Choosing the right school for your child is an incredibly important, and often difficult decision that must be made. For many parents, international schools are a highly regarded option worth consideration, but what exactly are international schools, and are they really any different from the other types out there?
An international school has a curriculum that always differs from that of the host country. These schools, instead, utilize an international curriculum within a global environment. Adopting a worldwide curriculum enables students to move from one international school to another without disrupting their studies. That is certainly an advantage, especially if you and your family often relocate, but how else can an international school be of benefit to your child?
While you are considering the best option for your son or daughter, consider these four ways in which international schools differ from the rest:
Diversity
Hands down, you will not find a more diverse environment for your child than that provided by an international school. Students come from all parts of the world to attend the schools, so your child will have the advantage of encountering other young people coming from a completely different cultural background.
Languages
With students coming from all over the world to attend an international school, your child will be immersed in not one, but several different languages. Stamford American in Singapore develops fluency in either Chinese or Spanish, in addition to English, which is the language of instruction at the school. If you consider the foreign language requirement, the language of instruction, and each student’s native tongue, you’ll soon have a multilingual child on your hands!
Communication skills
The mutual respect that is built between students from different cultural backgrounds promotes an understanding and acceptance for one another that carries real benefits, not just for your child, but for the world as a whole. Teaching children from a young age to accept and love others that are different from them has an enormous value. Learning to interact with so many people from different cultures will also enhance the social skills of your child and increase his or her self-confidence.
Better opportunities
It’s true; the international curriculum is able to open doors that other curriculums cannot. Students of international schools are more likely to continue their education at a college or university, and because they have been immersed in such a diverse environment, the international schools are literally preparing your child to go anywhere in the world for further study or work.
The many benefits of attending an international school cannot be denied. With exposure to so many different languages and cultures, and with so many connections and friendships made, your child will be fully equipped for a highly successful future, no matter what career dream they are determined to pursue.
If you have decided that an international school is the best choice for your child be sure to do your research. Ensure that the school in which you are interested has been accredited by certified international accreditation agencies.