While relocating your family to another country is an exciting journey, there are challenges to be aware of. The top priority is to locate a reputable international school for your children in your new neighborhood. You want your child to obtain the best education possible in an accessible location and at a school where they will feel right at home, make friends, and, most importantly, be happy.
It’s understandable why many recently arrived ex-pat parents feel a little overwhelmed by the situation, especially when they have to adjust to an entirely new city and educational system.
While we can’t decide which school you should attend, we can provide you with some helpful information to help.
Here are some tips to help you select the ideal foreign school:
Applications
How to apply to the institution of your choice must be the first thing on your checklist, even though it might not seem necessary.
Why?
Many foreign schools have waiting lists, and some won’t accept students who want to register in the middle of the academic year.
Review the application fee before you let the tremendous extracurricular offered or the kids’ exceptional test scores trick you.
Ensure you are prepared well and note any documentation requirements and application deadlines.
International schools commonly request official grade reports, and the more prominent institutions occasionally insist that incoming students take an entrance exam.
Keep in mind that waiting lists might be lengthy; If at all feasible, start your school search and application procedure at least a year before you move.
Fees and Costs
For many ex-pat families, the cost is a crucial decision factor when choosing an international school.
The bad news is that if cost is a big concern for you, “yearly fees” do not correctly reflect the total cost of enrolling your child in an international school.
Many institutions have an additional enrolment fee for the first year, and the annual prices frequently increase over each academic year.
If your firm is generous enough to cover a portion of these expenses, you have a bit more discretion.
Nevertheless, you should consider the actual cost annually (and each child) and factor it into your budget.
Education and ethos
After you have determined all the foreign schools that fall within your price range, the curriculum and culture of the school should be at the top of your list.
Let’s begin by talking about languages:
Although French lychees and even German institutions can be found in most towns, English is the most common medium of instruction in international schools.
If your children don’t speak English, make sure a plan is in place to get them up to speed before the start date.
Consider including instruction in the local language of the country, and always make sure that the teachers are native or, at the very least, competent speakers of the language of the school.
The International Baccalaureate, national English, or American curricula are the usual choices for the following step (plus other national ones).
Smaller international institutions only provide one course; larger institutions rarely offer two or more.
Make your decision based on the education your child received before the transfer, your prospective future relocation, and the potential location of their future university studies.
Consistency is key
The student body, class numbers, and the school’s entire attitude and teaching methodology must also be considered.
Smaller class sizes give your child more individualized attention, but larger classes aren’t always wrong if the school hires additional support teachers.
A wide range of nationalities increases your child’s chances of making friends from their “native” country and allows them to interact with numerous cultures at a young age.
It is entirely up to you what ethos values you want to impart to your child.
Do you want religion to be a part of their lives?
Find the university that most closely reflects your preferences.
Logistics
Logistics are the next vital factor to consider.
How far are the school from your home and place of employment?
How far will it take to get there?
Can you use the public transit system or car to get to and from school?
Look at the average rents in the area near the school if you aren’t quite sure where you’ll be living.
If you must employ school bus services, find out which routes they take and take it into account when making your calculations.
Look up the school’s hours and include them in your “typical day”; don’t forget to do so.
Remember that many foreign schools provide before/after school activities, so you might be able to pick up your child on the way home from work if classes stop at 3 p.m., for instance.
The early hours are the same. Another thing to think about is lunch: will the school provide lunch, or does your child need to bring one?
Are the lunch alternatives healthy and healthful if they do offer them?
Do they consider your child’s special dietary requirements if they exist?
The Needs of Your Child
While all the aspects mentioned above are significant when choosing an international school, your child’s needs come first.
The best education you can provide your child should be your top priority, as it should be.
However, they are more concerned with making new friends, having fun, and maybe not having too much homework!
Don’t forget to discuss the issue with them and ensure they concur with your choice of school.
When looking for a school abroad, consider your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Are they creative?
Do they play sports frequently in escape rooms?
Do they have a thinking body?
Find educational institutions to help students develop their strengths and fix their weaknesses.
Choosing a school, you think they’ll like a better technique than selecting the best school you can within your means.
Author’s Bio:
Charlotte Lin is a content creator at escaperoom.com. She’s a passionate young woman, mother to an amazing nine-year-old, and an avid reader. Over the years, writing has helped her explore and understand the world and herself.
