Expatriate Magazine (13)

ED U C A T I O N
she at her best with a great deal of external structure, or from one that focuses ﬁ rst, and most importantly, on
does he do better when he is given choices over activities? teaching respect and tolerance.
Does she ask the questions or answer them? Is he a risk
taker or does he need extra encouragement in this area? Start with their websites, and move on to visits;
Does she love and excel at music, drama or sport? if you have the time, have your child spend a day at the
school. A productive visit, should include speaking with
Moving is a fantastic opportunity for a family to re-
administrators, teachers and students as well as classroom
evaluate a child’s past educational experiences and, based
observation at various grade levels. No question is too
on a true understanding of who a child has become, to make
silly to ask. If a question that is important to you alienates
the new international school one in which he or she will
school personnel, you have simply learned that the school is
thrive, rather than simply survive.
not the right match for your child and family.
‘RE M E M B E R , T H E U N E X P E C T E D M A Y
SCHOOLING OPTIONS IN YOUR NEW LOCATION
B E A P L E A S A N T S U R P R I S E , S O B E S U R E T O
Families moving to a new culture often consider
E X P O S E Y O U R S E L V E S T O S C H O O L S T H A T
international schools that are either aﬃ liated with their
home country (national schools abroad), truly international
Y O U D O N O T E X P E C T T O L I K E .’
schools such as those that oﬀ er the International
Remember, the unexpected may be a pleasant surprise,
Baccalaureate, or those which teach in the same language
so be sure to expose yourselves to schools that you do not
which is native to their children.
expect to like. Similar curriculum may make transitions
easier, but it may not be the best learning environment
As expatriate packages become lump sum allowances
for every child, and it may not oﬀ er the same learning
and localization becomes prevalent, good local schools are
opportunity as a new educational experience.
a useful alternative especially in those countries where the
language of instruction is the same as the home language.
In almost all cases, children adjust easily both on the way
over and on the way home, whilst we feel their pain. Even
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL
adversity can be a positive experience eventually. Children
International families should take into account the
who experience loneliness learn to be independent, learn
mix of international children, and the extent to which the
that they don’t have to follow the pack, and can develop a
school is the center of the community.
tremendous sense of self-conﬁ dence when they overcome
obstacles, make new friends and integrate into their new
Parents will want to know that teachers understand a
school.
child coming from a diﬀ erent curriculum, knowing how to
challenge him when appropriate, or provide support when
Make sure to think beyond the immediate hurdles of
needed. What system do they have in place for integrating
the transition to the long run, and you’ll be surprised at
new children? What pastoral and academic support is
what a wonderful experience will be at your child’s door.
available?
___________________________
Logistics are also important for the journey time to Elizabeth Perelstein, President of School Choice
school and the proximity of friends as well as the distance International, is a seasoned educator who founded School

T
ASIS
from your work. Choice International as an expatriate in London over
a decade ago. Liz co-founded the British International
While all schools put their best foot forward in their School of New York, the ﬁ rst British curriculum school in
TIONAL SCHOOLS;
marketing materials, they also describe themselves as they the New York metropolitan area. Liz also frequently writes
wish to be portrayed. For example, a school that describes and speaks on topics related to education, relocation, and
CS INTERNA
A its facility in great detail is telling you something diﬀ erent women owned businesses. www.schoolchoiceintl.com

EX P A T R I A T E 47
Education.indd 47 08/06/2009 15:24:34
Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | Page 6 | Page 7 | Page 8 | Page 9 | Page 10 | Page 11 | Page 12 | Page 13 | Page 14 | Page 15 | Page 16 | Page 17 | Page 18 | Page 19 | Page 20 | Page 21 | Page 22 | Page 23 | Page 24 | Page 25 | Page 26 | Page 27 | Page 28 | Page 29 | Page 30 | Page 31 | Page 32 | Page 33 | Page 34 | Page 35 | Page 36 | Page 37 | Page 38 | Page 39 | Page 40 | Page 41 | Page 42 | Page 43 | Page 44 | Page 45 | Page 46 | Page 47 | Page 48 | Page 49 | Page 50 | Page 51 | Page 52 | Page 53 | Page 54 | Page 55 | Page 56 | Page 57 | Page 58 | Page 59 | Page 60