Affordable local schools can be the best option for long-stay expat families

Relocating overseas with your family is stressful at best as there’s so much to take into account to make the move an all-round success.

One of the most important decisions concerns your children’s education, with the choice between local and international schools involving more issues than just cost. Parents want to make sure their offspring don’t experience disruption in their education, causing many to opt for an international school in spite of the high fees and extra charges, as the international curriculum provided ensures a smooth transition.

However, an increasing number of relocating parents with long-term jobs are choosing local schools for several important reasons, the first being the language fluency gained by immersion in the local culture and way of life found in local schools. Younger children are strong on curiosity and often don’t have problems settling in an unfamiliar environment as they find the entire experience fascinating as well as enjoyable. At the same time, their parents are free of the financial stress caused by attempting to afford the ever–increasing fees of international schools. It should also be remembered that many local schools offer a good standard of education.

Another plus-point for local schooling is that admission to the upper levels of education will be easier for expat children educated locally than for those coming straight from international schools, simply because they’re already familiarised with the country’s educational system. Expats planning to stay long-term overseas should also consider that local friends made during schooling will become long-term, whilst expat kids in international schools are often only there for the short-term until their parents get promotion to another overseas office.

As regards selecting a local school offering quality education, if you’re heading to countries such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the Netherlands, Poland, Ireland, Canada or Finland, you’ll find education in local schools is ranked as being the best in the world. A little research on local expat forums will help locate a suitable school, allowing you to select a property in the vicinity, and coinciding your move with the beginning of a new academic year or semester will mean your kids aren’t the only newcomers in class.