In 2020 there were as many as 287 international schools with over 107,000 students, according to research conducted by International Consultancy Group (ISC), a UK based company studying the global international school industry for more than 25 years.
In fact, the number of students had doubled from 45,000 in 2014 to over 90,000 by 2020 indicating a significant growth trend – and the rise is tipped to continue in the years to come.
So, why do parents choose international schools? Many say that quality education and potential university pathways are the main deciding factors. However, there are several other advantages to international schooling as well.
Learning together: Emphasis on parent-school partnerships
Understanding that learning is an ongoing process, international schools recognise the need for strong collaboration with parents to ensure that students reach their full potential.
Apart from the usual parent-teacher meetings, parents also become involved as volunteer tutors, field trip supervisors or help to organise school plays and performances.
Such involvement fosters a supportive learning environment where students feel valued and encouraged when they see their parents taking an active interest and participating in their school life.
Seeing beyond: Fostering values of global importance
International schools take great pride in producing global citizens. Students are introduced to topics such as ethics, diversity, global issues and sustainability. They are also encouraged to develop good communication, service and leadership skills.
Apart from these, international schools help students to gain a broader perspective of daily issues, teaching them to have a deep connection with the larger world as well as their local communities. By doing so, children learn to strive towards making the world a better and more equitable place for everyone.
International schools often introduce new teaching tools and materials to make curriculums more interesting to students.
Project-based learning through songs, stories and role play are just some methods used to cover topics such as diversity in culture, sociology and language. These exercises allow students to put themselves in another’s shoes – lessons crucial for productive social interaction.
Affordable options: Through novel financial structures and fund allocation
The not-for-profit international schools, offering an enhanced educational experience, are also a big attraction.
Their unique financial and corporate structure enables such schools to reinvest a larger proportion of their revenue into the school. Some even take the extra step of having parents of students and community members form their board of directors.
The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) for instance, reinvests its profits on support services, engaging highly skilled and experienced teachers, as well as maintaining and upgrading school facilities. This has proven to facilitate efficient learning and has had a positive impact on students’ academic development.
Future promise: More benefits and better opportunities
The primary objective of all international schools, however, is to ensure that their students have access to world class education and a wider range of opportunities to maximise their potential.
Armed with an enriched academic experience, knowledge and skills, students of international schools are ensured a smoother transition into tertiary study and the workforce.
Considering the myriad benefits of studying at international schools, and the advantages such an education offers, their popularity in Malaysia is likely to continue well into the future.
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