Have you ever wondered how the children of expat families study? They are, after all, not in their home country, which would cause language and education problems, yet there is a system of education set up specifically for such children, namely the international school. Every international school would follow either the British or the American national curriculum, which are globally regarded as the best, and a child from the UK who is living in Bangkok would study at a local international school that teaches the UK national curriculum.
Structured Education
If, for example, a child of 5 years old moved around the world every 2 years, in line with their father’s official postings, by studying at an international school in Bangkok, they would always have structure and would be learning exactly the same content as they would at home. In theory, a child could attend 5 schools throughout their 12 years of formal education and they would follow the same curriculum in international schools regardless of their location.
Cultural Benefits
While the curriculum is identical, studying in foreign countries has many benefits for the child; they get to experience other cultures and no doubt pick up new languages and this really does broaden their horizons. A 16-year-old who has spent time in several countries would be very streetwise and culturally aware, something they would not have if they had not travelled, and this is one of the reasons that expat parents take their children on foreign assignments.
Homeland Teachers
Not only does the international school teach the UK curriculum, it imports qualified UK teachers to work at their schools; they have to offer a very attractive package to attract top teachers to leave home for a couple of years, hence the high term fees. When your son is learning at a Bangkok international school, he is taught by British nationals who are qualified, which leads to the best learning outcome.
To conclude, children who have been through the international school experience develop in all areas and are culturally aware and they have the experience that cannot be taught, only experienced. If you are thinking of accepting the post in Southeast Asia, your employer would pay for your child’s international education, plus you would receive other perks like a free car and driver, a maid and likely a gardener.
The foreign expat employment package is very attractive and thanks to international schools, the children’s education is not affected.