A Journey That Began with German Storybooks
Reflecting on her time at EIS, Leanne recalls the school’s early days as the German International School (GIS), then located near the airport. The environment was intimate, the curriculum largely German, and mornings often started with quiet reading in a classroom corner. “Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far both the school and I have come since then,” Leanne shares.
Over more than a decade, the school transformed into a vibrant, multilingual IB World School - and Leanne grew with it.
Becoming Independent, Open-Minded, and Grounded
One of the most profound shifts over the years has been personal growth. “I’ve become more independent, open-minded, and self-aware,” Leanne reflects. “EIS has helped me not only become a better student, but also a more grounded and thoughtful individual.”
This growth was nurtured not only by academic rigour but also by a supportive and closely connected school community. From small class sizes to lasting relationships with teachers, the EIS environment allowed Leanne to take initiative, express herself, and meet challenges head-on.
Academic Excellence Without Pressure
With a string of outstanding academic achievements behind her, Leanne is quick to credit the steady encouragement she received along the way. “I never really felt pressure to perform, but rather a constant sense of reassurance from those around me,” she explains. “That environment boosted my confidence and made it easier to stay driven and enjoy the process of learning.”
Subjects like English particularly stood out. “It gave me space to think creatively and explore global and social issues. It taught me how powerful language is in shaping meaning and understanding.”
In the recent 2025 IB examinations, Leanne achieved an impressive IB score of 41/45, a reflection of her dedication, resilience, and intellectual curiosity.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
Like many IB students, Leanne faced challenges - especially during the demanding final two years. But each obstacle became an opportunity for reflection and adaptation. “I learned to pause, reassess my priorities, and adjust my routine. Sometimes that meant reaching out for help. I always felt that I could rely on my teachers and the EIS staff.”
One standout achievement was the completion of her Personal Project in Grade 10 - a milestone in independence and time management that left a lasting mark. “Finishing it was a very proud moment for me.”
Looking Ahead: A Global Mindset with Local Roots
Leanne has her sights firmly set on the next chapter: she will be attending the prestigious University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, where she plans to major in Business Administration. True to her internationally minded upbringing, she is eager to explore new countries and cultures before eventually returning to Vietnam. “My long-term goal is to do something meaningful within the business world,” she shares. “But I’m also keeping my path flexible and open to new possibilities.”
EIS, she says, has equipped her with much more than academic knowledge. “I’ve learned to think critically, communicate clearly, and take care of myself. From mental health and financial literacy to life skills, the school prepared us for the real world.”
Words of Wisdom for Future EIS Students
Leanne’s advice to younger students? “It’s okay to make mistakes. Take time to appreciate everything you’ve worked for. I’ve grown so much because of the mistakes I’ve been brave enough to make - and I’ve come out the other side better because of it.”
A Community That Shapes Lives
Outside the classroom, experiences like Week Without Walls were especially meaningful. “Those trips were where I formed some of my closest friendships. They taught me how valuable shared experiences can be.”
When asked to sum up EIS in just three words, Leanne chooses: Supportive. International. Transformative. It’s a fitting tribute to a school and a student who have grown together - and a reminder of the powerful impact of a nurturing, global learning environment.
As Leanne embarks on this exciting new chapter, the EIS community couldn’t be prouder. Wherever the journey leads, she carries with her the resilience, curiosity, and heart that define what it means to be an EIS learner.
