Courses?
Every summer, a familiar question puzzles parents. Which is “Should I let my child fully relax or enroll them in a summer course?”
For students who are already in, or about to enter, an international school, this is no longer a simple either-or decision. It’s not just about studying or resting—it’s about what to study so they don’t fall behind academically.
International schools differ from national programs. They demand strong academic foundations. Students also need proficiency in academic English across all subjects. Math, Science, and English Literature are taught in English. This requires grasping concepts and expressing thoughts in a second language.
That’s why, without the right summer course, students often find themselves overwhelmed when they return to school. Especially those transitioning from Vietnamese to international programs or moving between grade levels. Especially true for who are from Grade 5 to 6 or Grade 9 to 10.
For international school students, a summer course is not about cramming. It’s about creating the space and support for them to: 🌟 Solidify their academic foundations 💥 Develop independent thinking 🌟 Get familiar with the learning and evaluation styles in international environments
It’s not just academic preparation. It’s a mentalshift—from learning to pass exams to learning to understand, to think critically, and to express themselves clearly. If parents don’t proactively build a summer environment that suits this transition, their children may enter the next school year feeling confused, insecure, and unmotivated. Or in a different expression: this is not just preparation in terms of knowledge; it’s also a psychological shift – from learning to pass exams to learning to understand, to think, and to express oneself. If parents don’t proactively create a suitable summer learning environment, their child might enter the new school year feeling confused, lacking confidence, and without clear direction.
1. The Two Most Essential Subjects in International Schools: Math and English Language Arts
While international schools vary in curriculum—from IB and AP to Cambridge and IGCSE—Math and English Language Arts remain two core subjects that directly affect a student’s overall academic performance.
🧠 Math in English: More Than Just Numbers
Many parents believe that being good at Math in a Vietnamese classroom is enough. But the reality at international schools is very different. Math is not just about getting the correct answer. It’s about logical thinking, explaining reasoning in English, and justifying one’s approach.
For example, students are often asked not only to solve a problem, but also to explain clearly in writing why they chose that method, analyze potential mistakes, and critically challenge assumptions.
✍️ English Language Arts: Analyzing, Interpreting, and Writing with Purpose
ELA in international schools goes far beyond vocabulary or grammar. Students are expected to deeply understand literary works, analyze characters, identify key themes, and most importantly, express their opinions through structured essays.
This is precisely where many Vietnamese students struggle—leading to difficulties when transitioning into international schools or preparing for standardized tests such as MAP, IB, or IGCSE.
➡️ That’s why a summer filled with unstructured tutoring in random subjects won’t help. Instead, a focused and comprehensive summer course, with an emphasis on Math and English Language Arts, is the smartest strategy to build a strong foundation and accelerate future academic growth.
2. What If Summer Courses Weren’t Just a Quick Fix—But a Strategic Launchpad?
With over 12 years of experience working directly with international school students in Vietnam, Everest Education (E2)understands exactly what holds students back—and more importantly, what empowers them to leap forward.
Unlike traditional tutoring centers, E2 was founded by educators from Stanford and Harvard with a student-centered educational philosophy. Instead of one-size-fits-all programs, we design personalized learning paths based on each student’s unique abilities and academic goals.
What sets Everest Education apart is our ability to combine:
International-standard content (Singapore Math, Common Core, IB, etc.)
Age-appropriate, exam-aligned curriculum
Modern teaching methodologies, including blended learning, project-based learning, and more
Especially during summer, E2 does not offer mass group classes. Instead, we create customized summer courses for each student based on:
💥 Their current proficiency through a placement test 💥 Their individual goals: transitioning schools, preparing for exams, or advancing critical thinking 💥 Flexible scheduling that works with the family’s summer plans
This is why every student at Everest Education enjoys a summer that is focused, efficient, and tailored to success—with no wasted time.
3. Learning More Doesn’t Always Mean Learning Better – E2 Understands What International School Students Truly Need
If you look at a summer course session at Everest Education, parents will notice a clear difference in quality. In these classes, students don’t just passively listen to lectures and do exercises. They interact, debate, solve real-world problems, and express themselves.
✨ Math in English (Singapore Math) Class:
Applies the CPA (Concrete – Pictorial – Abstract) method to help students visualize concepts before solving problems.
Students practice articulating solutions in English, analyzing errors, and improving logical thinking with each problem.
Includes real-world application problems to train independent problem-solving skills.
📚 English Language Arts Class:
Students are exposed to age-appropriate literary works/texts from diverse cultures.
Teachers guide students on how to analyze characters, compare themes, and identify literary metaphors.
Students practice writing academic essays according to international structures, while also learning how to present personal viewpoints with evidence – a crucial skill in the international school environment.
In addition to academic knowledge, the classes also emphasize:
Presentation skills
Critical thinking
Self-study and time management skills
With small class sizes and a team of teachers who understand international school students, each session at E2 is a solid step forward, comprehensively preparing children for their long-term academic journey.
4. Conclusion: Summer Shouldn’t Be About Doing More—It Should Be About Doing Right
A summer course shouldn’t feel like an exhausting extension of the school year, nor should it be an empty break that leaves your child forgetting everything they’ve learned. A meaningful summer is one where your child can:
Strengthen areas they’re still unsure of
Accelerate in areas where they can grow
And most importantly, enter the new school year with confidence
Especially for those studying at international schools or preparing to transfer, summer learning is more important than ever. A well-designed summer course helps students not only keep up—but also unlock their full academic potential.
At Everest Education, we recognize that every student has a unique learning journey. That’s why our summer courses are not a replica of the regular school year—they’re a bridge between where your child is now and where they’re meant to be.
➡️ If your family is looking for a summer course that is light yet effective, low-pressure yet engaging, Everest Education is the perfect place to begin.
