...Education in Europe “Ask the school if they have had families joining from


your country of origin before,” she advises. “Could they put you in touch with another family that has recently made the transition. Is there a special programme in place? Do they have a buddy system? Will you have the opportunity for a quick chat with your child’s new teacher if there are transition issues? How can you get in contact with them, and how quickly can you expect a response?” Sebastian Troyon, marketing director of St George’s International School, Switzerland, believes that parents should ask how their child will be welcomed into the school. “At St George’s,” he says, “before a child starts term, they have a scheduled meeting with their personal tutor and head of house, who will show them where things are and talk through how the school works. They will also meet them when they arrive on the first day of term.”


VISIT THE SCHOOLS No matter how much information about their preferred


schools families gather in advance, there is no substitute for visiting a school in person. Sue Dunnachie, marketing consultant


at Mougins


School, on France’s Cote d’Azur, offers some advice on what parents should look out for when on a school visit. “Much depends on the atmosphere amongst the staff and students and the welcome one receives,” she says. “Does the admissions department spend time with the family, show an interest in the student as an individual, and give realistic answers to any questions they may have? Is the headteacher prepared to take the time to see you? Are you able to see classes at work and check the school facilities? Is extra tuition given to students for whom English is a second language, or who have some learning difficulties? “How much importance is placed on those subjects that are not purely academic, such as sport, music, art and theatre? It is vital to remember that, although the academic achievements of a student are important, other qualities will form the confident young adult ready to face the challenges which lie ahead.” Typically, international schools are well set up to receive relocating pupils, and have systems in place to help children settle in quickly and painlessly, but this should never be taken for granted.


Debbie Bowker, managing director of education consultant Bowker Consulting, recommends that families find out how a school measures up when it comes to settling and integrating new students.


DON’T FORGET THE PARENTS Sue Dunnachie argues that relocating children are likely to settle and find their feet in their new surroundings faster than their parents, so it should be important to look out for a school with a good support network for the whole family. “Children have a facility to adapt which does not always


come so easily to adults,” she says. “As soon as friendships are formed, life becomes easier. It can be more challenging for parents, who are dealing with the daily hurdles of life in a foreign language with which they may not be familiar. This is why a welcoming school which offers pastoral care to the whole family is important.”


“Families should be advised to ask if there is an active parent-teacher association (PTA), which will enable parents to become involved in the social activities of the school,” says Debbie Bowker. Sebastian Troyon believes that his school’s parents’ liaison group (PLG) is the social hub of the community. “We have a very active group, to welcome new families and to support them,” he says. “St George’s International is a community for the whole family, not just the students, so we work hard on creating positive relationships and exchanging information. All parents are invited to a reception at school before term starts to meet their child’s tutor and other staff, a coffee morning in the first week of term to connect with other families, and a family day on the first weekend. “We welcome families getting involved, asking questions, and encouraging their children to do the same – to be open to new opportunities, and to smile!”


Above: American International School of Bucharest 100 | relocateglobal.com | Keep Informed


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