International schools explained
In fact, in some locations, there will be a mind-boggling choice of international schools all competing to offer a British, American, Japanese, German or some experimental type of schooling you haven’t even heard of.
Like everything else with your move, you'll need to research your international schools and prepare your children for what will most likely be a major transformation in their lives.
What is an international school?
OK, so you are off to a new country and are thrilled to discover that listed amongst the international school offerings, there is a British seat of learning. Does this mean it will be just like the school you are used to at home which has a few foreign students? Um, not quite.
International schools are just that – international – and the only familiar trait to a newly arrived family could be the curriculum they purport to follow. They may be based on a particular education system such as British, but the student body might comprise some other 60 or so nationalities – a veritable United Nations all chatting away in a multitude of playground language. Yes, they may be fluent in various levels of English, but they may throw many different cultural values into the school melting pot.
Some of the ways that international schools differ from schools ‘back home’ are:
There is a wide range of nationalities and much mobility amongst families with an emphasis on change, adaptability and multi-language learning.
Expatriate teaching professionals are generally on contracts and will remain in posts for a limited time period before moving on, which means there could be a lack of continuity amongst staff.
International schools usually have a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and serve as a community focus point, which means there is more parental involvement and social interaction.
There is a greater emphasis on cultural awareness and differences including celebrating different national events such as religious festivals.
Classes may consist of around 25 different nationalities with varying levels of English and myriad learning styles.
In some countries, affluent locals own international schools either solely or in partnership with a foreign franchise and such establishments may be run by associations, foundations or as businesses for profit. Management control may be in the hands of a despot (and we don’t mean the principal) who ultimately decides on key appointments, school policy and admission criteria. The management structure will greatly impact the ethos of the school.
What curriculum do international schools follow?
Some international schools may be more national than international, having been established to cater to wealthy students from the home country who want to follow an English-based curriculum to achieve fluency in English and gain entry to overseas universities. Genuine international schools will have a majority of international students, a multinational board, a well-qualified diverse teaching staff and will follow a curriculum that integrates instructional practices of different national systems.
A genuine international school will promote cultural understanding and respect between the various nationalities through activities that range from celebrations of different festivals to cross-cultural studies.
Although the word ‘international’ in the name does not automatically make it the case, many schools offer the International Baccalaureate's (IB) Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and IB Diploma and certificate programmes that draw on the best materials from around the world.
Formally established in Europe in 1965, the IB programme gives students an international, rather than national, perspective in education. Academically rigorous, the IB is not suitable for all students, some of whom may do better in other systems. Parents might want to consider selecting a school that will allow easy assimilation back into their home country system. The important thing is that the school teaches a curriculum that can cross borders (eg IGCSE, A levels, AP, IPC, IB).
A genuine international school will promote cultural understanding and respect between the various nationalities through activities that range from celebrations of different festivals to cross-cultural studies. In international schools, teachers should be experienced in teaching in multicultural classrooms where they can create positive relationships with all the students and be sensitive to the group and cultural affiliations of each one.
