If you’re set to become an expatriate or to work abroad in Singapore for a prolonged period while in the company of your family, you may already be preparing for big decisions like where to send your child to school. The city-state is known around the world for its top-notch educational system, and it may not be hard to find an excellent local or mainstream school for your child to study in.
But are mainstream and local schools in Singapore your only options? Moreover, given your child’s needs and their unique situation of coming from a different educational system, will these schools be the best places for them to study? In some cases, it may be worth exploring other options like enrolling your child in an international school Singapore expat families trust. Here are five things to consider when weighing your decision.
Your Child May Have a Hard Time Transitioning from Their Original School System
First, remember that moving countries will already require your child to make a big adjustment to their life. If they’ve grown up in a particular school system, for example the American school system, it may take them some time to bounce back from the initial culture shock of both their new country and their new school. Having to adjust to a completely different school system may cause them greater anxiety and make it more difficult for them to perform well in their academics or to make new friends.
That said, it may be good to enroll them in an international school with a similar curriculum and similar methods of instruction from what they’re used to. Doing so will definitely make the adjustment process easier on them, and they may quickly acclimatize and become happy about their new life in a new country. That’s one of the best reasons to broaden your options beyond mainstream or local schools.
Your Child May Thrive in a School with a Global Curriculum
Second, given the cultural values you may want to pass on to your child—as well as new values that you’ll want them to develop in a different country—enrolling them in an international school may allow you to give them the best of both worlds. They’ll be able to practice the values ingrained in them from your country of origin and learn global values at the same time.
A global curriculum and international school environment may be just what they need for this holistic formation. It may be worth the investment, knowing that the school’s cultural values align closely with your family’s while still encouraging your child to broaden their horizons.
Your Child May Be Happier with the Holistic Approach Practiced in International Schools
Another good reason to look beyond local and mainstream schools in Singapore is that you may find a more holistic approach being practiced in international schools. A school that offers a program like the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme may be just what your child needs in terms of cultivating their academic talents and teaching them intellectual rigor. But the same school may also balance out its exhaustive academic program with a plethora of co-curricular activities as well as extensive opportunities for cultural exchange.
To be sure that your child will nurture gifts like their natural athleticism, artistry, soft skills, and acumen for leadership as well as their academic talents, consider enrolling them in an international school.
Your Child May Have Better Chances for Further Study and Career Opportunities Abroad
Your choice of school in Singapore will also influence your child’s future. If studying or working abroad is in their cards, you’ll open more doors for them if you choose an international school over a local or mainstream school in the city state.
International school curriculums are designed to help your child succeed on the world stage. For example, the credentials they earn in an international school environment, such as an IB diploma, will be more recognizable to organizations abroad. As such, they’ll contribute to your child’s chances of getting admitted into a competitive degree program, internship, international leadership program, or other related opportunity. That means that in the future, your child will be better equipped to earn a rewarding career for themselves in the country of their choosing.
Your Child May Be in Need of Peers with Shared Backgrounds and Experiences
Lastly, an international school may be the better choice for your child’s social life. In their early childhood and adolescence, they’ll benefit from being around kids that they can relate to and who share common experiences with them. So-called “third culture kids,” or kids who grow up in a culture outside of their parents’ home culture, tend to form strong bonds and enjoy lifelong friendships with each other.
Friendship, kinship, and a sense of belonging are all important to your child’s school life. Consider enrolling them in an international school, which will give them the chance to meet kindred souls who’ll understand the unique experience of studying and growing up abroad.
Ultimately, the best choice of school depends on your child’s individual needs and your family’s circumstances. But there are indeed some strong arguments to be had for branching out and not limiting your options to mainstream or local SG schools. Think your decision through before enrolling your child in a new school, as their educational experience in a different country will definitely define who they become.