International schools are spread across the globe and have a unique place in the broad spectrum of education. They are different from other schools. Here are the key factors that set them apart:
School Criteria and Structure
The spread of globalization has brought a new dimension to international schools. This has led to establishing these well- defined criteria by the International Association of School Librarianship (IASI).
The school must provide for the transferability of students.It must service a moving population.It must be multinational and multilingual.It must have an international curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or similar courses.Preferably, it will have international accreditation from the North Eastern ASC or Western Association of Schools and Colleges.It must service a transient and multinational teacher populationThere must be non-selection of student enrollment.Usually the language is English or bilingual.It is important to study these criteria, especially when choosing an international school for your child. A school that offers an IB curriculum also is important when students transfer from one school to another.
The Student Population
Students are dependents of international business- persons, foreign embassies, international organizations, expatriates or missionary groups. Most are affluent and privileged. They are transient and must adapt quickly to a new culture and language and must adjust to attending classes with students of different cultures, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and learn tolerance for their views.
The Curriculum
The curriculum can offer an International Baccalaureate (IB) or a curriculum from the host country, usually approved by the Ministry of Education. Here again, this is important when choosing the right school. It differs from the local school. It is more informal, stressing friendly relationships among students, and is not exam orientated. It stresses self- learning, critical thinking and development of character. These elements permeate all classes, clubs, activities and sports. The content is more global, less local as would be the case in other schools. Students learn more than one language as the key to understanding another culture.
Less Formal Learning Concepts
Students learn to transcend racial, national or religious identities. Their friendships also reflect this. They learn to become "citizens of the world," and that their actions affect the world we live in.
Teachers and Administrators
Teachers are skilled in dealing with students from diverse cultures, helping them adapt to relocation and the many issues associated with the change. They stress tolerance, respect and understanding for other cultures. They understand the nature of transience and can deal with the constant flux of students coming and going in their classes. These teachers are able to teach to varying ability levels within the same class and provide individual help when needed.
A Word to Parents
Parents should plan well in advance for their child's enrollment. They should study the curriculum and note the changes between the child's present course of study and the new one. Accreditation is important for the transfer to and from this new school. If need be, parents should provide for tutors, summer school, or supplemental education.
Jessie Teh writes on topics of international education and schooling for expatriate children. Interested to learn more about international boarding schools in Malaysia ? She highly recommends an institution such as POWIIS Malaysia for a globally integrated English school for international students.
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