Tips for parents

What are the Benefits of Studying in an International School?

  The academic and professional world is shifting toward a reliance on technology and global communication. Having students thrive within an environment that fosters their relationship with innovation, multi-cultural discourse, and technological literacy, will pave the path to success in their future endeavours.  
26 July 2022

Now more than ever, a vast range of educational opportunities are available for students around the world. From public schools to private schools, boarding schools to homeschooling, parents find themselves with several options when choosing the best academic path for their child. One option that is appealing for a number of reasons – particularly for families looking to relocate – falls with international schools. For primary and secondary education, international schools offer many advantages. 

 

Diversity can be taught to children by exposing them to different cultures and individuals, and enriching their worldview. A wider pool of programs is offered by staff members that – in a lot of cases – hail from many countries around the world. As we consider reasons for primary and secondary students to attend an international school, these are benefits that we will explore in further detail. So, let’s delve a little deeper into the positive impact that can influence any child who enters an international school. 

A Diverse Community 

 

As mentioned before, there are not many better learning environments for a child to experience a truly diverse community. Students will have the chance to become aware of different languages, customs, and traditions that can offer them a wider perspective of the world. Being exposed to a melting pot of cultural backgrounds has the potential of deepening a child’s personal and academic development. At international schools, individual identities are celebrated, and students are able to thrive within a community that encourages diversity. 

 

Children will not only better understand their peers’ backgrounds, but their own, as well. Studies have shown that solid connections between individuals from different cultures solidify creativity, problem-solving, and a broader understanding of the world. Parents will even benefit from this diversity, as they will regularly be in contact with a variety of staff and other parents, bringing awareness to different strands of existence. This will also help those looking to assimilate and adjust to their new community!

 

An Internationally Recognised Curriculum

 

Wherever your child attends school, it is important that their education is accredited anywhere across the globe. No student wants to be met with a disadvantage when moving onto higher education or when taking their first steps into the professional world. For example, if a British family is looking to move to Canada temporarily may wish for their child to continue with the National Curriculum of England. 

 

Fortunately, with international schools, this issue can be attended to. If any family or student wishes to head back to their country of origin – or they wish to travel somewhere else in the future – having an internationally recognised education under their belt will only serve to give them more opportunities.

 

A Wide Selection of Programs

 

International schools are conscious of ensuring that education is not simply restrained to the classroom. Extracurricular activities are plentiful, allowing students to explore subjects and personal interests in further detail. More opportunities are provided for passions to be explored, topics to be dissected more thoroughly, and physical activities that may not be offered within the walls of a classroom. If a child is interested in sports, community service, environmental involvement, dance, and much more, then international schools are extremely likely to deliver. 

 

Effective Teaching and Strong Relationships 

 

International schools are renowned for their strong teaching staff. As they often have experience with a wide variety of students, across different world regions, educators have an arsenal of effective teaching styles that have been cultivated in diverse learning environments. Due to their experience and levels of commitment, each teacher will be looking for students to perform and reach their fullest potential. 

 

They have usually encountered a range of different problems in the classroom and consistently have the opportunity to collaborate with their colleagues, providing a range of diverse approaches toward teaching. As educators at international schools are known for their passion, investment, and skill, strong relationships are formed between teachers and students, leading to more successful outcomes overall.

 

Cutting-edge Facilities 

 

Many international schools are equipped with innovative technologies and state-of-the-art facilities. As one would expect, this is a great method of promoting pupil engagement and accessibility to the learning. This also ties in with the wider opportunities for extra-curricular programs, providing the best equipment and tools for students to develop all aspects of their life. 

 

The academic and professional world is shifting toward a reliance on technology and global communication. Having students thrive within an environment that fosters their relationship with innovation, multi-cultural discourse, and technological literacy, will pave the path to success in their future endeavours.

 

The Cultivation of ‘Soft’ Skills

 

A recent survey from ACS International Schools demonstrated that students who attended international schools are well-prepared for further study and advancement in work. Not only this, but ‘soft’ skills such as time management, critical analysis, and independent thinking, were proven to be stronger when compared with other means of education. International schools are known for crafting students that are self-motivated and self-driven. 

 

They find themselves in a community that promotes a global perspective, with critical thinking being at the forefront of educational approaches, instead of simple rote-learning methods. Many international schools pride themselves on promoting intrinsic motivation through learner-centred teaching styles. This ensures that a student’s learning does not come to a screeching halt as their academic journey comes to an end. Instead, they will be armed with skills that will assist them for the rest of their lives. 

 

Crafts a Well-rounded Individual 

 

U​​ltimately, the vision that most international schools uphold includes developing their students to be well-rounded individuals, equipped with necessary life skills that are cultivated through holistic teaching methods. As students come to finish their time at school, looking to advance into higher education, or begin the first steps of their career, they will be more likely to meet their full potential. 

 

Coming from an environment that promotes individuality and excellence, any student will find themselves in a much better position in the future. For anyone looking to gain the most out of their child’s education, international schools are certainly worth considering.    

Further readings:

 

1. “The Benefits of Attending an International School” by The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jan/22/benefits-of-attending-an-international-school

2. “Why Parents Choose International Schools” by International School Community
https://internationalschoolcommunity.com/why-parents-choose-international-schools/

 

3. “The Advantages of an International School Education” by World Schools
https://www.world-schools.com/the-advantages-of-an-international-school-education/

4. “Why International Education is Important for Your Child” by The PIE News
https://thepienews.com/analysis/why-international-education-is-important-for-your-child/

5. “How International Schools Teach Diversity” by The Wall Street Journal
https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-international-schools-teach-diversity-11577291802

6. https://www.acs-schools.com/future-focus-blog/benefits-international-schooling

7. https://world-schools.com/benefits-of-international-schools/