What the student experience often looks like in the first year at an international school

In the first weeks at a new school, small details often reveal the most about a child’s student experience. A teacher greeting them by name at the door. A classmate helping them find their classroom. A familiar face waiting in the playground. 

For many families joining an international school in Vietnam, the first year brings a mixture of excitement and adjustment. Children are adapting to a new environment, new friendships, and often a new language. Parents are learning how the school communicates, how learning is structured, and how their child is settling in. 

At the British International School Hanoi, supporting this early transition is treated as an important part of the educational journey. 

Laurence Cabanne, Head of Primary, explains that the first adjustment many students face is simply becoming familiar with their surroundings. 

“For many students joining an international school, language is one of the first challenges,” she says. “If English is new to them, the environment can feel overwhelming at first because they are trying to understand new sounds, new routines, and new expectations.” 

This early adjustment period is normal. Schools therefore focus on helping children build confidence as they become familiar with their new environment. 

Helping students settle into a new environment 

In the early stages of starting a new school, much of the focus is on helping children feel comfortable and understood. When students feel secure, they are better able to engage with learning. 

Laurence describes how schools prepare carefully for a student’s arrival. 

“In early years, for example, teachers often visit the student’s home before they start school,” she explains. “This allows the teacher and teaching assistants to meet the child in their own environment and begin building a relationship.” 

These early interactions help children recognise familiar adults when they arrive at school, which can make the first days feel less daunting. 

Schools also pay attention to how students are placed in classes. Teachers look at a balance of academic levels, language abilities, and social dynamics so that each child can feel supported within their group. 

At BIS Hanoi, this approach is complemented by buddy systems and close teacher support during the early weeks. These small structures help students begin forming friendships and navigating daily routines. 

Monitoring confidence and wellbeing in the first year 

Settling into a new school develops gradually over time as students gain confidence. 

Laurence explains that monitoring this adjustment is an ongoing process rather than something checked only at the start of the year. 

“We believe strongly in building relationships and nurturing children as they develop,” she says. “From the first day, we communicate with parents about how their child has settled in.” 

Schools use several methods to understand how students are adapting. These include teacher observations, conversations with students, and communication with families. In younger year groups, teachers also help students develop emotional awareness through tools such as zones of regulation, which encourage children to recognise and manage their feelings. 

This kind of monitoring helps teachers identify when additional support may be needed. 

When students feel confident and supported, their engagement with learning improves naturally. 

Keeping parents informed during the first year 

For parents, understanding their child’s international school experience is just as important as seeing academic progress. 

Communication therefore plays a central role in the first year. Schools aim to keep parents informed through both formal updates and everyday conversations. 

Laurence explains that this communication often begins immediately. 

“In early years and primary, communication with parents happens regularly,” she says. “Parents receive updates about what is happening in the classroom and how their child is progressing.” 

These updates may include weekly summaries of learning, classroom posts that show daily activities, and individual messages about a child’s development. 

Parents are also encouraged to stay in contact with teachers whenever they have questions or concerns. This openness allows families to feel involved in their child’s learning as they adapt to a new environment. 

For many parents, this ongoing communication provides reassurance during the early months of the school experience. 

A first year that builds confidence 

The first year at a new school is rarely perfect. Students may take time to adjust to new routines, friendships, or language expectations. 

What matters most is how schools respond during that period. 

At the British International School Hanoi, the focus is on helping students feel known, supported, and gradually more confident in their new environment. Through careful preparation, strong communication, and attentive teaching, schools can turn the first year into a foundation for long-term success. 

Families who would like to learn more about how students settle into life at BIS Hanoi are always welcome to speak with our academic leaders about how the school supports each child during this important transition.