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Moving to another nation has its difficulties. Finding your children the best international school in your new home is foremost on the list. You would want your child to receive the best education possible with the utmost convenience and at a school where they will feel comfortable, make friends, and be happy.
Finding the right international school can be a daunting process above the stress of moving. A completely new educational system opens up a world of possibilities, but it raises questions. Choosing the right school considers different factors, such as the costs, curriculum, culture, and core values. Remember to check out their teachers as well to ensure their credentials.
Establish your priorities and the specific data you wish to obtain. Make each inquiry matter. Do not ask the typical off-the-cuff questions that the admissions officer delivers to every single parent—bland responses that, in our experience, you will quickly forget.Â
Furthermore, consider factors that align with your child’s personality because it can affect their growth in a new environment. Children often develop through mimicry. You can incorporate the idea by capturing their needs to nurture effective development.
Things to Consider
School Application
The first item on your checklist should be how to apply to your chosen institution. Different international schools have waiting lists, and others don’t let kids enroll in the middle of the school year. So, before you get sucked into the excellent extracurricular activities offered or the outstanding exam results the kids accomplish, review the application process.
Note the application dates and required documentation so you can organize everything well in advance. The most prestigious schools may need incoming students to take an entry exam, and it is common for overseas schools to obtain official grade reports. It is advisable to search and apply for schools a year or more before relocation and keep in mind that waiting lists can be lengthy.
Costs of the School
The price is a major deciding factor for many ex-pat families when selecting an international school. The bad news is that “yearly fees” do not accurately reflect the cost of enrolling your child in an overseas school if cost is a significant factor for you. For the first year, colleges charge an additional enrollment fee, and the annual costs frequently rise with each academic year.
You have more leeway if your company pays a portion of these costs. However, you should still think about the total cost per year (and per child) and include this in your budget; certain particular schools may provide a complete breakdown for you, or you may locate it yourself on our site.
Curriculum and Ethos
The curriculum and culture of the school should come first on your list after you have identified all the international schools within your price range. Let’s start by discussing languages. English is the most frequently used language of instruction in international schools. However, most cities also contain French and German institutions.
If your kids rarely speak English, apply to a program that places them with applicable instructors. Include instructions in the local tongue of the nation as well, and always verify that the teachers are literate—or, even better, native—speakers of the language.
The next step is to select a curriculum; the International Baccalaureate is a popular option, as are national English or American curricula (plus other national ones). Smaller foreign schools will only offer one class; larger schools may offer two or even more courses. Align the curriculum with your child’s exposure before your relocation, your potential future relocation location, and the potential location of their future university studies, and make your choice. Integral is consistency.
Additionally, it’s crucial to look into the student population, class sizes, and, of course, the school’s overall ethos and method of instruction. Smaller class sizes allow for more one-on-one time with your child, but larger classes are more manageable if the school employs extra support teachers.
A variety of nationalities helps your child to engage with many cultures at a young age. It enhances the likelihood that they will make friends from their “original” country.
Your Child’s Needs
Your child’s requirements come first, even though all of the previous factors are important when selecting an overseas school. Providing your child with a premiere education is your foremost priority, as it should be. They are more focused on meeting new people, enjoying themselves, and (presumably) not having too much homework. Remember to discuss the matter with them and make sure they approve of your school’s decision.
Consider your child’s abilities and shortcomings when you search for an overseas school. Are they imaginative or athletes? Look for educational institutions that will both build on their strengths and assist them in addressing their inadequacies. A better strategy than choosing the best international school within your budget is to select a school you believe they will enjoy.
Key Takeaway
Consider a variety of factors while deciding which is ideal for your child. You can ignore unimportant issues and focus on the essentials. What holds value for you? For instance, you should look for the best international school that provides what you need the most if you want one that adheres to a specific curriculum. Are you seeking a school with a considerable extracurricular calendar? A school with a healthy environment may be the best for your child. It could be beneficial to speak with friends or family members who have children attending international schools as you weigh your alternatives or to contact a local school to see if they can assist you.
