Are you considering an international school for yourself or maybe for your children? Maybe you just have an interest in international schools, where they are, how they work? Either way, there is plenty to know and plenty that you may find very interesting. Read on to find out more about international schools and our most interesting facts and figures about them. We are going to focus on English-Medium schools, which are schools where the majority of classes are taught in English, as this is the most common form of international schools.
How Many International Schools Are There?
In 2020 there are now over 7,500 international schools around the world. That number was far less 20 years ago, as it sat at only 2,300 in the year 2000. That means the number has trebled in 20 years, and therefore so has the popularity of international schooling. The number is, in fact, expected to double again by 2025 as there are so many new international schools in development. This gives a huge boost to opportunities for both students and teachers.
How Do They Work?
Much like regular schools, really! International schools have only a few differences from what we would call traditional schools. Their students’ education, for example, is transferable between international school providers, meaning a student could move school mid-semester and pick up right where they left off. The differences tend to lie in smaller class sizes and more focus on extracurricular activities. As the professionals over at https://www.rugbyschool.ac.th/ say, “Your child can reap the rewards of smaller class sizes and longer days that incorporate sports and co-curricular activities, alongside academic excellence”. These schools, then, can give students great one-to-one attention in smaller classes, as well as help them excel in several things which may not be found in ‘traditional’ schools. Many also follow the boarding school method, allowing students from all around the world to stay on campus while studying.
Where They Are
Believe it or not, the majority of the world’s international schools can be found on the Asian continent. Between the Middle East, South East Asia, and China, there are more international schools than any other continent. However, the country with the most international schools is actually the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They have a little over 500 English-speaking international schools in their country despite only just being in the top 100 in the world population. China comes in a close second with 480. There are also international schools across Western Europe and the United States. So, if an international school is an idea that interests you, you could soon find yourself anywhere in the world!
International School Curriculum
International schools follow a variety of curriculums, though most follow similar ones. The most common curriculum followed is actually the National Curriculum of England, including GCSE and A-Levels, though this can be adapted to make certain subjects more relevant to the location of the school and the nationality of the students who go there. Other international curriculums are followed, such as the International Baccalaureate and the International Primary. As we said previously, all schools must follow one of a select few curriculums, meaning students can move freely between international schools if required.
Who Enrolls In International Schools?
Historically, international schools were made up of a majority of the expatriate, English-speaking students whose families had emigrated. However, this no longer holds true. Nowadays, around 80% of international school pupils are local to the area of the school, with 20% being made up of truly international students. Regardless of the percentage, you are guaranteed an eclectic mix of cultures and personalities when studying at an international school, as well as teachers from around the world. Interestingly, more than 3.5 million students now study at international schools around the globe, a huge number!
Who Teaches There?
As we just mentioned, teachers from around the world are drawn to working at international schools. This is down to a few factors. Firstly, the English curriculum taught is very respected worldwide and helps get students into top colleges worldwide, which would make any good teacher happy. Secondly, they offer competitive salaries and even have free living quarters in some cases. This makes (usually) young teachers very attracted to the prospect of teaching at one of these schools.
If your interest in international schools hadn’t already peaked, we sure hope it has now! If you are considering an international school, think about reading more about what other students have to say about their experiences there and how they enjoy it. We are sure that most people would benefit greatly from studying at one of these top institutions, so if you do end up going, make the best of it, and most of all, enjoy yourself!
