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The process of settling in another country is a very tedious task in itself, and if you add to that the burden of enrolling a child in an international school, it becomes even more difficult. This is a life-changing decision that will have a major impact on your child’s life. It must therefore be taken very sensibly and only after careful planning. Every parent wants only the best for his or her child and the decision about the institute is one of the most important. There are a number of factors to take into account when choosing an international school. Here’s some.
1. Application
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The first and most important point to consider is the process of entering the institute. Some institutes have long queues, so you don’t have much free time, and some don’t allow six months of registration. Therefore, the application procedure should be examined before proceeding. Please also note the deadlines for submitting applications and the documents required. Some institutes require candidates to write entrance examinations and formal performance reports. It is best to start the search for an institute and the application procedure a year before moving to a new country.
2. Royalties and any related charges
In most households, spending on education is the top priority and the budget must be strictly adhered to. If you send your child to an international educational institution, it is not only an annual amount; there are a number of extra costs you will have to remember. In general, there are application fees, and in most cases, the annual amount increases with each school year. Most institutes provide a clear breakdown of all amounts due during the school year on their official website, so you can always consult them before you start. Expenditure varies widely from country to country and if the decision to move to another country depends on higher education income, expenditure must be justified in advance.
3. Time and program of the Institute
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Once you have developed a list of options based on your budget, you can move on to the following important factor: ethics and curriculum. Don’t forget to make sure that English is the instruction language of your chosen institution. Some foreign institutions use German or French as the language of instruction. If you are considering enrolling your child in a high school but your child does not speak English, you should start preparing your child for language proficiency by enrolling him or her in a program designed for this purpose.
Then decide on your child’s study program. As a rule, it is possible to choose between an English, American, and international national bachelor’s program. Some settings offer parents a choice between the two. The study program you choose will play an important role in your decision. Try to be as consistent as possible in your choice of curriculum.
Other important factors with regard to school ethics are the size of the class, the approach of the institute, and the demographic composition of the students. In a small classroom, your child can get more individual attention. In a multicultural classroom, your child has a higher level of contact. The spirit you prefer in each set will also have an impact. Do you want religion to be studied or included in your child’s education? Is the search for good behavior a priority? Consider these factors when looking for a facility that meets your needs.
4. Logistics
The location of the institute, the distance to the place of residence, the preferred mode of transport – all these factors have a decisive influence. When deciding on the logistics you should also take into account the working hours of the school to make sure it fits into your agenda. Pre-school and after-school activities also contribute to this, as they can change the admission and the timetable for leaving school. You should also consider whether the school of your choice offers ready-made meals to its students or whether students should bring their own lunch.
5. Infrastructure
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The infrastructure and size of the school have an influence on your child’s social life and on the factors that influence your child’s decision making in this regard. Perhaps you prefer the large school environment with gardens and extracurricular requirements. For example, international schools in Hong Kong and Asia are very different in terms of infrastructure. The Harrow International School Hong Kong is an impressive half-moon-shaped building near the Gold Cost. All buildings are beautiful works of art. It is visited by about 1500 students aged 3 to 18 years old. If you want to know more about the school, you can always visit this website.
6. What your child prefers
Despite all the important factors mentioned above, it all depends on your child’s preferences and needs. Ask the child what he or she prefers to do at an international university. Perhaps he is most interested in making good friends and having opportunities for extracurricular activities. Whichever institution you choose, you should discuss the dynamics of these institutions with your child and give him or her the choice. Think also of your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Would your child like to participate in extracurricular activities and sports? Are they successful in the arts, social sciences, or pure sciences? Try to find an environment that promotes your child’s strengths and helps them overcome their weaknesses.
7. How to search
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The search for international institutions can be tiring and difficult. You can browse the topic online to find the most details and also visit the school’s official websites to find out more. Several websites also offer very effective comparisons between international institutions around the world to facilitate decision-making. You can consult the evaluations and find out about student satisfaction at the institutions concerned. Before making a final decision, be sure to visit the schools on your list.
