Choosing the Right Education: National vs. International Schools
There are many factors to consider when moving abroad with a family, one of the most important being where to send child(ren) to school. In most countries, expatriate children have the option of attending international or national (local public and private) schools. Both options have their positives and negatives, and choosing which educational experience best fits the needs of a student is no easy task.
Many who relocate abroad choose to send their children to international schools, which are private schools that promote an international education, in an international environment. Curriculums in international schools can vary slightly, but most tend to teach the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, or a similar education to what you would get in the UK or the US. These curriculums are taught in English, and can differ from what's being taught in local public or private schools (though certain public schools have an accredited IB program). Teachers are sometimes required to be specially trained for an international syllabus.
Students who attend international schools are primarily other expat children, who have common experiences moving between countries and places often. This could be viewed as a positive or negative, depending on how one looks at the situation. On one hand, expat children can relate to one another based on life experiences. Others could argue that by sending children to an international school, they won't be able to immerse themselves in their new country's language and culture, thus having a more challenging time socializing with local kids and forming friendships.
By sending children to a public or private national school, they are able to potentially become fluent in the local language, therefore providing life-long benefits. This option also allows children to be more active in the community, and later on down the road having the ability to choose which type of university to attend local or one in their home country.
Another thing to consider when choosing an education is the cost. Depending on the location and school itself, an international education can be extremely expensive, whereas public schools are free for residents within defined city of school district boundaries (note: taking advantage of a public education as an expatriate varies from country to country). But with price comes expectations. National private and public schools are taught in the local language, which could initially pose problems for children who aren't fluent. Depending on the country, the quality of curriculum and after-school activities could also be lower than what is expected in an expat's home country or what would be taught at an international school. Still, many developed countries have very robust curriculums that rival international options.
Determining which educational option is best for a child and their family is a decision most expats spend a lot of time researching, as many factors are considered and balanced. Some best practices as a parent can include touring different national and international schools with children, meeting with teachers, and talking to other expat parents about their experiences. If relocation assistance is available through an employer, speaking with a local Destination Services Consultant could also provide insight. No matter the decision, the benefits a child receives from living and learning abroad, whether in an international school or other, are endless.
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