International schools are educational institutions based outside their respective home countries. Though some are local, but has adapted an international curriculum. They were primarily set up for the children of expats who desire to have the education of their home countries. Most of these expats are foreign workers, staff of diplomatic missions and members of international organisations. These schools are very common in countries that are considered to be economic or cultural hubs where many nationals from other countries are being stationed.
Students are comprised mostly of nationals of the home country of the school and local children. Some are nationals of other countries who have parents working in the host country. In the international school setting, aside from the basic education provided, the students are passively trained to understand differences in cultures, customs and belief system. Though English is the most common language of instruction, the language of the home country is part of the curriculum as some subjects are taught that way (if the language of the home country is not English).
Parents who wish to enrol their child in international schools needs to consider some things.
1. Choosing the right school may depend on which country parents believe to offer the best curriculum for their child. Since these institutions bring their structure of education to their host countries, they will offer it in a manner they would in their respective home countries. This also includes the number of terms, school years, start of classes, seasonal breaks, holidays and many others.
2. Enrolling children in an international school is a commitment. Changing schools frequently may make it difficult for the child to cope up and mess up his academic progress. For parents or guardians who travel frequently, they must consider which international school has centres in places they might be potentially based. In cases where families must change their location, transferring to the same international school in a different location may help smoothen the transition. When there is no branch of a school in a place where a child has been relocated, enrolling to a different institute may have some problems like differences in curriculum and language of instruction other than English. Some years may be repeated if the child’s past undertakings are not credited by the new school.
3. The parents themselves must be prepared for international schools. One of the aims of international schools is tolerance and acceptance of others regardless of nationality, socio-economic status, race and religion. Parents may hear about their classmates doing certain things that might not be acceptable to them. Parents must support the child in a way that they teach him that “our family should not do that but do not judge others because they do it”. For example a student practicing Islam (consumption of pork is forbidden) may have a classmate who had a bacon sandwich for a snack. Parents must instil their religious values and at the same time not look down on the ones who they think are practicing things not aligned with their beliefs. Another point is that they may be required to attend a school event. Meeting and socialising with people from different cultures may present as challenge for some. They might get shocked at the way others dress, having tattoos, piercings or other things they see as taboo. The way parents react to these will have an impact on how their children would interact with their classmates.
4. In many cases, international schools are more expensive than local schools. Aside from the tuition fees, there are some charges on entrance, tuition, registration, deposit, uniforms, miscellaneous fees and others. To enrol a child in an international school, here is how much these institutes charge for a year’s pre-school education in different locations in Asia (in Singaporean Dollars)
Bangkok, Thailand (American) – 20,500+
New Delhi, India (British) – 26,000+
Hong Kong (French) – 22,000+
Manila, Philippines (German) – 16,000+
Singapore (Singaporean) – 26,500+
Trips to the school’s home country may also be part of the learning process so preparing a travel budget should always be considered.
5. Many international schools assess the capabilities of the child before admission. The child will be taking to tests. A small fee would be required and does not guarantee admission. Different schools may set different standards. A comprehensive preparation will help to give the aspirant a good chance of being admitted to the school.