Leading Schools for International Education
By Asian Correspondent Jun 12, 2012 9:40PM UTC
Think of the highlights of childhood school days: making friends, playing football, the first time stepping on stage fully costumed in the school theatrical production. Some experiences are germane to school systems around the world.
Pic: Florida Air Academy
Now consider what those experiences would have been like if you had been living overseas, surrounded by friends who hail from all over the world. The student to your left might be from Malaysia, to your right, the United Kingdom. Imagine the ways in which your thinking might have been different, expanded, in an international school setting.
Such are the opportunities afforded to students who enroll at international day and boarding schools. The more children and young adults are exposed to diverse cultures and personalities, the more open-minded and understanding of other people they become. Studies have shown that people who spend some time living abroad are actually more creative thinkers, and are more likely to produce innovative solutions to problems. Sending your child to an international school abroad will get them thinking outside the box from an early age.
But the cultural benefits of studying abroad at an international school are not the only reasons to send your child there. There are a number of other practical benefits as well.
Private schools such as those listed below tend to offer small class sizes, which is a definite boon to students’ educational experience. Smaller classes mean instructors get to know students’ learning personalities and challenges, pupils get to know one another more easily and develop bonds that extend beyond the classroom, and there is more opportunity for participation during discussions.
Private international boarding schools also tend to attract a high caliber of instructors, many of whom hold advanced degrees in their field. The breadth of their knowledge and academic and professional connections is likely to surpass those of teachers at local and public schools.
Pic: UWCSEA
Private international schools also tend to place a high premium on preparing students to apply to college, and have finely tuned resources and relationships to help their pupils get into the schools of their choice. International students often graduate from diploma programs that put them ahead of other applicants and land prized spots at top universities around the world.
Many boarding schools offer students the option of living on campus or being day students, who commute regularly from home (an option usually available to students whose families live locally). For those who live on campus, their school experience teaches them to become mature, responsible students. From the time they move to the campus, they are expected to develop a healthy routine that allows for study, socializing and extra-curriculars. This responsibility helps them mature and learn to balance different aspects of their lives. As time management will only become increasingly useful as they grow older, these students will be at an advantage when they arrive at college and are already used to managing their own schedules.
Older students who aspire to attend university abroad, particularly in the United States or the United Kingdom, will find that international boarding school experience will only serve them well in the application process. They will likely have had to improve their English speaking skills during their time at the school, a requirement for enrollment at a number of top universities. Their understanding of foreign cultures and ability to adapt to new surroundings will reflect positively on them.
Additionally, international schools often offer international diploma programs that are recognized and accepted by many universities. This will make the application process that much smoother when the time comes. Exposure to different styles of art and sport will also open possibilities for students to study and learn about something unknown to them before, and could alter their educational and career paths.
Each of the schools listed below approach international education in a unique way, but have the common thread of supporting an international community on campus and encouraging their students to be globally minded individuals who care about the world around them and are committed to academic excellence and social service.
