As more ex-pats and professionals started moving to different countries for long durations, they felt the need for high-quality education that would meet the standards of their home country. International schools quickly became popular in countries with a high diplomat or ex-pat populations and working professionals from other countries. According to one research report by ISC Research in 2018, more than 11 million students have shifted from state schools in their country to private or international schools starting from 2010. The all-inclusive number for ex-pats and people who leave their home country for work is much higher.
One of the most significant benefits of international school primary education is that it allows your child to study the same curriculum even if they shift to a different country. It helps them adapt quickly to the schools of other nations. Every country’s preferred curriculum meets its educational standards and job qualification criteria. The IB or International Baccalaureate curriculum has found acceptance in almost every country, which makes it one of the best options for parents choosing an international school and curriculum for their children.
How to Identify a Credible International School
With the growing trend of international schools, many schools add international to their titles without offering an international curriculum. For this reason, several parameters can help you decide which schools to shortlist as you conduct your research. These are:
- The school must be accredited to any one of the existing three foreign boards.
- The school must have internationally trained and qualified staff.
- The facilities available should meet international standards.
- The school environment should foster a global and leadership mindset.
Before you decide on a school and enroll them, make sure you see the mission statement and vision of the school to ensure it meets your expectations. The school’s values must align with yours or the upbringing you wish your child to have at the school. Reaching out to teachers, other students, and school alumni will give you a better idea of what to expect.
Benefits of Choosing an International School for Your Child’s Primary Education
If you want to enroll your young one in a school with an international curriculum, it’s natural to question whether it’s the best choice for you or not. There are several benefits of choosing international-level primary education for your child, which we will discuss in detail below. Riyadh has several American international school options that offer IB and American curricula. Global education lets your child choose the subjects they are interested in while giving them quality hands-on learning and developing a curious nature.
Personality development:
Exposure to multiple ethnicities, nationalities, and cultures is integral to international school education. Your child’s practical learning and cultural sensitivity training will enhance their IQ (intellectual quotient) during their formative years. It will also help develop a strong emotional quotient in your child and make them understand various perspectives. It will imbibe desirable qualities like empathy, compassion, tolerance, and patience.
Better career opportunities in the future:
Giving your child exposure to an international-level learning environment from a young age will prepare them at the fundamental level for a global market and global opportunities in terms of universities and jobs. Following a well-rounded multilingual international curriculum that blends modern learning with solid core values will unlock new paths for your child’s career development.
Focus on extracurricular activities:
Focusing on non-academic fields is critical for your child’s holistic development. Extracurricular activities teach your child to be a part of a team, develop critical thinking abilities, and let others take the spotlight.
To sum up, an international primary school is arguably the best option for your child.