Challenges of an international school education

There is no doubt that having an international school education is a privilege and it is full of
tangible benefits. However, like most privileges there is also another side which is worth being
aware of. In many students, these challenges simply require awareness and addressing softly
whilst in other cases they can cause more serious longer term problems. These are the most
common I’ve experienced or encountered:

A. “Lack of Roots”

There was a sibling from the UK/Ireland, they were born in Turkey but moved every 3 or so
years across Asia, South America and Europe. They continued this pattern of moving and while
they quickly feel at home whenever they move, at the same time they feel like they have no true
home. This can lead to a sense of disconnection with local communities and their family.

One of the benefits of international schools is that students often come from all over the world
yet because they feel disconnected from their home culture, a “new international school” culture
develops which can feel like a bit of an expat bubble at times. I’ve seen some students look a bit
lost as they don’t have a clear sense of identity, particularly when they’ve been exposed to
moving countries and schools too frequently.

B. Overwhelming demands

Students may find international schools to be highly hard due to the high level of instruction and
occasionally heavy emphasis on academics. This is especially true in the International
Baccalaureate (IB), and it is highly usual for students to experience extreme stress when
attempting to complete six subjects, write an Extended Essay, study Theory of Knowledge, and
participate in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). The IB is unquestionably not the greatest
option for all pupils and favors all-arounders more than those who excel in a single subject area
(e.g. Science or Arts). Several foreign schools only provide one curriculum, such as the IB,
which causes pupils who need more time or more attention on one subject to get overwhelmed
by the obligations. Although some stress is beneficial, I feel

C. Diversity and Equality

One of the biggest selling points of an international school is the diversity of students that attend
it. However, there is one key element of diversity that is often missing at international schools:
“income diversity”. While not all students at international schools are very wealthy, there are
very few lower income students. This can both lead students to be somewhat spoiled but also
places pressure on students and parents to have the latest i-phone, designer clothes and fancy
holidays. I’ve frequently heard parents complain about this and the pressure it puts on them.

D. Cost

International schools typically charge between $800 and $2000 per month depending on the
school and location. Add to that the cost of trips, clubs, etc and it is a very significant outlay. The
International School Database is a useful tool to explore this further. I’d be very cautious about
international schools where the focus is very much on profit as the experience for students can be
rather factory-like at times.

How to address these challenges and when to move

“Choosing the right time to move countries or schools with your children as well as fully
involving them in the process are the keys here”. This the Deputy Principals’ advice to
international parents.

A change can be a great opportunity when chosen with your child’s best interest at the forefront
of the decision making process. When possible, It is always recommend moving at the end of
key stages (UK: Primary to Secondary, IGCSE to A Levels, US: Middle School to High School,
IB: IB MYP to DP) where there are likely to be lots of other new joiners and it feels like a new
phase in education. I’ve always noticed that children in the 12-15 age bracket really struggle with
a big move as this is the time they feel most connected to their friends and need them around
most. It is worth speaking to schools about the integration process for students and seeking help
from parents at the school to arrange social meet ups as well as signing them up for extra-
curricular activities. It is always easier to genuinely connect over a shared interest and whilst
doing something.

Communication and empathy are also essential. Some parents make the mistake of keeping the
move a secret and then telling their children last minute. Children need time to process a move so
ensuring that adequate time is given to both the goodbye and the new start are essential to feeling
settled and leaving some form of roots. It is worth trying to build excitement about the new
country and school, encouraging your child to do their own research into it. Using a coach to
help with this process can be really effective to help deal with the transition as it has such a huge
impact and reassurance is critical towards it being a positive experience.

As far as roots are concerned, keeping contact via Zoom with grandparents, cousins and old
friends is really important. When possible, doing a yearly return to roots visit can be beneficial
so that children feel connected to both the location and people that live there.
Finally, selecting a good school that genuinely cares about your child’s intellectual, social and
emotional learning is essential. International schools vary hugely from the very best in the world
to new local and private schools which are largely focused on profit. Your child will be attending
this school for 8 hours a day so it is worth doing the research necessary, asking the right
questions and ensuring that the experience will be enriching for them.

Conclusion

An international education is full of benefits and opportunities. Children who have such luck to
go to international school often end up being more open minded, flexible and adaptable yet have
a lesser sense of belonging, particularly at a geographical level. Provided that the timing is right,
that the transition period is well managed and it is not carried out too often, most children have a
positive experience of school and then thrive when presented with the new challenge of
university or a career. I know, on a personal level, I look back at my own childhood experiences
very fondly and have opened up all sorts of doors to interesting paths.

Should you wish to explore how I can help your child with a transition through tailored coaching
or mentoring, please do get in touch!