Choosing the right school for your child is a difficult decision. If a new career has taken your family to a new country, then the decision could be a fraught one. Working your way around a completely unfamiliar education system can fill you with a series of questions, especially if there’s a language barrier or doubts about how long you will reside in your new country.
Whilst many countries allow expats access to school places within their own state system, sending your child to an International School, is one option available to families.
So, what is an International School? As the name suggests international schools provide international education and a different curriculum to the country in which they are situated. A 2014 an International Schools Consultancy (ISC) global report estimated that within five years there will be over five million students in international schools.
Students who attend won’t be required to speak the native language, which of course has definite pros and cons. International schools in general offer similar qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate or Cambridge International examinations. If your child is globe-trotting from an early age, continuity of curriculum within international schools, means their education is not disrupted too much.
International schools by their very nature have a huge cultural mix, allowing students to mingle with peers from all around the world. This is considered a huge benefit by many parents as their children are exposed to a global community, giving them a certain head start when it comes to integrating into a global workforce.
As with many schools in the public sector, International Schools can vary in standards, so it’s worth doing your research and asking about. The Council of International Schools, which is a membership community committed to high quality international education, has a list of their accredited schools, which should help point you in the right direction. See here for more information.
Alternatively, if you are a UK resident and thinking that your children may one day re-enter the British schooling system, it’s worth looking at The Council For British International Schools website.
Their advice for picking a International School is as follows:
– Do your research – Find out which schools are available in the area to which you are moving and ask for advice from a variety of organisations and contacts. They suggest: COBIS, other international school associations, your employer and colleagues, the British Embassy and local expatriate organisations.
– Contact schools as soon as you know that you may be moving abroad – Good schools are often over-subscribed, so the earlier you apply the better.
– Decide which school is best for your child – Give careful consideration to the curriculum and qualifications offered. Also, review exam results and see which universities former students have attended.
For many parents international schools offer everything they want while settling into a new location. However, if this is something you are thinking of doing, it is best to plan in advance and talk to your new employer about fees. International school fees can be very steep, and it is worth assessing these costs before negotiating your new salary. Some employers may pay this as part of their relocation package but it’s worth thrashing out the finer details before making any commitment.
If you are thinking about moving abroad, PSS International Removals can help. For more information about PSS International Removals and our services contact us now at https://www.pssremovals.com
PSS International Removals is a family run company and our desire is to ensure your family receive a friendly, professional and stress free overseas move. We have specialised in international removals for over 33 years, so whether you are planning on sending a full or part household removal, excess baggage or a vehicle we recognise the importance in ensuring that our customers receive the same level of care and attention that we would expect ourselves.
