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**Paul** · 10-05-2021, 04:11 PM

How to choose the right school for your kids

Moving to another country with your family is exciting, but can be stressful and full of worries. One of those worries could be the very real dilemma of trying to find an international school that fits your children’s needs. Such things as the quality and type of curriculum, classroom size, location, and cost can complicate your international school hunt.

Application
This may seem a bit ‘off’ to recommend checking the application process of your potentially chosen school, however, many of these international schools have waiting lists. Thus, some schools don’t allow students to join at any time of the academic year. Truthfully, it does make a bit of sense, as you don’t want your children jumping into a school midway. If they do, they may be overwhelmed with trying to adjust to the new environment, peers, and curriculum. These factors could, unintentionally, push them towards falling behind. Moreover, many schools have a list of documents that may take some time to acquire and prepare. Such things to keep in mind include a previous grade report, as well as making new students sit an exam before being accepted.

Costs and Fees
As many expats can attest, international schools are far from being cheap. In fact, many are in the thousands of US dollars per month. Furthermore, most of these schools don’t allow monthly payments, and instead, charge by the term. This can mean an unexpected, large amount of money to be paid before your child is considered enrolled. Deposits, enrollment fees, lunch fees, uniform fees and transportation fees are some of the additional costs that can make the total price to be paid in advance quite high. And, as your child gets older, their tuition will increase in accordance to their grade level. Another thing in which to inquire about is if your employer would cover some of these costs.

Curriculum
When you are finished narrowing down the international schools that are affordable, the next thing to consider is the type of curriculum offered. The most prevalent curriculum is that of the International Baccalaureate, or the national English or American curricula. Most larger international schools will offer a choice of 1 or 2 types, however, it is different around the globe. When looking at curricula, it is important to consider what your child has been taught in the previous years. Moreover, your future living circumstances and goals for your child’s secondary and post-secondary education also have weight in what curricula is best. The key to choosing a curriculum is to maintain consistency in your child’s education. Even if your child previously studied an American curriculum, your future goals may include living in Europe. Thus, a Cambridge or IB curriculum would be the best for your child’s future. Special needs and gifted students will also need to be appropriately taught, with less challenging or more challenging lessons. Thus, the school’s ability to have educators that differentiate their instruction is paramount. Your child’s interests should also be considered. For example, if your child loves to play sports, then finding a school that has many opportunities for playing sports is a good idea. If your child loves to draw or play an instrument, then finding a school that incorporates art or music classes into their curriculum is ideal. Additionally, making sure that the school follows up on its chosen curriculum and ethos is paramount. Many schools can look quite great when you visit their website, but if they don’t follow through on their promises, it is a no-go. Don’t be afraid to ask how the school holds educators accountable, as it is vital to students’ learning.

Other considerations
Class sizes, student demographics, and languages offered are also very important, especially when your kids are younger. Making sure your younger children have access to more 1 to 1 time with the teacher is paramount. This early intervention can especially help when your child is adjusting to the new school. An assistant in the classroom is also something to consider. Many schools that have over a certain number of children employ a classroom assistant. Special needs and gifted students also need extra attention and/or a specialised curriculum. Although it is a personal choice when deciding if you want your child to study another language, most schools should offer English. Moreover, a second language and the native language of the country in which the school is located are offered by reputable schools.

Ethos
When looking at the school’s ethos, it is important to read their mission statement on the website. And, surprisingly, many schools are lacking a comprehensive mission statement. This is important because reputable international schools should implement their ethos into everything they teach. Additionally, your values should ideally match up with the school’s values. Such things as studying religion in the school, primary languages, praise and punishments should all be clearly communicated with potential enrollees.

Logistics
The next thing to consider when choosing an international school, is its proximity to your home or work. If you are not sure where you will be living, it is best to try to find a place by the school. Checking out rent costs and available housing around the school’s location is a great idea. If you don’t, you may be stuck in a long, daily commute. Furthermore, check to see if your school offers a bus service and where their routes pick up and drop off students. Opening and closing hours are also important to figure out, as you don’t want to be caught at work while your kids are ready to come home. After school activities is one way around this potential issue. Many schools offer extracurricular clubs after school, while allowing them to stay a bit longer every day.

