Milana Gurova AVE Academy Student Wins Cambridge “Top in the World” Award
A Historic Achievement for AVE Academy
There are moments in the history of an educational institution that define its mission. Today, AVE Academy is beaming with pride as we share a story 12 years in the making. Our very own Milana Gurova has been officially recognized by Cambridge Assessment International Education and the British Council for a feat that is as rare as it is impressive.
Milana has been awarded the prestigious “Top in the World” honor for her performance in the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language examination.
What Does “Top in the World” Really Mean?
This isn’t just an “A” grade. Milana achieved a perfect score of 100%. Out of the thousands of students who sit for these rigorous examinations across every continent, Milana earned the highest mark worldwide. This accomplishment is a testament to her personal grit, her family’s support, and the academic foundation she built right here in Nha Trang. Milana had returned to the school to receive her award to give a short lecture to the current IGCSE students to help them prepare for their upcoming exams this year. And she gave a little video interview, which you can see in the video below:
The 12-Year Journey of Milana Gurova: AVE Academy’s Global Success.
Milana’s story didn’t begin with a test paper; it began 12 years ago when she first walked through our doors as a kindergartner. As one of the students who joined us at the very opening of AVE Academy, Milana has grown up alongside our school.
For over a decade, she has lived and breathed an English immersion environment. At 18 years old, having lived in Vietnam for most of her life, Milana is a shining example of what happens when a student is given the right tools and the right environment from an early age. She was a member of our very first IGCSE class, making this global recognition a landmark event for our entire community.
Behind the Perfect Score: An Interactive Approach to Learning
How does a student reach 100%? According to Milana, it wasn’t just about memorizing textbooks or grinding through old exam papers. In a recent interview, she highlighted the unique pedagogical approach of her teachers.
The Role of Dedicated Educators
“My homeroom teacher put a lot of work and dedication into preparing us,” Milana shared. “She showed that she truly cared and was dedicated to our success. She gave us different tasks beyond regular practice for past papers.”
Moving Beyond the Classroom
The secret sauce to Milana’s success was the interactive nature of the lessons at AVE Academy. Our curriculum is designed to make learning feel like a natural extension of life, not a chore. Milana noted several key factors:
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Peer Interviews: Students engaged in real-world dialogue.
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Class Presentations: Building the confidence to speak and lead.
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Creative Writing: Assignments that felt engaging rather than academic, yet still honed the precise skills needed for Cambridge standards.
“This approach helped me a lot,” Milana says. “Pay attention in class and do the assignments the teachers give you because they have a purpose. It is not just aimless classwork.”
The “College Life” Experience: Exam Prep in Ho Chi Minh City
One of the most unique aspects of the IGCSE journey at AVE Academy was the school-sponsored trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Recognizing the stress of high-stakes testing, the school paid for and accompanied the students to the city for a week-long exam session.
Independence and Motivation
This wasn’t just a trip; it was a transition into adulthood. The students lived together like college roommates, navigating the city, studying in groups, and supporting one another through the pressure.
“I got to live the life of a college student, living by myself with my classmates as roommates,” Milana recalls. “We studied together for motivation and went out together. It is an experience that I will surely never forget.”
Why AVE Academy is the #1 International Education Provider in Nha Trang
Milana’s success is a reflection of the standards we uphold across all our campuses. As the leading provider of international education in the region, we don’t just teach the Cambridge curriculum; we optimize it.
Tailored Learning Across Three Specialized Campuses
We believe that learning environments should evolve with the student. That is why AVE Academy features three distinct campuses:
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Lower Primary: Focusing on foundational literacy and social development.
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Primary: Expanding into core academic subjects with a focus on inquiry.
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High School: Tailored toward the rigorous goals of the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level curricula.
The AVE Advantage: Small Classes and AI Integration
Our commitment to excellence is backed by:
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Small Class Sizes: Ensuring every student receives personalized attention from our internationally qualified teachers.
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Technology & AI: We leverage cutting-edge tools to support adaptive learning, helping students identify and bridge gaps in their knowledge.
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Extracurricular Excellence: A robust program that builds well-rounded individuals ready for the global stage.
The Future: Business, Europe, and Beyond
While the “Top in the World” award is a massive milestone, Milana is already looking toward the horizon. Her next focus is achieving top marks in her A-Levels, with the ultimate goal of studying Business at a university in Europe.
Advice for the Next Generation
When asked what she would tell younger students, Milana’s advice was grounded and heartfelt: “Enjoy your school life because it does not last forever. Have fun with your classmates and joke around with your peers. It all flies by in an instant; it is a cliché, but you should just enjoy it.”
Fostering Global Citizens
The resounding success of the AVE Academy Tet Fair 2026 highlights our commitment to multicultural events. By bringing our international and local community together, we foster diversity, inclusion, and a deeper understanding of the world. Our mission remains clear: to provide an education that raises empathetic global citizens who are rooted in culture yet ready for the world.
About AVE Academy
AVE Academy is a leading educational institution dedicated to providing a holistic, world-class education. By integrating international standards with local cultural appreciation, we empower students to lead with integrity and innovation in an ever-changing global landscape.
