Education

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Essentials

Choosing an international school

International schools are often the first option considered by expat parents. Designed to ease the educational transition of a move from one country to another, such expat schools are a good choice for the children of foreign parents who are staying temporarily in the host country. (Check out Expatica’s A-Z listings in the Education category for a listing of international schools in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. However, for families planning to settle into a country long-term, international schools might not be the best fit. The national school system could be the most effective path. Every country and expat school will have its pro and cons, and parents will have to consider such factors as the age of their children and language(s) spoken in the host country before making a selection, especially when considering international schools in Europe, where numerous styles and languages are often used in teaching. Parents who are sure they will repatriate while their children are of school age need to select a expat school system which allows easy integration of their children into their home-country education system upon return. Qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate are becoming increasingly popular with people who relocate frequently. Education systems, advice and listings Professional advice from expat school organisations at the host location can help expats arrive at the best solution for their children, or even themselves, should they be seeking to continue higher education. Expatica's School channel gives parents an overview of the local school system—primary, secondary and higher education—in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK and explains which other options are available and lists where to go for advice on expatriate schools. The Education section in Expatica’s A-Z listings offers information on international schools in Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. The benefits of international schools Overall, when the right schooling decisions are made, expats feel that their children benefit from their education abroad; expanding your children’s horizons culturally will aid in developing the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills children need to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalising world.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is recognised as an international pre-university education preparing students for a globally competitive age.

15/09/2009 Imagining the school of the future

When David Willows asked children in his class to imagine the future they pictured a colourful place where schoolteachers would only be required to attend class in an emergency...

02/02/2009 Breaking down barriers at Paris elite school

France is taking a second look at education prospects for its black and Arab minorities that would allow them to rise to the top.

10/03/2008 School sheriffs keep eye on problem pupils in Berlin

Many like the idea but others say it helps promote negative images of schools.

Visit our country sites

Choosing an international school

Choosing an international school

Choosing an international school

School - Essential Articles

13/10/2009 Introducing the International Baccalaureate Diploma

15/09/2009 Imagining the school of the future

02/02/2009 Breaking down barriers at Paris elite school

10/03/2008 School sheriffs keep eye on problem pupils in Berlin