As any parent knows, making the right decisions relating to your child’s education is essential for making sure they have a bright future ahead of them. The importance of this decision is huge wherever the child is living, but if they’re abroad then it can become even more complex. Here are some top tips on how to take a fully informed decision about a child’s education when there’s an international aspect to consider.
Choose a region
For some, this decision may have already been taken for you by an employer. If you’re moving to a certain place for work, you will need to find a school close to where you’re living. However, if the move is for lifestyle reasons, it’s likely that somewhere for the children to study will be high on your priorities list when choosing a location.
Aspects of the curriculum change dramatically from country to country and from region to region, so it’s vital that you do your research. Education systems in places like Scandinavia, for example, tend to focus on learning through play and other innovative methods, while systems in some Asian countries place more of an emphasis on structure, rote learning and discipline. By working out which regions have the kind of education system you want for your child, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
Think about the curriculum
Of course, one of the most important choices you’ll have to make is what sort of curriculum you want your child to experience when they enroll at a new school. International schools often provide excellent curriculum options. The Stamford American School, in Hong Kong, offers a range of choices including foreign languages and STEMIN (science, technology, engineering, math and innovation). By doing some research, you’ll soon find out where your child would be best suited curriculum-wise.
Atmosphere is important
When it comes to selecting a school for your child to attend, it’s important to think about more than just the basics like curriculum options or location. It’s also vital to remember that the atmosphere within the school can make or break a child’s experience there, and one of the best ways to sample the atmosphere and to work out what makes the school special is to go along and visit before you make the big move. If possible, it’s a good idea to organize a visit like this at a time when your child can attend with you.
Any school worth its salt will let you visit before you enroll your child, although usually you will have to make an appointment. It’s a good idea to ask for a tour so that you can look at any facilities such as gyms or IT equipment. That way, you’ll bump into students and staff and see how they interact and behave – both key components of a school’s atmosphere.
Making decisions about your children’s schooling is important no matter what stage of their education they are at or where in the world you and your family will be living. By doing your research and covering all important bases like location, curriculum and atmosphere, you’ll soon be able to find a place and a school that works for you and your child.