International schools across Asia offer a diverse range of experiences that go beyond the classroom, enriching students’ academic, cultural and personal development. Based on a recent survey of schools in the region conducted by Education Destination Asia, we can see that these institutions place a strong emphasis on holistic education, participation in sports, extracurricular activities, as well as international exposure. Here is a closer look at the various offerings and opportunities provided by these schools., They include responses from schools like Epsom College in Malaysia, International School Brunei, Rugby School Japan, Jerudong International School, and KIS International School Reignwood Park.
Boarding Options
A variety of boarding options are available at international schools in Asia. Many schools offer full-time, weekly, or flexi-boarding arrangements, allowing students to choose accommodations based on their needs and schedules. For example, Epsom College in Malaysia offers weekly boarding with various activities during weekends, weekend boarding trips, summer, winter, and spring camps,
International School Brunei (ISB) provides a close-knit boarding community in two wings, Bamboo (for girls) and Orchid (for boys) residence building, where students develop empathy, interpersonal skills and understanding of others. The school’s ‘Boardership’ programme helps nurture personal growth, life skills and global citizenship.
Rugby School Japan (RSJ) offers both weekly and full boarding options, providing students with a dynamic, fun, and active life at a boarding school. The school's purpose-built boarding houses offer round-the-clock access to support for academic activities and pastoral development, ensuring that students thrive both in and out of the classroom. RSJ’s flexible boarding options cater to busy families, offering students the best of both boarding and day pupil experiences.
Jerudong International School (JIS) in Brunei has four boarding houses for students aged 11 to 19, providing a safe and secure environment where boarders feel like part of an extended family. With approximately 160 weekly boarders and 60 full boarders, JIS places a strong emphasis on creating a supportive environment that nurtures students’ leadership skills and personal growth. The school was awarded ‘Beacon Status’ by the Council for British International Schools (COBIS) for its outstanding boarding provision.
KIS International School Reignwood Park in Bangkok offers full and weekly boarding for students aged 9 and above. Located in the tranquil Reignwood Park community just outside Bangkok, the school provides stylish boarding accommodations with private bathrooms and ample storage facilities. The school’s Boarding 4 Life programme fosters independence and life skills, helping students develop confidence and resilience for their future endeavours.
Sports and Extracurricular Activities
International schools in Asia maintain strong connections with local and international sports organisations. For example, Epsom College students participate in training programmes at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy and LALIGA Academy, as well as enjoy weekend boarding trips and participation in sports camps. Similarly, ISB provides a variety of optional activities in sports, music, drama, and cooking, and promotes community service trips once a term, giving students opportunities to give back to the local Brunei community.
Additionally, schools like ISB encourage the development of sports through its membership in organisations like FOBISIA, where students participate in regional sports competitions, and Epsom College provides enrichment camps in sports, language, and business. These schools ensure that students have ample opportunities for physical development and teamwork, helping them build leadership skills and discipline.
At Rugby School Japan, students enjoy a wide array of co-curricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and dance. The school’s state-of-the-art facilities are fully utilised in encouraging students to participate in extracurriculars that align with their passions. RSJ emphasises the importance of social, recreational, and cultural activities in keeping with ‘The Whole Person’ philosophy.
Jerudong International School also offers an extensive range of sports and extracurricular activities, including clubs for debating, financial investment, and ecological pursuits. These activities are available to all pupils, regardless of experience, and are designed to inspire students to try new experiences with a view to fostering leadership qualities.
KIS International School Reignwood Park provides a rich selection of extracurricular opportunities in sports, music, drama and more. The school’s impressive facilities and its focus on well-rounded development allow students to explore their talents and interests beyond the classroom.
Field Trips and Educational Outings
Field trips are an integral part of the learning experience at these schools, occurring at least once a year. Epsom College in Malaysia organises enrichment trips and other sports-related excursions to develop life skills and resilience. During their recent winter trip to Japan, students had an unforgettable experience in Hakuba Valley, improving their skiing and snowboarding skills with expert guidance at Hakuba Ski Camp.
ISB, on the other hand, offers community trips where students contribute to local Brunei society, alongside other educational trips that help broaden their global perspective.In addition to academic field trips, many schools also offer more adventurous excursions. For example, ISB’s ‘Boardership’ programme includes workshops, group discussions and events designed to help students acquire essential life skills. These trips are aimed at enhancing personal growth, fostering leadership qualities, and creating meaningful experiences outside of the classroom.
Rugby School Japan also places significant emphasis on field trips, providing students with enriching educational experiences both within Japan and abroad. These trips serve as an opportunity for students to explore new environments while developing important skills like teamwork and problem-solving.
Camps and Leadership Development
Summer and winter camps are a popular feature across international schools in Asia, often focused on skill development, language acquisition and leadership training. Epsom College organizes camps for purposes of cultural enrichment, language learning and sports, including the British Summer School for students. These camps are available to both internal and external students, promoting a global learning environment. Similarly, ISB’s community trips and extracurricular activities allow students to strengthen their leadership skills while engaging with their peers in an inclusive setting.
Epsom College also focuses on a variety of leadership and personal development camps in areas such as cultural enrichment, AI, business, and sports, helping students hone skills that will benefit them in their future careers and personal lives. ISB integrates personal growth into their boarding curriculum, guiding students through interactive learning modules that encourage independence and responsibility.
KIS International School offers unique opportunities for leadership development through their Boarding 4 Life programme, where students acquire valuable life skills through activities on financial management, public speaking healthcare and overall wellbeing, which help them become independent and resilient individuals.
Special Educational Needs Support
While not all schools provide specialised support for students with special educational needs (SEN), a significant number of international schools do offer tailored programmes for students requiring additional academic support. Epsom College provides case-by-case SEN support, providing a dedicated in-house counsellor as part of the pastoral team to support students' emotional well-being. ISB also offers a caring environment where students are supported on their academic and emotional journeys, ensuring that every student has the resources they need to succeed.
Cultural and Social Development
Schools also focus on cultural learning and social development through various activities. Epsom College and ISB organise cultural events like art and music festivals, giving students opportunities to showcase their talents and connect with peers. ISB’s ‘Boardership’ programme also promotes community-building activities that foster social and emotional growth, preparing students to become well-rounded, responsible global citizens.
Rugby School Japan places a strong emphasis on cultural development, offering a range of activities and social events to encourage students to appreciate diversity and foster intercultural understanding. The school’s commitment to developing global citizens is evident in its rich co-curricular offerings.
Jerudong International School supports social development through various group activities, including leadership programmes, community service and sporting events. These activities encourage students to engage with one another and the world around them in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
International schools in Asia are committed to offering diverse and enriching experiences that extend far beyond academics. From engaging in sports and extracurricular activities to travelling for educational and leadership camps, students have opportunities to grow intellectually, physically, and socially. Schools offer a wide range of activities as well as specialised programmes that help students build the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in an interconnected world. These schools cater to both local and international students, ensuring that every learner is well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
