Starting a new school can be terrifying for kids. It can be even more frightening if they’re attending a new school in a new country. As a parent, picking a school for your child in a new nation can be overwhelming—there are so many considerations, and you can’t fully understand educational culture and philosophy in a new place without experiencing it. Yes, you can read about it, and the ideas sound great, but you don’t know how it’s going to feel in practice when your kid is spending six to eight hours every day immersed in it.

Because of this, international schools have been popping up all over the world. These are schools designed to provide consistent education across every country and give kids international options for work and future schooling. The following will explore some of the factors you need to keep in mind when selecting an international school for your kid.

What Is An International School?

International schools follow a global curriculum that allows graduates to apply for post-secondary education anywhere in the world. They offer standardized educational plans like the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Assessment International Education, or Edexcel, which, in turn, is recognized by other schools around the world. In particular, international schools are wonderful for kids who need to move around a lot and don’t want to lose out on weeks or months of schooling as they catch up to their new school structure.

International schools are also more equipped to deal with multinational and multilingual student bodies, children who are culturally unaware of their surroundings, and offer easily transferable credits for those who move on the regular. Beyond this, many programs have an excellent alma mater that offers children connections with future schooling or work opportunities.

What Curriculum Do You Want?

There’s a handful of highly-respected curriculums available in International Schools. Take some time to read through them and limit your search via the educational system. If you want the British curriculum and private school model, you might consider rugbyschool.ac.th/. When choosing a curriculum, you’ll want to take a look at what university options your child will have upon graduation without taking extra tests or courses. Sit and compare A-levels to IB courses and make sure you’re not ruling out an option that is likely for them.

Is The School Accredited?

Accreditation means that the school’s curriculum meets specific standards. The process of getting accredited means that the school has a solid learning environment, a well-organized plan for the future, high safety standards, and is mission-driven. Accreditation also ensures that it will be easier for students to transfer between schools in the future if they need to. It can also make the university application process smoother.

Ask About Teacher And Administrator Turnover

International schools are designed to deal with students who move often or transfer as their parents work in different countries. This means that the student body is often transient. A good indication of whether a school is fantastic or not is whether teachers and administrators stay for a while. If a school treats it’s employees well, teachers will be happier. Happy teachers are an integral part of a highly-effective educational system.

What Technology Do Kids Have Access To Onsite

It’s no secret that technology is developing faster than ever. Part of a well-rounded education involves teaching children how to safely and effectively use technology. Many schools have a one-to-one laptop or tablet policy where kids can access these devices for research, assignments, and other school-related activities. Ask about what technology children have at their disposal and how the school integrates tech into the curriculum.

Consider The School’s Reputation

In addition to the above considerations, you might want to learn a bit about the school’s reputation. Some schools are well thought of, meaning a certificate from that location could be weighted more heavily in university or job applications. This doesn’t mean a non-famous school isn’t great; it is merely something to help you with the tie-breakers.

Many sites online contain lists and rankings of well-regarded schools. Begin there, but always let your instincts guide you. Rankings are a bonus, but they’re not everything.

If kept in mind, the above information should be able to help you navigate the rough seas of choosing an international school for your child. It is essential that you remember you are allowed to change your mind. If you enroll your child and they’re not thriving in the new environment, it’s more than okay to try something different.