Five Things to Look for on a School Tour

Discover what to look for when touring an international school. From world-class facilities to personalised learning, find the perfect school for your child.

Choosing the right international school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. A school tour offers the perfect opportunity to see firsthand what a school has to offer - beyond the prospectus and website.

But it's easy to get overwhelmed. What should you really be focusing on during your visit? Here are five essential things to look out for on a school tour to ensure your child’s education and experience will be second to none.

1. A Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere

First impressions count.

Pay attention to how you and your child are greeted. Do the school’s students and staff seem happy and engaged?

A positive and friendly environment speaks volumes about the school’s culture and community.

Turn up 10 minutes before your tour and sit in reception. See if someone from the school greets you and wants to chat. Are school leaders interested in you and your family? Do they use your child’s name? Do they try and get to know you?

Also watch how students interact with teachers and with each other. This time to observe can be hugely illuminating.

2. Exceptional Facilities and Resources

From cutting-edge classrooms and science labs to performing arts spaces and sports facilities, world-class resources can transform your child’s learning experience.

Classrooms are just the tip of the iceberg though - exceptional facilities are more than just a MacBook suite. Don’t forget to ask about technology integration and extracurricular opportunities for students.

Want to see what world-class facilities look like? Explore BVIS Hanoi’s modern campus, designed to inspire students and support their all-round development:  

• State-of-the-art classrooms equipped with advanced technology, fostering creativity and effective learning.  
• A dedicated STEAM center, providing hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.  

• Extensive sports facilities, including a football field, indoor swimming pool, and a multi-purpose sports hall, promoting physical well-being and teamwork.  

• Creative arts spaces, from music and drama studios to dedicated art rooms, nurturing students' artistic talents and self-expression.   

• A well-stocked library, offering a diverse collection of resources to encourage independent learning and a love for reading.  

• A top-notch Sixth Form Centre, offering a dynamic learning environment with diverse A-Level subjects, personalised university guidance, and enriching extracurricular activities.

At BVIS Hanoi, our facilities go beyond classrooms, creating an inspiring environment where students thrive academically, physically, and emotionally.

3. Personalised Learning Approach

Every child is unique and learns differently.

While you’re on your tour, find out how your potential school tailors its education to meet children’s individual needs and interests.

Ask about class sizes, teacher support, and how students are challenged and inspired. Smaller classes will allow a teacher to spread their time more evenly.

What's the school's Special Educational Needs provision? What about English as an additional language? Do teachers understand and teach metacognition?

4. Outstanding Academic Results and Pathways

Look into the school’s academic track record and university placements. High-performing international schools will proudly share their students' successes and how they prepare them for the future.

It’s important that your prospective school is high achieving when it comes to the curriculum you have in mind for your child. Discover BVIS Hanoi’s academic achievements, where students consistently receive offers from top universities worldwide, including Oxford and Ivy League schools, here.

5. A Global Outlook and Diverse Community

An international school should celebrate diversity and offer opportunities for students to become global citizens. Ask about the school’s approach to internationalism, cultural exchange, and language programmes.

A school tour is your chance to see if a school’s values and vision align with your own. By focusing on these five key areas, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a school where your child will thrive.

Ready to explore one of the world’s leading international schools in Hanoi? 📍✨ Contact BVIS and book a tour today to discover how we inspire students to achieve more than they ever thought possible. 📞🏫