With so many different types of schools throughout the world you could be forgiven for wondering what an international school is. At face value, it’s a school that was set up to educate the children of expatriates, the offspring of leaders and managers in a wide variety of industry sectors who have relocatedtheir family abroad for work reasons.
Children in such schools can be of many different nationalities andthey are increasingly being joined by students from the local population, where this is permitted by the government. Parents of these children are looking for broader higher education options, the opportunity for the childto learn a new language or languages,and to receivea comprehensive education with a recognized qualification at the end of the school years.
International schools have many attributes that make them attractive to parents looking for the best education for their children, and in many cases, they include opportunities for students to pursue a range of sporting activities, learn to play musical instruments and take part in music events both on and off campus. They also often become involved in drama productions, both front of house and backstage.
International School Ethos
International schools aim to provide a rounded curriculum, both in the classroom and with extra-curricular activities, in a multinational and multilingual environment. Teaching will generally be carried out in English, however,if English is not a child’s first language he or she will receive full support to learn and improve. However, there are plenty of options for students to learn languages they might not have previously considered, such as Chinese and Spanish. Such knowledge will helpequip them for careersin countries other than their own.
You’ll find that international schools place an emphasis on working in the community, encouraging students to become involved in projects and charitable work.That helps not only the local population but gives them an early insight into how they can be of service outside the immediate school environment.
All schools are different, of course, but international schooling generally follows either an international curriculum or one that is different to the host country’s national education system. If you’re looking at international schools in Hong Kong you’ll be able to examine the curriculum and discuss the available education options and personal development opportunities for your childbefore moving to that city.
Children like continuity, even if they are moving geographical location from time to time, and international schools work to make it as easy as possible for students to move to another, similar school or to seamlessly re-enter the education system of their home country.
A World of Opportunity
International schools are the ideal place for your children to meet and make friends with pupils of other nationalities, have opportunities to find out about local history and culture, and try many things that they might be unlikely to experience in their home country. Friendships at school often last well into working life and it’s never too early for children to make contacts and begin to build up a network of people that will stand them in good stead as they enter the world of work and develop their careers over the years.