ELIC teachers get a front-row seat to the difference that a quality education makes in their students’ lives, so it’s no surprise that they take their own kids’ education just as seriously. How you approach education is not a simple question even in the culture where you grew up, and it’s even more complicated when you’re living in a foreign country. This decision plays a significant role as you decide whether to teach overseas and choose where you will go. While every country’s opportunities are different, here are three common education options in our host countries.
International Schools
In many places (particularly larger cities), private international schools offer a high-quality education for expat students. This option can be a great challenge for motivated kids, and they get a chance to connect with peers from cultures around the world who relate to their experience as third-culture kids.
These schools often use internationally recognized curricula, like the International Baccalaureate or the International Primary Curriculum. A top-tier, international education can open doors for future study wherever your child wants to explore in the world.
Local Schools
Education systems vary widely from one place to another, and you may find that your new city has a local school that will be a wonderful adventure for your kids! This option for education is more specific to the context and culture of your host city than what you’ll find at an international school.
Your kids will learn the language before you know it as they are immersed in it as a normal part of their day. This fluency will make finding local friends their age much easier, and they aren’t the only ones it will help! The idea of “parent friends” applies all over the world. You’ll have a head start on building community as you get to know other parents in your area.
Online School/Homeschool
Guiding your kids’ education through homeschooling or online school provides the huge benefit of flexible scheduling and pace. This makes a big difference in cultures where schedules can be unpredictable.
Homeschooling gives you more control of curriculum content and creates built-in time with your kids. Many host cities have homeschooling groups where expat parents tackle the challenge of teaching together. These groups help expat families connect and create a unique community.
Online school has seen leaps and bounds in quality, technology, and availability in recent years, making it an excellent option for many families. Your kids can learn from home, often with asynchronous courses that offer much of the same flexibility as homeschooling. Online schools not only provide the curriculum (like homeschool), but also the teachers. This can be a great option for families with both parents teaching English who are still looking for more flexibility and choice of curriculum.
As you assemble the puzzle pieces to build your life overseas, you’ll find the perfect education option to fit your family’s picture.
Explore the opportunities or get started now!
Read a letter from an expat family in Mongolia.
