Over half of my life has been spent in international schools. I’m one of the few students from international schools who then went on to teach in them so I’ve had the benefit of experiencing them at both ends of the classroom. I truly consider myself to be a third culture child and adult, something that is becoming increasingly common. In this blog post, I’ll attempt to share insights and research into both the benefits as well as uncovering many of the challenges I’ve experienced. This should help parents and students to make more informed choices as to whether to go to an international school or make the next move.
Benefits of an international school education
As a student and teacher, I feel the benefits of an international education have been immense. These include:
1. Belonging to a global community
Being part of an international education makes you feel more connected to the wider global community. Having friends and teachers from all over the world gives you different perspectives, teaching styles, beliefs, connections with the opportunities and challenges the world faces. The excellent Global Issues Network is an excellent example of collaboration by students across international schools who are striving to build a more equitable and sustainable world. Students of international schools usually have a greater appreciation for culture and the benefits of diversity.
2. Embracing change
Changing countries, schools and curricula when children are ready, can really help their growth and ability to embrace change. In an ever more uncertain world, the ability to be adaptable and see opportunities will leave international schools well prepared for the future. Making new friends and colleagues will seem much easier. International schools usually embrace the value of reflection, which encourages students to continually self-evaluate their lives, seeking continual improvement and growth.
3. Internationally recognised curricula
International schools usually follow the world’s leading curricula, be it a truly international one like the International Baccalaureate and International Primary Curriculum or ones such as the British, American, Chinese, Singaporean, Canadian, French, German, Australian being the most common. Universities and employers attach great value and credibility to these systems, which will enable students to apply for university places or jobs all over the world with greater ease. Having worked across British, American, French and Portuguese curricula I really feel the International Baccalaureate stands out as the best. Whilst they have a tendency to make everything too complex and it isn’t suited to every student, the depth of research into the education system is second to none and they provide a truly holistic approach to education. The inclusion of aspects such as CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), TOK (Theory of Knowledge) and the Extended Essay in their Diploma Programme mean that students leave school with an outstanding education.
4. Facilities, teaching and learning
International schools are often well funded which results in high quality facilities with lead to excellent learning environments. International schools have been quick to embrace technology with the quality of learning remaining high despite the endless challenges that presented. Student teacher ratios are low, usually around twenty students to one teacher with results in good individual attention, differentiation catering to different learning styles / needs and most importantly a strong mutual relationship of care between teachers and students. Work life balance is usually better for teachers at international schools which results in happier teachers and this shows in the classroom!
5. Opportunities
International schools provide a wide range of opportunities for students, not only whilst at school but also when pursuing universities or a career later. A wide range of languages is usually on offer and most students, either through their course or friends leave school with at least 2 to 3 languages. International schools usually offer an excellent range of extra-curricular activities, clubs, trips and community service initiatives. Students develop their leadership and project management skills, through initiatives such as the excellent IB MYP Personal Project or later via the student-initiated CAS Project.
Challenges of an international school education
There is no doubt that having an international school education is a privilege and it is full of tangible benefits. However, like most privileges there is also another side which is worth being aware of. In many students, these challenges simply require awareness and addressing softly whilst in other cases they can cause more serious longer term problems. These are the most common I’ve experienced or encountered:
A. Lack of roots
This one is one that has regularly challenged me but I’ve also seen it in numerous of my students. My parents are from the UK/Ireland, I was born in Turkey but moved every 3 or so years across Asia, South America and Europe. As an adult, I’ve continued this pattern of moving and whilst I quickly feel at home whenever I move, at the same time I feel like I have no true home. This can lead to a sense of disconnection with local communities and your wider family, a slight addition to moving and the lack of grounding that comes with home. One of the benefits of international schools is that students often come from all over the world yet because they feel disconnected from their home culture, a new vanilla international school culture develops which can feel like a bit of an expat bubble at times. I’ve seen some students look a bit lost as they don’t have a clear sense of identity, particularly when they’ve been exposed to moving countries and schools too frequently.