Conclusion
Every family and every child is different. Needs, interests, and wants are among the factors that should be considered when enrolling your children in an international school. When they are young, it is important to allow them to experiment with things that they like. However, at the end of the day, your child just wants to be happy, have fun and make friends. Although some schools may seem attractive on paper, their written qualifications may not be the best for your child. The best way to know, is by visiting the school and letting your child have input when deciding on a school. After all, if your child is getting their immediate needs met, they will have more room to focus on learning!

**Logan** · 10-07-2021, 12:20 AM

A synopsis of Thailand’s Educational System

Many expats who decide to settle in Thailand are curious about the public schools’ status. As Thailand is a popular destination for many worldwide, those with kids may be looking to immerse their children in the culture. So, enrolling them into the country’s government-sponsored schools may be an option. However, further research into this reveals that the quality of education in Thailand’s schools may not be what some parents are expecting. WhileThailand is full of tropical coastlines and a rich, cultural history, its public school system may not be as glamorous, despite the proliferation of international schools in recent years.

But, depending on what your goals are for your child, many expats do decide to enroll their children in a Thai public school. The reason? To learn the culture and language. And, if you are only looking for that, it is a good idea. However, such cultural differences include corporal punishment (although it is technically illegal), rote learning (learning by memorising), and the absence of supported, individual, critical thinking. To be fair, the Education Ministry says it is taking action against such rote learning styles, by saying it is revamping its curriculum. As the teaching methods are, indeed, outdated, younger children who do enroll in a public school will almost certainly learn the Thai language. This is due to the substantial research that points towards children learning languages significantly easier than adults. As the common saying goes, ‘children’s minds are like sponges.’

While the country does boast a high literacy rate at 96.7%, Thai students scored below the global average on PISA tests in 2014, ranking 35th out of 40 countries. Moreover, the country’s English proficiency rates have been falling for the last 3 consecutive years. According to the annual English Proficiency Index, by the global education company EF Education First, the 2020 report was dismal at best. Thailand’s ranking dropped from 74 to 89 out of 100 countries last year. And, last year saw Thailand ranking 7th in Southeast Asia, in its English literacy rankings. The Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia all ranked higher than Thailand. Furthermore, the country ranked 20th out of the 24 Asian countries overall.

One of the main questions is ‘why’? Especially when Thailand continues to be a top destination for foreign tourists. Thus, the more touristy locations are surely to feature more Thais who are picking up English while interacting with tourists. While this may be true, it doesn’t compensate for the learning of English in public schools, especially in rural areas.

While the government hasinvested generously in public education, its schools nationwide are failing to measure up to global academic standards across the board. Many citizens, however, say the governmental bias is a large part of why the system is failing its students. From the widely-accepted cheating on exams, to rote-style teaching methods, there are multiple reasons cited as to why the educational system is lacking. Although all Thai children were guaranteed an education under the 1999 Education Act, many say rural areas are not given appropriate funding. As the government has been accused of dividing educational funding unequally, those students who already have a high likelihood to succeed, receive more funding. Thus, smaller and more rural schools are left out. Moreover, the current curriculum has been in use since 2008, with only minor changes. And, the 2008 curriculum was only minorly edited from the 2001 curriculum. One of the many criticisms of the curriculum includes focusing on outdated industries and skills.

Consequently, after-school tutoring and “shadow education” systems have been on the rise due to parents losing trust in the public education system. But, one of the many attributes of Thai culture is that of its citizens’ headstrong determination. Although the public school system may be lacking, parents are taking matters into their own hands, with success on their minds. This fight towards improving education may mean that students will have more opportunities to learn. Regardless of what your goals are for your children, enrolling them in a public school in Thailand certainly is beneficial for learning the language, making friends and learning the culture. Furthermore, Thai school is very inexpensive compared to international schools. And, it can be said that young children may benefit more from a Thai school than older kids, making it truly an individual decision on the parents’ part.

