The International School Experience & What It Is All About

International schools educate students who are from different nationalities. Their curriculum is typically aligned with the IB or a similar system.

Their teachers are experienced lecturers who follow education trends globally. They are able to develop a personalized approach for their students. Their multicultural classrooms offer multiple perspectives and teach children to appreciate diversity.

Community

One of the core philosophies that set international schools apart is the way they bring students from diverse backgrounds together in a multicultural environment. This dynamic, outlined in the seminal work “Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds”, resonates deeply with the ethos at AOSR, as we strive to create an educational experience that promotes both cultural inclusivity and academic prowess.

The first international schools were founded in 1924 in Geneva and Yokohama. They catered primarily to children of expatriate families, who were being sent abroad for work by their employers. These families were typically diplomats, missionaries or military personnel. Today, many international schools are still primarily attended by children of expatriates, but they also cater to local students in the surrounding communities as well.

These diverse student bodies, often augmented by an equally diverse faculty, are one of the biggest selling points of an international school. The community of students reflects the richness and diversity of the global society in which we live, and students benefit from having access to different viewpoints and experiences that they might not otherwise encounter at home.

As a result, international school graduates are often able to better adapt to and work in the ever-changing workplace of the future. They possess a unique perspective and have the ability to think outside of the box – qualities that will come in handy for any career path they choose to pursue.

Academics

In the world of education, ‘international schools’ have seen a rise in popularity alongside globalization. With an increasingly diverse workforce, it is more important than ever to educate students with a global perspective. An international education provides students with the skills to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Many international schools are made up of faculty and staff from around the world as well as students from a wide variety of nationalities. This diversity is reflected in the curriculum, which incorporates a world view across all subjects and grades. This ensures that every student is exposed to a rich and diverse learning experience.

Throughout their time at school, students are immersed in new languages and cultures, which helps them become more open to adapting to different situations in the future. Developing this flexibility and ability to work in an international environment will set them apart from their peers when they graduate from college or begin their professional career.

Many international schools also offer academic travel programs to a range of countries and cities as part of their curriculum. These experiences can be life-changing for students, as they learn more about the world and build connections with other international students and teachers. This network will provide opportunities for future professional opportunities, as well as social gatherings focused on world events and cultural practices.

Extracurricular Activities

Many international schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities that go beyond the school curriculum. Students who participate in these activities discover new interests and talents and gain invaluable skills that can help them in their future careers. These skills include teamwork, problem-solving and leadership.

In addition, participating in extracurricular activities also helps students develop healthy lifestyles. Activities such as sports and music promote physical fitness and reduce stress levels. They can also help students meet peers who share their same interests, which is especially helpful for boarding school students as they transition to a new environment.

Another benefit of participating in these activities is that it exposes students to other cultures, languages and traditions. As a result, students become well-rounded individuals who have a better understanding of the world around them.

Moreover, these activities can improve student’s self-esteem and their sense of achievement. For example, if a student joins the debate club or plays a musical instrument, they can learn new skills that they can proudly display on their resumes when applying to colleges and universities.

Additionally, a number of international schools host academic travel programs or trips that allow students to explore the local community and different countries around the world. Whether they are learning about deforestation in Africa or practicing their public speaking skills in Thailand, these experiences give students a wider perspective and help them develop into global citizens.

Service Learning

Students at international schools are often exposed to community service learning as a regular component of the curriculum. This provides the opportunity for students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom and to develop a more global perspective and understanding of the world around them.

In addition to local programs, many international schools have established partnerships with organizations that provide students with an authentic service learning experience at a regional or global level. For example, at Hewitt School in New York City, students participate in a yearlong study of sustainability and bring their education to life by cleaning up Central Park as part of the school’s annual service learning event.

This experience also helps students develop the capacity to consider issues from a variety of perspectives and to understand that there is more than one way to solve problems. This is a critical skill that will serve them well in their future careers as they will be able to adapt to varying working environments and management styles.

Another great aspect of the international school experience is that the teachers and administrators are typically from around the globe. This means that they are familiar with the ups and downs of moving to a new country and can help students and their families to navigate these challenges. They can also share their own cultural experiences with students to broaden the perspectives from which they view the world.