B. Overwhelming demands
The quality of education and sometimes the emphasis on academics at international schools can be very demanding on students. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is particularly guilty here and it is very common that students go through significant stress trying to complete 6 subjects, write an Extended Essay, study Theory of Knowledge and engage with CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). The IB definitely isn’t the best option for all students and tends to suit all rounders more than those who are particularly strong in one area (e.g. Science or Arts). Many international schools only offer one curriculum, for example the IB, leaving students who either require more time or more focus on one area to drown in the demands. Whilst a little stress is healthy, I feel strongly that students shouldn’t start their life being expected to cope with very significant stress.
C. Diversity and Equality
One of the biggest selling points of an international school is the diversity of students that attend it. However, there is one key element of diversity that is often missing at international schools: income diversity. Whilst not all students at international schools are very wealthy, there are very few lower income students. This can both lead students to be somewhat spoiled but also places pressure on students and parents to have the latest i-phone, designer clothes and fancy holidays. I’ve frequently heard parents complain about this and the pressure it puts on them. Whilst international schools have been slow to offer scholarships or support for lower income families there are exceptions such as the outstanding United World College schools, where more than 80% of students receive financial assistance.
D. Cost
International schools typically charge between $800 and $2000 per month depending on the school and location. Add to that the cost of trips, clubs, etc and it is a very significant outlay. The International School Database is a useful tool to explore this further. I’d be very cautious about international schools where the focus is very much on profit as the experience for students can be rather factory-like at times. I’ll write a blog post on choosing an international school in the near future! (I’ve visited over a hundred of them so feel like I know what to look out for)
How to address these challenges and when to move
Choosing the right time to move countries or schools with your children as well as fully involving them in the process are the keys here.
A change can be a great opportunity when chosen with your child’s best interest at the forefront of the decision making process. When possible, I’d always recommend moving at the end of key stages (UK: Primary to Secondary, IGCSE to A Levels, US: Middle School to High School, IB: IB MYP to DP) where there are likely to be lots of other new joiners and it feels like a new phase in education. I’ve always noticed that children in the 12-15 age bracket really struggle with a big move as this is the time they feel most connected to their friends and need them around most. It is worth speaking to schools about the integration process for students and seeking help from parents at the school to arrange social meet ups as well as signing them up for extra-curricular activities. It is always easier to genuinely connect over a shared interest and whilst doing something.
Communication and empathy are also essential. Some parents make the mistake of keeping the move a secret and then telling their children last minute. Children need time to process a move so ensuring that adequate time is given to both the goodbye and the new start are essential to feeling settled and leaving some form of roots. It is worth trying to build excitement about the new country and school, encouraging your child to do their own research into it. Using a coach to help with this process can be really effective to help deal with the transition as it has such a huge impact and reassurance is critical towards it being a positive experience.
As far as roots are concerned, keeping contact via Zoom with grandparents, cousins and old friends is really important. When possible, doing a yearly return to roots visit can be beneficial so that children feel connected to both the location and people that live there.
Finally, selecting a good school that genuinely cares about your child’s intellectual, social and emotional learning is essential. International schools vary hugely from the very best in the world to new local and private schools which are largely focussed on profit. Your child will be attending this school for 8 hours a day so it is worth doing the research necessary, asking the right questions and ensuring that the experience will be enriching for them.
Conclusion
An international education is full of benefits and opportunities. Children who have such luck to go to international school often end up being more open minded, flexible and adaptable yet have a lesser sense of belonging, particularly at a geographical level. Provided that the timing is right, that the transition period is well managed and it is not carried out too often, most children have a positive experience of school and then thrive when presented with the new challenge of university or a career. I know, on a personal level, I look back at my own childhood experiences very fondly and have opened up all sorts of doors to interesting paths.
Should you wish to explore how I can help your child with a transition through tailored coaching or mentoring, please do get in touch!