What makes an international school an international school

What is an international school

This is a question that many parents and students have when considering education options for themselves or their children. In this blog post, we’ll explore the characteristics of international schools and what to look for when choosing one. 

First, let’s define what is an international school. An international school is a school that promotes international education, with a curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of students from different countries and cultures, language profiles. International schools provide students with a global perspective and prepare them for a future where they may live, work or study abroad. 

Different types of international schools

There are different types of international schools. Some cater to expatriate families, while others are open to local students as well. Some international schools follow an internationally respected curriculum, such as:

  • the English National Curriculum
  • the International Primary Curriculum (IPC),
  • American Curriculum
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

 while others may follow the curriculum of the host country or offer a blend of both.

What to look for in an international school

So, what to look for in an international school? The first thing to consider is the school’s culture and values. International education can be a challenge and it is essential that the school offers a full, complete and holistic approach to the learners, recognizing children as people and not just exam machines. International living is not simple and children need a full and broad support network, and the school needs to be ready to work with you in creating it.  

It is also important to ensure that the school offers a full and rounded education, ensuring that learning outcomes are properly tracked and monitored. This includes looking at academic results, but also extra-curricular achievements such as sports, music, art and more. Look for evidence of how success is celebrated in all areas – not just exam results.

The environment of an international school needs to be engaging and inspiring for its students. Does the school have well-maintained facilities? Is there a good range of resources available for each subject area? Are the teachers passionate about their roles? It is important to remember that a child’s wellbeing should be a priority in any educational setting.

It is also important to look into what sort of extracurricular activities are offered by the school; this can be anything from sports teams, clubs or societies and field trips abroad. 

Characteristics of an international school

Now, let’s take a look at some of the characteristics of an international school. One of the most significant characteristics of international schools is their diverse student and teaching body. Students from different countries and cultures come together in an international school, creating a unique environment that promotes and should teach specific skills for global understanding and cross-cultural communication. Additionally, international schools tend to offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as international travel opportunities, cultural events, and community service programs, that expose students to different cultures and experiences. 

International schools also tend to place a strong emphasis on the development of language skills. Many international schools offer dual-language programs or courses in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish etc. This allows students to become proficient in more than one language and develop an understanding of different cultures.

Finally, many international schools boast highly qualified faculty members who are experts in diverse subject areas as well as experienced educators who understand how best to address the needs of culturally diverse students. Through this combination of outstanding teaching staff and unique learning environment tailored for the global student body found in many international schools today ,students are able to gain a comprehensive education that prepares them for success both domestically and abroad .

What makes an international school

So, what makes a school international? While the term “international” can be used in different ways, an international school is one that promotes global education and prepares students for a future where they may work or study abroad. International schools typically have a diverse student body and offer a curriculum that is recognized around the world. Language instruction and extracurricular activities that promote cross-cultural understanding are also important characteristics of international schools. 

The faculty at an international school is usually composed of educators from diverse backgrounds who are fluent in multiple languages. International schools also typically require teachers to hold appropriate qualifications for teaching in the countries they serve, making sure that only qualified professionals are instructing students.

Finally, many international schools strive to create a safe environment by implementing rigorous security measures such as regular background checks on staff members or guest speakers. They also ensure that all necessary safety protocols are followed at all times so that students can remain focused on learning without fear of harm or disruption from outside sources.In conclusion, choosing the right international school for your child requires careful consideration of accreditation, curriculum, language instruction, facilities, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. An international school should offer a global perspective, promote cross-cultural understanding, and prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.