The education of their children is a major concern for expatriate families, as it is for most parents. Most people are familiar with the education choices in their home country, which eases the selection of a suitable school. However, few people are really familiar with the education options available in other countries.
Most countries have a state education system primarily designed for their own nationals, but there is also a network of schools around the world that cater to the needs of expat children. Some cities have a number of these schools, most capital cities usually have a couple and a few major cities have none.
To make the best decision on which school your child should attend you need to answer a few questions first:
- How long will you be abroad?
- How long will you stay in each country?
- Is the country safe for your child?
- Is there suitable accommodation for your family?
- Will there be any schools near where you will live?
- What languages does your child speak?
- Do you want them to study in a language other than their native one?
- Will you be living in one country (or abroad) long enough to make learning the new language practical?
- Who will be paying for the schooling and how much money is available?
- Is your child in the middle of a course for external exams (IB, IGCSE, O Level, A Level, SAT, etc.)?
- Has your child's education so far prepared them to switch from one education system (curriculum) to another?
- Does your child need to be in one specific education system to return to school/university in your home country?
- Does your child have special educational/physical needs?
Once you have answered the above questions you need to evaluate all the schools and curricula available.
CURRICULA OPTIONS
Host nation curricula
The quality and scope of these vary from country to country. The language of instruction is usually the local language, but in some cases a foreign language may be used. For older students it is important to establish if any qualification gained will be transferrable/accredited in your home country.
US Curriculum
Though the content varies from school to school a U.S. curriculum will be preparing students for SATs and APs as taken by most U.S. students entering university in the USA. For students at ages 16-18 the curriculum is broader than the UKs three subjects at 'A' level. There is no direct equivalent to the British GCSE in the US model.
- SAT (Standard Assessment Test) of the Education Testing Service in the U.S. Multiple choice, general knowledge exam required for most U.S. students entering university (unless they have the IB diploma or an equivalent).
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