International schools are generally believed to offer children a more fulfilling or “better” experience of learning. Many say they are nothing like local or public schools.
Over the years, misconceptions about international schools have grown, but how much of it is true? Here are some of the common perceptions about international schools and the truth behind them.
1. Expensive school fees pay for the facilities
People often say that sending a child to an international school means ridiculously high school fees are the price to pay for luxurious facilities. Many believe the fees are so high so the operators can recoup the construction and maintenance costs. But this could not be farther from the truth.
It is true, international schools in Malaysia boast Olympic-sized swimming pools and running tracks, dance and drama studios, FIFA-standard football pitches and even indoor rock-climbing walls. However, what parents are actually paying for are the services of experienced teachers.
For international schools, hiring the best staff is of the utmost importance. To qualify as a teacher there requires not only academic qualifications but years of service and being a native speaker of a language.
More often than not, these teachers are expatriates. The costs incurred include finding, hiring, relocation and staff benefits, which make up the bulk of the fees parents pay.
2. Spoilt rich kids
Perhaps reinforced by movies, some people stereotype children from more affluent families as lacking in parental guidance, spoilt and eventually becoming bullies in school. This perception is even stronger about boarding schools, with the argument that children are more likely to misbehave as there is minimal contact between the child and the family.
Bullying remains one of the biggest concerns parents have when it comes to enrolling their child, no matter which type of school. International schools all over the country have adopted various zero-bullying policies and there are systems in place to handle any reports of bullying as swiftly and as effectively as possible.
Children are taught things such as how to handle conflict, identify bullying and build emotional resilience. Many international schools also have peer-buddy systems to ensure children feel safe and protected.
3. The impact on native languages
Another common misconception is that children who attend international school lose their connection with their mother tongue over time. This is undoubtedly a concern for non-native English-speaking families or expatriates from countries that do not speak English as the main language.
International schools in Malaysia do teach other languages such as Mandarin and Malay. In fact, Malaysian students who attend international schools are required to learn Malay up to their 12th year and foreign students can choose to study Malay as a second language.
International schools take pride in a diverse student body and understand the needs of creating global citizens and recognising different cultures. This is why some schools make it a point to offer a few foreign language options for students to choose from.
4. Difficulty changing curriculum and term
The first thing to note is that it is possible for a child to switch curriculums but there are a few considerations about timing.
For primary school students, a change in curriculum is no real issue. International schools understand that students come from many different countries and from different backgrounds. Schools also understand that due to the nature of the parents’ work, children may need to relocate with the family at any time during the school year.
As such, it is a process all international schools are experienced with and they usually have solid support plans to help the children cope better.
Time frame becomes a bigger factor at the secondary level. If your child is in the middle of the two-year IGCSE programme, it should not be interrupted or stopped halfway. This two-year programme consists of a series of rigorous examinations that should not be interrupted.
The same applies to a student studying their A-Levels, the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma, Australian HSC and any other university entrance qualification exams. But if students are not in the final years, switching between curriculums is manageable and should not be a cause for concern.
Schooladvisor.my provides information on private and international schools, extra-curricular activities as well as other education-related topics in Malaysia.