Checklist For Expat Parents To Choose The Best International School For Their Kids In Thailand

2018.02.06 53

Your family is moving countries and you need to find a perfect new school for your child. Among all of the other things you have to think about when embarking on a new adventure abroad, the task to find the best international school for kids can be overwhelming! A completely new system of schooling means a world of opportunity, but also comes with a sea of questions. Here is a checklist from HappyMom.Life with the key issues to be thinking about.



Tailor The Approach To The Child


 As with choosing any school, a truthful assessment of your child’s strengths and weaknesses and preferred learning environment is where the process should start, as this will determine the types of things you will be prioritizing when looking for an international school.Obviously, if your child is extremely sporty or has high energy levels, a school with extensive grounds or at least good sports facilities will be high on the list. Some children will be passionate about music, technology or art, in which case these need to be nurtured with the time and effort of staff and proper equipment. If they are strong in languages, a bilingual school (or even local language school) could be the best way to develop their talents, so on.

Other personality-driven things to consider include how well they respond to pressure and whether to place them with or apart from their siblings.



The Process Of Choosing A School Should Be Child-Focused As Far As Possible, But The Decision Should Not Be Down To Them


All the same, it is very important to communicate with them on a level that they can understand, to make sure they feel like their opinion matters. When moving to a new country they may feel daunted, as well as excited, so keeping communication open with them about how they are getting on is going to be important as they start their new school and make new friends. Ask their impressions, feelings, hopes, likes and dislikes about choosing a new school, but remember the decision is essentially yours.



Single Sex Or Co-Ed? 


There is lots of research to show that girls learn better in girls-only environments, whereas often boys learn better around girls. Often the decision to go single-sex is motivated by the desire for better academic results, fewer distractions, and more self-confidence in their academic abilities, particularly in subjects not traditionally associated with their gender. 

If you are considering single-sex schools, visit them and speak to them about their vision for their girls or boys and see if you agree with them. All other normal rules apply: meet with parents at the schools and ask about the benefits of the environment, look at the results, but above all base it on your child’s temperament, desire to learn, concentration levels and personality.



Do You Agree With The School’s Values And Vision?


 Although it is widely agreed that the most influential conversation in a child’s life is the one being had at home, the ethos of the school also plays a vital role in shaping their perspective on the world. Schools usually have a creed and set of principles, sometimes religious, that they base their education methods on. This includes the school’s discipline policy and its pastoral care provision.



Meet The Teachers


The head teacher will give you more of a ‘birds-eye’ perspective of the school. Where possible it is also good to speak to the teachers personally about their teaching methods, the syllabus, specific curriculum, discipline/rewards system, afterschool clubs, class size, homework, parent-teacher evenings, and other issues. Teachers will give you the most detailed overview of daily life at the school and the real expectations that will be placed on you and your child. They may be able to put you in touch with previous parents and students, and give you an idea of what their students do next, be it at university or in future careers.



Can They Cater For Special Education Needs?

 

Many schools have specially trained special education needs teachers who work with children alongside, or instead of, mainstream classroom learning. If your child requires their support, meet them personally. This is key because of the personal (often one-to-one) nature of the relationship they will have with your son or daughter. Again, it makes all the difference to have the chance to speak to them about your child’s specific situation, your previous experiences of successful teaching methods, the teacher’s experience and qualifications, and their approach.



Do Your Homework!

 

Spend time researching schools, looking through their websites, speaking to existing parents (where possible) and drawing up a shortlist before you look around the schools. Make a spread sheet to keep everything from contact details to uniforms to school fees. The school visits will be much more fruitful if you already have a comparative landscape of the other schools in your mind, particularly if you are new to the area or the country! 



Corporate Packages May Influence Your Decision


Companies that move employees around the world often have a relationship with a specific (or a number) of schools. Companies who are paying for school fees as part of the employment package might essentially make the choice for you, in that they will only pay for those schools with which they have partnerships. Speak to the company’s relocation agents about why they chose a partnership with these schools, as well as ensuring they put you in touch with everyone.



Be Across The Practicalities And Timeline For Applying


Particularly if you are applying for more than one school at a time from abroad, it is important to be very aware of the deadlines and to leave enough time to prepare all of the necessary materials beforehand. You may also need to pay admin fees for each application and if transferring money internationally remember that this can take longer. Coordinating international travel and time off work (and school) to make the visits also add to the complications of looking round schools



Photo Credit: Pinterest



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