UWCSEA, SINGAPORE
The United World College of Southeast Asia (UWCSEA) is a day and boarding school in Singapore that provides a truly international learning experience for students in grades kindergarten through 12. Pupils at UWCSEA represent 70 different nationalities, and in many cases grow up surrounded by friends, classmates and instructors from all over the world. This kind of global environment will allow them to grow up as open-minded, cultural and progressive thinkers prepared to learn and contribute on an international level. The teaching philosophy at UWCSEA is based on five interlinking elements: academics, activities, outdoor education, pastoral care and service. Read full profile…
The United World College of Southeast Asia (UWCSEA) is a day and boarding school in Singapore that provides a truly international learning experience for students in grades kindergarten through 12. Pupils at UWCSEA represent 70 different nationalities, and in many cases grow up surrounded by friends, classmates and instructors from all over the world. This kind of global environment will allow them to grow up as open-minded, cultural and progressive thinkers prepared to learn and contribute on an international level. The teaching philosophy at UWCSEA is based on five interlinking elements: academics, activities, outdoor education, pastoral care and service. Read full profile…
THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN JAPAN
The American School in Japan (ASIJ) prides itself on being an educational center that is “American by name, international by nature.” It is a place where students from grades pre-school through 12 will gain an education unlike any other set against the backdrop of Tokyo, one of the most dynamic cities in the world. ASIJ has accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. ASIJ is committed to developing compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibility, and fosters a sense of open-mindedness and community among all of its students. With a student body comprised of individuals from 40 countries, ASIJ has become a multicultural institution that develops students’ character through the arts, athletics, and academics. Read full profile…
The American School in Japan (ASIJ) prides itself on being an educational center that is “American by name, international by nature.” It is a place where students from grades pre-school through 12 will gain an education unlike any other set against the backdrop of Tokyo, one of the most dynamic cities in the world. ASIJ has accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. ASIJ is committed to developing compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibility, and fosters a sense of open-mindedness and community among all of its students. With a student body comprised of individuals from 40 countries, ASIJ has become a multicultural institution that develops students’ character through the arts, athletics, and academics. Read full profile…
Pic: American School in Japan
FLORIDA AIR ACADEMY, USA
The Florida Air Academy (F.A.A.) is a co-educational unique day and boarding school in the United States for students in grades 6–12. The school was founded in 1961 and is a fully accredited academic institution. Since 1978, FLAIR has boasted a 100 percent college acceptance rate and is focused on developing students’ character and preparing them to apply to and enter college. Though it was founded as an all-male school, F.A.A. began welcoming female students as well in 2005, which quickly brought positive changes to the school. In fact, three of the past six valedictorians at F.A.A. have been female. Read full profile…
The Florida Air Academy (F.A.A.) is a co-educational unique day and boarding school in the United States for students in grades 6–12. The school was founded in 1961 and is a fully accredited academic institution. Since 1978, FLAIR has boasted a 100 percent college acceptance rate and is focused on developing students’ character and preparing them to apply to and enter college. Though it was founded as an all-male school, F.A.A. began welcoming female students as well in 2005, which quickly brought positive changes to the school. In fact, three of the past six valedictorians at F.A.A. have been female. Read full profile…
d’OVERBROECK’S COLLEGE, UK
A renowned school in the UK, d’Overbroeck’s College is a co-ed educational institute for students aged 11–18. This is an international day and boarding school that welcomes students from all over the world. d’Overbroeck’s offers special Summer English courses for international students whose native language is not English and who are between 14–17 years old. The school has been described as “a place of energy and laughter, of single-minded determination among students to do the best they can” by the prestigious Good Schools Guide. d’Overbroeck’s emphasizes happiness and academic success and creates an environment that allows children to learn and form lasting bonds with their classmates.
A renowned school in the UK, d’Overbroeck’s College is a co-ed educational institute for students aged 11–18. This is an international day and boarding school that welcomes students from all over the world. d’Overbroeck’s offers special Summer English courses for international students whose native language is not English and who are between 14–17 years old. The school has been described as “a place of energy and laughter, of single-minded determination among students to do the best they can” by the prestigious Good Schools Guide. d’Overbroeck’s emphasizes happiness and academic success and creates an environment that allows children to learn and form lasting bonds with their classmates.
CRANBOOK SCHOOL, AUSTRALIA
Australia’s Cranbook School is a boarding school for boys open to students from pre-school to Year 12. Cranbook School celebrates the unique talents and personalities of each student, and each boy can explore his interests through extracurricular activities such as athletics, drama, music, debating, outdoor education and House activities. All students are ingrained with a sense of responsibility to and for themselves, as well as to their group, a mindset that prepares them to become positive members of society. The teaching program at Cranbook is based on the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Program in the Junior School, and a Reggio Emilia aprroach is applied at the pre-school and kindergarten through year 2 levels.
Australia’s Cranbook School is a boarding school for boys open to students from pre-school to Year 12. Cranbook School celebrates the unique talents and personalities of each student, and each boy can explore his interests through extracurricular activities such as athletics, drama, music, debating, outdoor education and House activities. All students are ingrained with a sense of responsibility to and for themselves, as well as to their group, a mindset that prepares them to become positive members of society. The teaching program at Cranbook is based on the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Program in the Junior School, and a Reggio Emilia aprroach is applied at the pre-school and kindergarten through year 2 levels.
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