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If you’re planning to visit international schools in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, or Brunei — in person or virtually — you might be wondering what to ask, what to look for, and how to prepare.
This guide walks you through the key things to observe during a school visit, what questions to ask admissions teams, and how to evaluate whether a school fits your child’s needs.
doris is a free, impartial school comparison tool that helps families explore international schools across Southeast Asia. Use it before or after your visit to build a shortlist and compare what really matters.
Before Your Visit: Review the School Profile
Use doris to gather key information before your visit so you can focus your time on what you can only observe in person:
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Curriculum
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Class size
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Language support
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SEN programmes
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Fee structure
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Admission requirements
That way, you won’t waste time on details you already have — and can focus on fit, environment, and people.
Questions to Ask During the Tour
| Topic | Sample Questions |
|---|---|
| Daily Life | What does a typical day look like for my child’s age group? |
| Curriculum & Support | How does the school support students who are new to this curriculum or language? |
| Wellbeing | What support is in place for emotional and social transition? |
| Community | How are parents involved in school life? Are there parent groups or networks? |
| Logistics | How do transport and drop-off work? Are there buses or shuttles? |
| Communication | How often will I receive updates on my child’s progress? |
These questions apply to both in-person and virtual tours.
What to Observe During Your Visit
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Student-teacher interaction: Are students engaged and supported?
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Classroom environment: Is the atmosphere structured, flexible, inclusive?
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Facilities in use: Are children using the library, labs, sports areas — or just being shown them?
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Staff engagement: Do teachers and staff seem responsive and welcoming?
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Student diversity: Does the school reflect the mix you're looking for?
After the Visit: Reflect and Compare
Use doris to compare schools side by side based on what you observed — not just what was presented. You can:
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Revisit saved school profiles
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Message schools for follow-up questions
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Add notes and reflections from each visit
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Compare curriculum, class size, SEN support, and more
FAQs
Can I still use doris if I’ve already started visiting schools?
Yes. Use it to compare what you’ve seen, organise your shortlist, and discover schools you may have overlooked.
What if I can’t visit in person?
Most schools now offer virtual tours or video calls. You can message them directly through doris to ask for links or recordings.
Do all schools offer tours?
Most do, especially for prospective families. Some may only offer scheduled times during the week — be sure to book in advance.
Final Thoughts
Visiting a school is one of the most helpful ways to understand whether it’s a good fit for your child. With the right questions and clear comparisons from doris, you can make the most of each tour — and feel more confident in your decision.