**Steve** · 06-16-2022, 07:24 PM

Top 5 International Schools in Pattaya 2022

Pattaya is a city located on Thailand’s eastern Gulf. It is surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and is only a 2-hour drive from Bangkok. The Thai Ministry of Education has certified all of Pattaya’s international schools and approved all of the schools’ curriculum. While Pattaya may not have a large number of international schools, compared to Bangkok, there is still a good selection to choose from for your children. The British curriculum and the International Baccalaureate are the most popular systems in Pattaya, as they are in much of Southeast Asia.

Regents International School Pattaya
Regents International School is a private international school that has been in business since 1995. It has grown into one of Southeast Asia’s most well-known and respectable international schools, and it is now part of the Nord Anglia Education premium international school network with 77 other international schools. With an enrolment of about 40 students in 1995, it has now grown to posses a student body of over 1,000 pupils with 80 of those ensconced in its a boarding school. In 2000, the school joined the Federation of British International Schools in Southeast Asia, and a year later, it was inducted into the Round Square network of international schools. Since 2002, it has provided the International Baccalaureate Diploma. For in-depth information about admissions and tuition fees, click HERE.

St.Andrews International School, Green Valley
St. Andrews International School Green Valley is part of a group of St Andrews Schools in Thailand, which includes Bangkok’s Sathorn, Sukhumvit 107, and Dusit. The school is also proud member of the global Cognita group, which includes around 80+ schools in 8 countries with a total student population of 40,000. On the outskirts of Pattaya and Rayong, St. Andrews International School, Green Valley is an amazing choice for children aged 2 to 18. By combining a British curriculum with the inquiry-based International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, it provides the finest international education. There are around 400 students representing 35 different nations. For in-depth information about admissions and tuition fees, click HERE.

Rugby School Thailand
Rugby School has a long and illustrious history dating back over 450 years. Rugby School was first established in the United Kingdom in 1567. The number of students reached a new record of 245 in the late 1700s. It relocated from the heart of town to an expansive, beautiful manor house in 1750, which is now Rugby School’s School House. Rugby is a multicultural day and boarding school for children aged 2 to 18, focusing on the British curriculum, and the parent school in the UK shares much of its DNA with Thailand’s Rugby School. The 80-acre campus is located in Pattaya, Chon Buri, along the beautiful landscape of Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. The Rugby School family is ever-expanding and boasts one of the strongest worldwide alumni networks in the world. For in-depth information about admissions and tuition fees, click HERE.

International School Eastern Seaboard (ISE)
The International School Eastern Seaboard has been in business since 1994. The school is located in the hillside of Burapha International Golf Course, in a gated neighbourhood in Chon Buri. ISE accommodates 150 students from Pre-K to Grade 12, covering a wide mix of countries, with small class sizes allowing for close attention. ISE uses the American curriculum, based on AERO and NGS standards. Since 2003, ISE has maintained its status as a high-performing International Baccalaureate Diploma Program school and is fully certified by the Ministry of Education and WASS (Western Association of Schools and Colleges). For in-depth information about admissions and tuition fees, click HERE.

Tara Pattana International School
Tara Pattana International School is a seat of learning nearest to the centre of Pattaya, located just east of the city. Like many of the other schools on this list, it follows the English curriculum and welcomes students from pre-school to Year 13. The school features a diverse community of international students, which fosters an atmosphere of openness, respect, and understanding. The curriculum has been created to focus on a chronological learning sequence that matches the flow of time as closely as possible. For in-depth information about admissions and tuition fees, click HERE.

**Xerxes** · 10-15-2022, 04:05 PM

What are the pros and cons of studying in an international school in Thailand?

As an expat parent, one of the main concerns when moving to Thailand is ensuring your children get the best education they need. There is a wide range of options available, but one of the first decisions you must make is between local public schools and private international schools. So, to help make your decision easier when it comes to choosing a local or international school in Thailand, here are some pros and cons.

