If you think about it, only a few children study in international schools, but now? Well, international schools are acknowledged as top-notch learning institutions, as seen in the rise of the popularity of international schools.
With societies at large becoming globalized, international schools’ curricula fit the needs and requirements of the present world. With the environment in international schools being composed of different nationalities and cultures, it allows students to be in a globalized environment where they can shape their skills and gain new knowledge well suited to the current and future world.
But, it’s not all great. Of course, international schools have some disadvantages, as well. If you’re wondering what they are, we’ve compiled them in this article for you.
Who should attend international schools
Many types of students typically attend international schools. More often, students in international schools are from expatriate families, as it allows them to save time not adapting to the local curriculum. It also helps them study well using English while also developing their skills and knowledge in the local language.
Of course, locals are also encouraged to attend international schools, as the curriculum in international schools is better. Furthermore, it will give them an environment with other children from other places and different walks of life. Also Read – Personalising Student Learning Through Assessment Benchmarking
Advantages of international schools
- International curricula – International schools have a different curriculum compared to regular schools. They are designed to combine the good parts of education systems from various countries. The curriculum isn’t just all academics. It also allows them to explore their talents in different areas, like the humanities and sports.
With such quality, a student who graduates from an international school will be put in a good place, as an international diploma is recognized worldwide. - The grading system – The standard grading system used by most schools works, but there are better options. At international schools, they use assessment and grading systems crafted from other countries. By doing this, international schools provide children with a grading system that encourages learning and is less stressful for students.
- International environment – In an international school, there’s a multicultural environment waiting for students. They can know different students from different areas in the world and appreciate everyone’s beliefs, characteristics, and cultural norms. They will know that there are different cultures other than the one they’re used to.
By being exposed to such an environment, in the future, they can become adults who can be comfortable anywhere they are. - Learning languages – International schools usually conduct their classes using the English language, and it allows students to develop a language other than their mother tongue. Furthermore, most international schools also offer a variety of additional language classes, with French and Spanish being some of the most popular ones. By learning a new language and getting certificates for it, students can have an additional asset when they apply in the labour market.
International schools also teach the local language to students. It’s to help students from expatriate families become used to their new place and develop their communication skills. It can help them be more used to the culture of the country. If you’re a local wishing to send your child to an international school, there’s no need to worry about your child not being able to speak your native language. - Extracurricular activities for students to explore – The academic programs are great in international schools, but in most international schools, they also offer a good range of extracurricular activities, like sports, arts, languages, and more.
It means that while students master academics and professional knowledge, they will have opportunities to explore and carve their interests. It will allow them to be more skilful, curious, and develop socially as they explore with other students with the same interests. - Better professional opportunities – The first thing you do after you graduate is to find a job that fits the program you took, so you can apply yourself and earn a salary. With the world becoming globalized, graduating from an international school can prepare students to become qualified professionals in the future. Furthermore, students from international schools are highly respected and favoured by various companies worldwide.
By sending your child to an international school, you can ensure that when they graduate, they will have a diploma that puts them in the right places to succeed, a diploma that signifies their knowledge and excellence compared to other graduates.
Disadvantages of international schools
There are many advantages to enrolling your child at an international school. But of course, there are still some disadvantages you need to cope with, with the most obvious being the cost.
At an international school, you will need to pay a tuition fee. Compared to other private schools, international schools are still a bit more expensive, making it hard for some families to afford.
Another disadvantage is that because international schools are more expensive, there are some cases of students being alienated from their outside peers. Since they study in an international school, other children may see them as part of a different and higher class, which can lead them to not perceive the student as one of them.
High-quality and globalized education for students
International schools have advantages and disadvantages, but at the end of the day, the pros far outweigh the cons. At Bangkok Prep International School, your child can gain a high-quality and globalized education that they can only get from a premier international school with global standards, international curricula, and a multicultural environment.
