If you have a child who is relocating from one country to another, an international school could provide stability and familiarity. Most international schools incorporate the best teaching methods and values from many countries, so it is much easier for children to transition from one to another. International schools can also be found in many countries around the world, and more are opening their doors to local students. To learn more about the differences between international schools and local ones, keep reading!
While most countries prohibit local students from attending international schools, the United States has a large network of schools. One of these schools is Elite K-12 Education Group. Founded in Ningbo, near Shanghai, the Elite K-12 Education Group is a large international school with a curriculum modeled on the British education system. It offers a bilingual international program for Chinese students and is locally owned, so local families can still send their children to the school despite government restrictions.
Aside from providing a better education for children in other countries, international schools have also benefited from the increased number of families who travel. International schools were originally designed to educate the children of expatriates and foreign embassies. Now, they are open to local children as well, as they have a competitive edge when it comes to winning a spot at a western university or multinational company. But what does this mean for the children of expatriates who are now moving to other countries?
A booming number of international schools in Hong Kong has created a need for highly qualified teachers with cross-cultural skills and a global outlook. To meet this demand, universities have begun developing new degree programs. For example, The Education University of Hong Kong, which ranked third in Asia in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019 (QS World University Rankings) has introduced a Bachelor of Education Minor in Teaching and Learning in International Schools.
American international schools typically follow the American curricular program, although alternative certificates may be available for teenagers in some cases. Typically, American English is the language of instruction. The American High School Diploma is a credit-based education and the same as that of an American high school. It is generally studied over three or four years and may include business and economics, science and technology, or social sciences. In some schools, advanced placement programs are also offered to prepare students for college in the US.
The US education system is very similar to that of the UK, and the US curriculum looks the same to the untrained eye. The UK, however, differs in certain ways. For example, students in the US may take Advanced Placement courses for a year, and then show off their knowledge by passing a standardised exam. Passing AP exams can even grant admission to some universities. In the UK, all government schools follow the same curriculum, which makes it easier for students to compare results and share resources. The similarity between the two systems promotes collaboration between schools around the world.
