If you're considering relocating overseas with your children, you might be curious about what their future school will be like. Will your host country be overcrowded or have a more intimate atmosphere? Will the teaching style speak to you, or will it be different from what you're used to yet still satisfactory? Here are the primary factors you should take into account before making a decision about your children's education.
Various education systems around the world
If you're planning to move abroad with your children, you're probably wondering about the education system in the new country. Is it similar to what you're familiar with in your home country? Should you choose a local school in the host country or an international school?
There are at least three primary educational systems: common-core systems (like those in France, Canada, Japan,etc.), systems focused on early tracking (as seen in Germany, Lithuania,etc.), and what is known as "single-structure" systems (such as in Sweden). Regardless of the system, it's important to be aware of the age at which compulsory schooling begins. Typically, compulsory schooling starts at the beginning of primary education, usually around the age of 6. Preschool, on the other hand, is generally not compulsory.
Single structure
In contrast to the other two systems, the single structure entails a single institution where a child can complete their entire schooling, typically from primary through the end of secondary school. This means there's no need to switch schools at different educational levels. This approach is more prevalent in northern and eastern Europe.
Early orientation
As its name suggests, the early orientation system encourages students to select a specific course of study as early as the end of elementary school. Germany, Lithuania, and the Netherlands are among the countries that follow this approach.
Common-core system
The common-core system is the most prevalent worldwide. It features a standardized curriculum throughout compulsory education, covering elementary school (typically ages 6 to 10-11) and secondary school (including junior high and high school, usually from ages 12 to 17-18), with optional kindergarten years.
School year
A school calendar corresponds with the seasons. In southern hemisphere countries, summer occurs from December to February, while in the northern hemisphere, it's winter. The school year typically starts between January and March in southern hemisphere countries like South Africa, Chile, and Brazil. Meanwhile, students in European Union (EU) countries usually begin school between early August (Denmark) and late September (Malta).
The United States, Saudi Arabia, and Canada follow a similar academic calendar. In certain European countries such as Germany, Austria, Spain, and Belgium, the beginning of the school year varies by region. In India, the back-to-school date fluctuates between June and September, coinciding with the monsoon season in different regions. In Japan, the academic year begins on April 1, aligning with the fiscal year. South Korea starts its school year in March, while in China, it consistently begins on September 1.
Mandatory education
Since 2019, France has enforced compulsory schooling from the age of 3, making it unique in Europe, with Hungary being the only other European country to adopt this policy. Most other EU nations maintain compulsory schooling starting at age 6, with Estonia and Finland having set it at 7. Many countries around the world have also set the age for mandatory education at 6, including Ivory Coast, Morocco, South Africa, Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, the United States, Canada, India, and so on. The duration of compulsory education varies, ranging from ages 6 to 14 in countries such as India, Senegal, Mexico, and Argentina to ages 6 to 16 in the Philippines and many others, including Algeria, Spain, South Korea, France, New Zealand, Italy, and more. In Canada and the United States, compulsory schooling extends from age 6 to 18.
Should you choose a school in the host country or an international school?
Like most expat parents, you might also be wondering which is the best option for your children.
Pros and cons of opting for a local school
The urge to integrate and ensure the integration of one's children can serve as a motivation to choose a local school. Considerably more affordable than international schools, enrolment in a local school allows your children to immerse themselves in the culture of their host country. School is not only a learning environment but also a significant social hub. They will, therefore, get the chance to develop and grow alongside their peers with synchronized vacations, similar activities, and shared learning methods, fostering a sense of belonging. Additionally, it facilitates their adaptation to the way of life in the host country. You'll be able to engage with teachers and fellow parents, participate in school activities, join parent groups, and more. Moreover, if the language spoken in the host country differs from your own, enrolling your children in a local school can ensure that your children learn quickly and help them become proficient in the local customs and practices.
However, some parents hesitate to choose a local school, worried about potential disparities between the educational system in the host country and that of their home country, particularly for children who have already begun their schooling. They also fear that their child may struggle to reintegrate into the familiar school system if they return to their home country. Questions arise about how the foreign curriculum will be viewed and whether the child will be perceived as ahead or behind their peers.
Pros and cons of selecting an international school
International schools (American, British, French, etc.) also have benefits. For instance, they provide a link to the education system of your home country, which can be beneficial if you decide to return home. You might only plan to reside in the host country for a few years or permanently immigrate but still prefer an international school. Some parents opt to keep their children within a familiar educational system to better prepare them for their future endeavors. Diplomas obtained from international schools often have an equivalent value when the child decides to return to their home country for university studies, for example. Furthermore, some parents appreciate the prestige of international schools, as it can enhance their children's future resumes.
One downside of international schooling is the detachment from the local lifestyle. As such, a student enrolled in a French high school in Tokyo would follow the same academic calendar as in France. In France, the school year typically begins in September and concludes in late June or early July. This sharply contrasts with Japan, where the academic year commences in April and ends in March. Moreover, school holidays do not align. Consequently, French high school students adhere to a completely different rhythm compared to their Japanese counterparts.
Who can enroll in an international school?
Whether it's a French, American, or British school, international schools typically cover elementary and secondary education. Any student, regardless of nationality, can attend an international school. For instance, you don't need to be French to enroll in a French lycée overseas.
What is the role of education in your host country?
Some countries, like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, are known for their world-class education systems. What unites these nations is their dedication to education as a catalyst for economic advancement. Even today, they allocate substantial portions of their budgets to sustain their educational excellence. Impressed by Singapore's achievements, the French government recently announced its adoption of the "Singapore method" for teaching mathematics. Originating in the 1980s, this approach comprises a collection of didactic and pedagogical resources provided to teachers and students to elevate overall academic performance.
The education systems of the Nordic countries, including Finland, Sweden, and Norway, are lauded for different reasons. They prioritize the child's well-being, emphasizing student value and learning that fosters self-confidence and personal fulfillment rather than competition and standardized testing. On the other hand, the United Kingdom and the United States are renowned for their prestigious universities. Additionally, countries like Canada, Australia, and, more recently, the UAE are recognized for the quality of their education, often cheaper compared to American or British institutions.
How do you decide on your children's schooling in a foreign country?
Indeed, each educational system has its own pros and cons. For instance, the globally renowned "Singapore method" is often associated with intense competition. Similarly, in South Korea and Japan, the negative repercussions of the education system, such as bullying and dropout rates, are increasingly being highlighted. France frequently faces criticism for its excessively elitist education system, as do many other countries where the notion of "education" is closely tied to "competition."
Selecting the "ideal" school for your children as an expat can be challenging. Firstly, it's important to recognize that there's no such thing as a perfect school. Additionally, the choice of country might not always be entirely yours, especially in cases like corporate transfers. However, if you can choose, you'll need to sift through various international reports and rankings on education systems across different countries. The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), spearheaded by the OECD, is one such initiative that evaluates the effectiveness of education systems.
Don't hesitate to include your children in the decision-making process when it comes to choosing a school once they're old enough to understand. Additionally, consider examining school programs and extracurricular activities based on your children's abilities and interests. For instance, they might thrive in a school with excellent athletic facilities if they're inclined towards sports.
