Does Attending an International School Make You Special?

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When choosing a school, there are various factors to consider. Not only do you want your child to be happy and supported, but the quality of education also comes into play. How will they fare in college? What does their future success look like? These are all valid questions.

Some of the most common questions I receive as a counselor are “What are the benefits of an international school education? Why should I choose X international school over a local school?” Although choosing a school is a personal family decision, what I’ve found is that overall, parents want their child to be prepared to live, work, and thrive in an increasingly globalized world.

According to the Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education, for our children to succeed in life, we have to take into consideration more than academics, preparing them for a fast-paced, ever-changing world.

So what does that mean, really?

Having worked as a school counselor for 16 years, and five years internationally, I believe it means:

Students will need to know how to think holistically. Adapt to new social changes. Think ahead to what could possibly occur and plan accordingly. Work independently and with others from various backgrounds and cultures and realize the interconnectedness of it all. They will need to know how to manage their stress levels and express themselves confidently. Empathize with others who are different than they are, and stand up for causes they believe in.

How do we prepare our children to do just that? Choosing an international school may help. Let me explain.

International Schools Are Rich In Diversity:

From a diverse community of peers to an international alumni network, studying at an international school provides a unique experience.

A community of peers from all over the world means that not only are different cultural backgrounds and viewpoints represented, but that the kids are exposed to various languages, ways of problem-solving, customs, and traditions. These factors enrich students’ social, emotional, and academic development – encouraging them to take on a more complex worldview, and ultimately making them more equipped to navigate an ever-changing global society.

Graduating from an international school and attending college in the US has made it easier for me to navigate getting along with different people. I understand and appreciate different views and opinions, and I have grown more confident in what I believe.

Michelle Chow-Liu, President of International Association for College Admissions Counseling, agrees, noting that students graduating from international schools are “chameleons – and can blend in and out of different groups while also finding familiarity. They are able to see and respect various aspects of others and themselves. Having that exposure opens minds.”

International Schools Adopt an Internationally Recognized Curriculum:

Academic excellence is at the heart of any great international school. That’s why they offer smaller class sizes and create an environment that attracts and retains highly qualified teachers from all over the world.

With various curricula including International Baccalaureate, British curriculum, Cambridge iGCSE, A levels, and Advanced Placement courses, international schools provide a globally recognized education accepted by universities and employers around the world. It also means your child can move almost seamlessly from one school to another if you move to a different country.

Yes, test scores are important, but educating the whole child, heart and mind, is even more so. We want them to be good humans, right? International school education supports students holistically – focusing on academics and social/emotional development, oftentimes with the addition of robust mentoring programs. These multiple layers of support lead to “students feeling supported and paid attention to. Part of what makes international schools different is their emphasis on educating the whole child,” says Michelle Chow-Liu.

But what about college acceptance? Is there an advantage when it comes to college admissions?

This is the question most parents want answered. College acceptance is more than test scores and a stellar transcript. International schools provide the rigor, and perhaps more importantly they challenge students to be curious and inspire students to make a difference in the world beyond the classroom. Students think independently and critically and find their own voice – perfect preparation for those college essays!

Colleges look at the well-roundedness of potential students and what characteristics they bring to the school population. Are they risk-takers? Have they shown an interest in the community? What are their leadership qualities? International schools provide multiple opportunities for students to grow into service leaders, wherever their futures may take them.

Whether your school search decision leads to an international school or not, remember to engage your child in the process. Ask them to make a quick list of what is important to them in a teacher. What kind of environment do they work best in? What are their hopes for their new school? What do they believe will help them be successful? What interests do they have, or want to explore? Every child is unique, with different strengths, passions, and ways of learning. Having their answers in mind before you begin your search will help you find the perfect place where your child will flourish – personally, socially, and academically.

Images: Western Academy of Beijing

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