Pros of studying in an international school in Thailand

Prestigious international curriculum
One of the pros of choosing an international school is the curriculum. The local curriculum might not be recognised by universities worldwide. In contrast, the curriculum used in international schools is usually accredited and internationally recognised. A globally recognised diploma, such as the American High School Diploma, British A-Levels, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, puts students in a much stronger position to attend any university of their choice. This means that children at international schools will find it easier to pursue further education at the international level. Many international schools around Thailand have a solid track record of university acceptance around the world. In addition to universities, employers also view these diplomas very favourably. A globally recognised diploma is not the only advantage of an international curriculum. The curriculum also provides more provisions for children, allowing them to be more ready to confront the challenges of an increasingly advanced future and adapt to an ever-changing world. Moreover, an international curriculum makes the process of transferring to a new school in Thailand easier. For example, if you come from the UK, enrolling in a British school means your children don’t have to adjust to a new educational system. They can just continue where they left off.

Well-equipped facilities and smaller class size
With better funding and bigger budgets, international schools in Thailand offer state-of-the-art facilities that students can enjoy. The facilities are typically incorporated into the educational process as a whole, ensuring that students have better opportunities outside of the classroom to identify and develop their passions and skill sets. Aside from the facilities, international schools usually keep their classroom size small. Therefore, each student can receive individual focus and personalised attention from their teachers.

International environment
The multicultural environment is another great advantage of studying in an international school. Your children can meet friends from numerous different countries, allowing them to get to know other cultures. This will help them learn how to work with others who have different characteristics, traditions, and cultural norms. Additionally, they can develop tolerance, empathy, mutual respect, and understanding of others. Moreover, a multicultural environment also gives students a chance to socialise with others who share the same experience of adjusting to life in a new country. In addition to their peers, students will also have access to a global perspective because most international schools hire faculty from around the world. With the cross-cultural understanding that students get from their environment, they’ll be able to develop a passion for aiding people outside of their own community and take advantage of their international connections. This can involve starting an overseas business, supporting charities abroad, or looking for employment outside of their home country.

Extracurricular activities
International schools in Thailand provide all kinds of extracurricular activities for their students. These can include sports, foreign language lessons, debates, photography, art, dance, music, and more. Besides extracurricular activities, students will also have opportunities to experience life outside the classroom by joining field trips, volunteering, and community service. The number of activities available enables students to explore their interests and allows them to hone their skills in numerous areas.

Quality of Teachers
Again, international schools have bigger budgets and funding. Thus, they can hire the best educators in a variety of subjects, from Mathematics and Science to History and Social Studies. Teachers usually have more room to think and draw up their lesson plans more creatively, so they can find the best methods to better engage with students. Plus, as mentioned earlier, each class size is smaller. Therefore, teachers can have a better grasp of each student’s level of performance and use a student-led learning approach. Through this technique, the teacher is able to tailor their lessons to the interests, prior knowledge, and comprehension of the students. This method of teaching seeks to instil a passion for learning in students by empowering them to take charge of their education.

Cons of studying in an international school in Thailand

Expensive school fees
Compared to a Thai public school, the fee of international schools in Thailand is undoubtedly higher. In addition to the tuition fees, parents also have to take into account other costs involved. For example, the cost to purchase school uniforms and required books, which are often more expensive than locally published school curriculum books. Moreover, international schools usually have activity fees, examination fees, language support fees, and school development fees. Excursion fees are another cost to think about. Of course, excursions are usually optional. However, it’s something to consider because the majority of the time, your children will want to participate.

Children are less likely to be fluent in Thai
All international schools in Thailand provide a Thai language programme and have Thai language classes. However, English will still be the main language used so that all students from different nationalities can connect and develop their English skills. This means that students are less likely to achieve fluency in Thai.

Little interaction with locals international school Thailand pros and cons
It’s true that your children will have a better understanding of a range of different cultures, nationalities, and languages. However, they may miss out on the opportunity to socialise with locals. They may remain in an ‘expat bubble’. This bubble may lead to your children not understanding and appreciating Thai culture. In the long term, this can cause a certain alienation of your child since it’s more difficult for them to connect with peers outside their school. When it comes to choosing the right international school in Thailand, considering these pros and cons can be a great start. But, of course, these are pretty generic. So be sure to include your personal values, needs, and expectations before making a choice. Moreover, it’s also important to include your child and let them have a say in the decision since it will be a big part of their life.

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