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Returning Home

The return home, also known as repatriation, can turn out to be more difficult than the move to a new culture.

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International Schools Overview

Benefits

Positive aspects of international school education

It frees parents from some educational responsibilities.

• Students have access to school-related activities.

School typically has high academic standards.

School often has comfortable and positive learning environment.

There is opportunity for like-experienced international community.

There is generally an accepting community for new families.

Potentially there is a smoother cultural transition than local schools.

School uses major international language (usually English).

School likely has good communication with parents.

Challenges

Potential difficulties of international school education

Cost of education is high.
Location is usually tied to a major city.
Students needs to be proficient in school’s language of instruction (usually English).
Family needs to be intentional about engaging local culture outside the school’s “bubble.”
School’s academic standards may be higher than your past experiences.
Transportation could be a challenge in a large city.
The community’s transiency can cause stress as relationships are lost.
Discipline may be viewed and implemented very differently than expected.
There may be cultural and peer pressures that are different than previous experience.
Unique culture of school may create daily cross-cultural transitions for families.

Things to Consider

Questions you should answer to ensure international school education is the best option for your child

Do you have goals for local language and culture acquisition, and how will you meet those?
What are your goals for academics, and will the school enhance the chance for higher education?
How well do you know your child’s personality, temperament, learning styles, motivation, and health status?
Do you have a reliable way of knowing when your child is under stress or discomfort?
Will your child need support or tuition to meet the school’s instructional language standards?
Does the school offer support for culture and language acquisition, such as tutoring or mentoring?
Does your child have any special learning/behavioral needs, and can the school meet those?
What cultural transitions will your child face each day going between home and school?
Will you need to supplement learning in your home language, and how will you do that?
What will the daily commute to and from school look like?
What worldview and philosophical approaches to education will be different from those in your home country?
Have you talked to community members and school parents about the reputation and quality of the school?
Does the school offer a transition period with flexibility and leniency in grades and policy?
Does the school maintain the facilities and provide a safe environment?
How much will you as a parent be able to participate in the classroom if needed?
What will the visa situation look like?
How will you pay for school fees?

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Family Safety
Getting Started
Home Education
International Schools
Living Internationally
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Preparing for University
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