Odyssey International School: Teaching children how to learn, how to think, and how to be human

The Inevitable Shift in Education

The world is operating in a context of volatility and uncertainty. Fast paced technology changes and the rise of artificial intelligence have rendered the traditional education model, focused on content and knowledge memorization, obsolete.

Human value now more than ever lies in the abilities like critical thinking, creativity, reflection, collaboration, and adaptability – that machines cannot replace. Modern education must shift its focus from merely “teaching facts” to “teaching how to learn, how to think, and how to be well-rounded individuals.”

Deeply aware of this, Odyssey International School has chosen a clear and consequent pathway: to adapt and apply progressive and worldwide recognized educational philosophies and programmes – delivered in an academically challenging and at the same time nurturing environment.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Framework – A Foundation for Modern Thinking

A clear testament to Odyssey International School’s commitment to quality is its adherence to the rigorous standards of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Since April 2025, the school has become a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for students aged 3-11 and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for students aged 12-16.

The school expects to become a fully accredited IB World School within 2026 and will launch the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) in 2027. The IB DP is arguably the most recognized and respected high school degree by universities worldwide.

The greatest value of the IB lies in its profound educational philosophy, aimed at developing the whole learner. Instead of one-way knowledge transmission, the IB programme at Odyssey International School nurtures students’ natural curiosity through an inquiry-based learning approach. Knowledge is not confined to individual subjects but is logically connected through interdisciplinary projects. For example, a project on the Han River would require students to apply knowledge from History, Science, and Mathematics to solve problems, accurately simulating the complex issues of the real world.

To bring this philosophy to life, Odyssey International School has assembled a team of experienced teachers, professionally trained in IB methods, who receive continuous guidance from the global IB Organization.

The Environment at Odyssey International School – Where Educational Philosophy Becomes Reality

An outstanding philosophy requires a suitable nurturing environment. At Odyssey International School, this environment is built upon its physical spaces, multicultural community, and connection to local identity.

Inspiring Spaces: Located on a spacious 14,000 m² campus between Da Nang and Hoi An, Odyssey International School offers a pristine and expansive learning environment with modern facilities. From classrooms and laboratories to a student-focuses library and an expansive sports complex, all spaces are are designed to support the holistic development of students.

A Community Like a Microcosm of the World: With an internationally diversified teacher and student community, Odyssey International School creates a truly multicultural environment. Every day, students communicate and collaborate with international friends, helping them build confidence, cross-cultural communication skills, and an open mindset – essential assets for a global citizen.

Connecting with Local Identity: Despite being an international school, Odyssey International School thoroughly respects local culture and values. Respective projects and community activities, such as collaborating with the organization “Not Just Plastic” to collect and recycle plastic waste, help students understand and appreciate where they live while applying their knowledge to create a positive impact.

Asked about his vision and aspiration for Odyssey International School, it’s co-founder and CEO shared this:

“We want to prepare our students for their future life in the best way. High academic standards are critical and important, but a good education will provide students with more than that. Values like respect, trust and integrity will go a very long way and can be important anchors in our educational journey and in life. I fondly recall the early day at the European International School in Ho Chi Minh City (EIS), which I had co-founded, where we have started small and developed an IB World School across all levels and a great learning community with strong values and principles.

Odyssey is still a young school, and it is our resolve and promise to our current and future students and parents, to provide a future-proof educational pathway built on the pillars of meaningful values, academic excellence, passionate and inspiring teachers, and a caring community.

Much has been said about the concept of life-long learning: We want to inspire students and guide them rather than to traditionally “teach” them. Like the great St. Exupery said” “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea”.