The expatriation of parents to a foreign country inevitably raises the question of schooling for their children. So which school should you choose for your children when you live in a foreign country? What are your options?
Choosing a school to send your child abroad
Enrolling expatriate children in a local school, opting for an international school or homeschooling – these are the dilemmas facing parents. In any case, there are several options open to you, and the choice is yours. Whichever solution you choose, don’t forget to choose the right expatriate insurance for your family before you leave! International health insurance is essential to ensure that you’re covered whatever happens to you, and above all to avoid the high cost of healthcare abroad.
Enrolling your child in a local school
It is also possible to send your child to a local school. This solution enables children to integrate more quickly into their host country. We recommend local schools if you intend to spend a long time in the same country, and for children who can’t yet read or write. In local schools, as everywhere else, lessons are given in the local language and according to the current curriculum. The younger your child is, the easier it is to learn this new language. Before the age of 6, children find it easier to learn a new language and make it their own. He quickly becomes bilingual and completely immersed in the culture of his new country, which also makes it easier for him to bond with his classmates and other children his age.
Depending on the country, there are usually many local schools, often close to the family home. Your children will have their neighbors as classmates, or meet up with them on the playground. This additional factor could make it easier for you and your child to integrate into the neighborhood! It’s important to bear in mind that pedagogy can change: different countries and regions of the world have different ways of teaching. The same applies to school curricula, which are not always at the same level as those in your home country. These differences can disturb the child, or on the contrary, bring new perspectives. Enrolment in local schools is done directly in the country of expatriation and in the school according to the child’s age.
International schools abroad
You can also enroll your child in an international school. Teaching is generally in English. There are, however, international schools that are not 100% English-speaking, and even bilingual French-speaking schools like those in Spain. You can find this type of school wherever you live. Children of all nationalities are enrolled. It’s certainly possible to study your native language. This option is recommended to avoid losing your mother tongue. Some international schools are available from kindergarten through to high school.
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most international cities, with around 70 schools, thanks to its strong international community and its status as a major financial center in Asia. If you are an expatriate in Hong Kong, remember to take out expatriate insurance in Hong Kong for you and your family.
We advise you to choose an international school if you are a long-term expatriate or if you often move from country to country. In this situation, the child doesn’t necessarily have the time to learn the national language of the host country, whereas English is the first international language. What’s more, we recommend this type of school if you want to offer your children an English-speaking education that will easily open doors to higher education in many countries.
International schools are difficult to get into, however, as they require an excellent academic level, and most require an entrance exam. What’s more, the cost of schooling in this type of establishment is often very high. Registration is made directly with the school. In any case, think carefully before choosing an international school. Several factors can help you make the right choice: the length of your expatriation, your child’s ability to adapt, the language of instruction, your child’s academic level, the importance of human skills in the school, the school’s reputation and, last but not least, tuition fees.
Distance learning for expatriates
Another alternative for expatriate children is distance learning. Beware, however: this form of teaching requires moral support from those around you, as well as great autonomy and rigor on the part of the child. A private tutor can be a great help. You should also be aware that correspondence courses are not free.
