Sometimes the best option for families living internationally is to educate their child at home. Home education, also known as homeschooling, can range from highly structured to a completely unstructured approach to educating children at home using a curriculum selected to meet the needs and educational philosophy of the family.
If you’ve decided to educate your child at home while living internationally, you may wonder how to get started. A few steps can help you prepare the educational framework your family needs.
A quality high school (secondary school) experience provides a foundation for success later in life. That’s why the design process is vital for students educated at home.
For families educating their children at home, documentation is vital. Records of a student’s academic performance throughout their educational experience will help them transfer to traditional schooling (if desired), apply for universities and other post-high school options, and offer evidence of a quality learning environment.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are often taught in international schools with an American-style curriculum. Designed by the College Board for high school or secondary students, the courses feature university-level content and include a comprehensive final examination.
Transitioning from traditional school to home education is a major life adjustment and involve several phases of adjustment. Your family will need time to adapt to the new situation, new expectations, and new roles.
Sometimes a family finds itself in a situation where it needs to homeschool for a summer, a semester, or a year, but expects to return to traditional schooling.
Transitioning from home education to traditional schooling is a major life adjustment and involves several phases of adjustment. Your family will need time to adapt to the new situation, new expectations, and new roles.
Finding a supportive community is vital to a good experience living in a new culture. It will provide social opportunities for both parents and children and allow you to exchange ideas and advice.
For a typical family living internationally, there are three main educational options — local schools, international schools, and home education — which are highlighted below. Some families choose a hybrid model, blending two or more of these options to fully meet their child’s needs.
The exponential growth of home education around the world is a good sign that more countries are allowing parents the freedom to choose the best educational options for their family.