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What is an International School?
An international school does not adopt the national curriculum of it’s home country. Instead, it combines the curriculums of various other countries around the globe. For an international community, it gives an international education. They are usually found in major cities and cater to children from both expat and host country families. Families from the United Kingdom frequently send their children to British international schools, but there are also international schools affiliated with other countries, such as the United States, France, and Germany. International schools have a student body and teaching faculty that is mostly culturally and linguistically diverse.
What do International Schools provide?
Curriculum in English-language international schools are most often based on education in the United Kingdom, education in the United States, or curricula specially designed for international schools such as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education or the IB Diploma Programme. The IB diploma programme is a rigorous two-year course of study that aims to develop “inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect”. IB provides the opportunity for students to discover their passion by studying a wide range of subjects, and are not compelled to specialise. The IB helps students develop strong academic, social, and emotional characteristics.
What are the benefits of going to an International School?
- Academic Excellence
The foreign curriculum used to teach your children, such as the tough International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, is one of the reasons parents are so keen to choose an international school. The IB Program encourages students to learn and inquire, allowing them to expand their knowledge base, demonstrate their understanding, and then act on what they’ve learned. Your children will develop the following skills as a result of this curriculum: Inquires, Communicators, Risk-takers, Knowledgeable, Principled, Caring, Open-minded, Well-balanced. Ninety-five percent of students are accepted into four-year university programmes after graduation.
- Excellent Facilities
According to Mark Osborne, a leading educationist, school campuses should be flexible, open and provide students easy access to resources.“In a modern learning facility, there are movable walls, flexible workspaces, more glass and the use of a learning common which is a central teaching and learning space that can be shared by several classes. These areas give all students access to what other classes are learning so that teaching and learning can be complemented and enhanced,” says Osborne.
- Expert Faculties
They are specialists in their fields, frequently with postgraduate degrees and training in core programmes like the IB. They are passionate about making the world a better place and want to give back to their community. They are eager to participate in co-curricular activities and to share their passions and interests with the community. They enjoy dealing with students and understand that each one is an individual.Teachers are attracted to the position because of the competitive pay. Many of the teachers will have trained or worked in the United Kingdom, but their decision to work in another nation demonstrates that they are true achievers with high levels of motivation.
- Increased mobility
Following an international curriculum allows children to easily transition between schools — for example, if the family relocates due to work, as is common among expats – and to return to a UK school in the appropriate year group for their age.
- Extracurriculars
Extra-curricular activities tend to be outstanding, with opportunities ranging from sports and music to volunteering trips to other trips abroad. International schools focus on making their students well-rounded.
Also Read – Top 10 IB Schools in Asia
What are the possible disadvantages of going to an International School?
- The population is relatively transient, which is one of the dangers. Pupils change schools often, and children may have to develop new acquaintances on a regular basis. There may also be a considerable turnover of employees, with teachers pursuing their dream of teaching in another country before returning home.
- Parents and students may struggle with the ‘pushiness’ of teachers and other parents, both in the classroom and during extracurricular activities, at some international schools.
- It’s challenging to get into an international school. Good schools have large waiting lists, and students must pass an admission exam and an interview to be considered for a spot. Fees can also be exorbitant; some institutions are non-profit, while others are for-profit, and a more expensive education does not always imply a better one.
- Although foreign schools provide opportunities for children to meet individuals from many cultures, they may not be as entrenched in the local culture as they would be in a public school. They may miss out on learning about local culture and language acquisition.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are International Schools?
A: International schools are schools that offer an international curriculum and cater to a diverse student body from various countries. These schools often use English as the primary language of instruction and provide a multicultural environment for students.
Q2: What types of curriculums do International Schools offer?
A: International schools can offer a range of curriculums, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Curriculum, and American curriculums like Advanced Placement (AP) and the Common Core State Standards.
Q3: Are International Schools only for expat families?
A: No, International Schools are not only for expat families. While many international schools cater to expat families, they also enroll local students who are interested in pursuing an international education.
Q4: What are the benefits of attending an International School?
A: Attending an International School can offer students a global perspective and exposure to diverse cultures, languages, and customs. International Schools often provide rigorous academic programs that prepare students for university studies in different parts of the world.
Q5: How can I find International Schools in my area?
A: You can find International Schools in your area by searching online directories or contacting your local embassy or consulate. You can also check with educational consultants or search for schools that are accredited by international organizations such as the Council of International Schools (CIS) or the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
