Why preparation matters before going back to international school
Every late summer, parents face the same concern: How can my child walk into the new school year with confidence? For students in international schools, this challenge is even greater: a curriculum entirely in English, high expectations for critical thinking, presentations, essay writing, and strong academic foundations. After a long break, many children find themselves “out of rhythm,” struggling to keep up once classes start.
This is also why many parents consider extra learning sessions before the back-to-school period. However, “extra learning” here does not mean cramming or doing endless worksheets. Instead, it is about rebuilding knowledge, reinforcing foundations, and sharpening skills so students feel confident returning to school. This is especially vital at key transitions: moving from Primary to Secondary (G5-6), Secondary to High School (G9-10). Or shifting from local to international schools—where expectations and workloads rise. At Everest Education, we understand that every child has unique starting points and learning needs. That is why we personalize our programs—to help students meet academic goals while sparking motivation and a love for learning.
A well-designed extra learning program helps students rebuild study habits and reignite motivation, entering the new year with confidence. So, what are the most important steps to prepare your child for going back to an international school?
At Everest Education, we understand that every child has unique starting points and learning needs. That is why we personalize our programs—to help students meet academic goals while sparking motivation and a love for learning. With both knowledge and skills, students not only overcome challenges but also explore their full potential. That is why review and reinforcement before going back to school play such an essential role. It is not simply about “refreshing” knowledge; it is about helping students reset routines, strengthen academic English, and build a proactive mindset for learning.
1. Common Challenges Students Face When Returning to School
Unlike the national curriculum, learning at international schools requires mastery of both knowledge and language. Math, Science, English Literature, and even Social Studies are all taught entirely in English. This means students must not only understand subject content but also express their thinking in a second language. After a long break, this dual demand often leaves students feeling “overwhelmed.”
This challenge is even tougher for students transitioning from Vietnamese schools to international schools. Academic concepts and subject-specific terminology in Math, Literature, and Science are already difficult—and learning them in English is an even greater hurdle. In addition, international schools place heavy emphasis on skills like critical thinking, presentations, and essay writing—skills that not all students are familiar with. Without preparation, many children enter classrooms feeling lost and lacking confidence.
That is why review and reinforcement before going back to school play such an essential role. It is not simply about “refreshing” knowledge; it is about helping students reset routines, strengthen academic English, and build a proactive mindset for learning.
2. The Role of Knowledge Reinforcement and How Everest Education Supports Students
During the transition from summer break to the new academic year, extra learning is more than just reviewing old lessons. It is an opportunity for students to “warm up” their minds, solidify foundations, and strengthen academic skills in a supportive environment. From our experience working with international school students, Everest Education (E2) has seen that with the right guidance in a short time, students can quickly regain confidence and adapt back to school life.
At E2, each student takes a placement test to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Based on these results, teachers design a focused learning pathway: Math in English emphasizes logical reasoning and subject-specific vocabulary, while English Language Arts strengthens reading comprehension and academic writing. This ensures that students do not waste time on irrelevant content but instead target the exact skills they need.
Beyond academic knowledge, E2 programs also train vital study skills: time management, expressing ideas in English, and critical thinking. These are the elements that help international school students not only keep up but also thrive in a challenging academic environment.
3. Building Academic Foundations with Math and English Language Arts at E2
Among all subjects, Math and English Language Arts remain the two core pillars for international school students to develop holistically. Math strengthens logical reasoning, analysis, and problem-solving—essential skills not only for school but also for life. English Literature, on the other hand, develops academic language proficiency, helping students articulate ideas, argue persuasively, and write structured essays. With deep understanding and mastery of English, students no longer struggle to express their thoughts in this second language.
At Everest Education, our Math in English program aligns with international standards. It goes beyond solving problems to help students deeply understand concepts and their real-life applications. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, students are encouraged to present their ideas and explore multiple problem-solving approaches.
For English Language Arts, the program focuses on reading comprehension of academic texts, analyzing literary works, and developing critical thinking. Students also practice writing common essay types at international schools—from literary analysis to argumentative essays. More importantly, they learn to express personal viewpoints clearly, persuasively, and creatively—key qualities that make a difference in an international school environment.
This combination not only strengthens academic foundations but also helps students develop holistically, ready to step into the new school year with confidence.
4. Conclusion
Preparing for a new school year does not mean adding pressure—it means helping students walk into class with stronger confidence. For international school students, focusing on Math in English and English Language Arts is one of the most effective ways to reinforce academic foundations, build critical thinking, and enhance academic English skills. These are the keys for students to quickly adapt after a long break and shine in an international environment.
At Everest Education, we understand that every child has unique starting points and learning needs. That is why our programs are personalized—to meet academic goals while sparking motivation and love for learning. With both knowledge and skills in place, students are not only prepared to overcome challenges but also ready to explore their full potential.
A new school year is a new journey. And that journey becomes smoother and more meaningful when students are well-prepared from the very beginning. Investing in preparation today means giving your child a strong head start for tomorrow.
👉 Don’t let your child fall behind after a long break. Enroll in Everest Education’s Math in English & English Language Arts programs today and receive a 20% discount—a strong start for the new school year!
This challenge is even tougher for students transitioning from Vietnamese schools to international schools. Academic concepts and subject-specific terminology in 
