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5 reasons to enrol your kids in an international school

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From exposure to diverse cultures to more focused learning programmes, parents should definitely consider international schools as an alternative to safeguard their children’s future.

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Free Malaysia Today
An international school education can make all the difference to your child’s future careers. (Freepik pic)

When the restriction on local students’ entry into international schools was repealed in 2012, the increase in demand for high-quality, internationally-recognised curriculum and programmes skyrocketed.

This led to more international schools opening their doors to help students and parents obtain wider opportunities through an improved education system.

The Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 has stated that 18% of Malaysian students were enrolled in international schools in 2011, and these numbers have increased over the years.

Here are the charms of enrolling your kids at an international school:

International curriculum

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International school students have more autonomy in selecting their subjects which allows them to better prepare for their future careers. (Rawpixel pic)

There is an abundance of curriculums and programmes taught in international schools, and these are flexible when it comes to preparing students for their future careers.

Students can ensure that the subjects they are taking are fit for their tertiary education and intended careers as these subjects are specialised and focused. At the same time, this allows students to take part in other classes and activities that interest them.

According to IGB International School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme coordinator, Magnus Drechsler, students can choose an academically-rigorous route or a career-oriented pathway with their IB programme.

As for IGCSE, Sayfol International School Kuala Lumpur suggests its students sit for a maximum of 10 subjects, inclusive of compulsory subjects.

Some curriculums available in Malaysia include American (International School of Kuala Lumpur), British (Sayfol International School), and IB programmes (IGB International School).

English as a medium of instruction

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Having the ability to speak in more than one language can bring health and career benefits to your child. (Rawpixel pic)

International schools predominantly teach in English, especially those that adopt American, British and Canadian programmes. This is why many international school students are fluent and confident when communicating in English.

What’s more, international school students are urged to pick up a second and third language, which encourages them to become polyglots from a young age.

Languages such as Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin are offered as a second language to maintain students’ ability to speak local languages. In fact, languages such as French and Hindi are offered at Global Indian International School, Kuala Lumpur, and Sayfol International School.

Having the ability to speak in more than one language can bring health and career benefits for students in the future. Not only will learning a language improve their memory, it also opens doors to opportunities beyond our shores as well.

Unity in diversity

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International schools allow your child to gain exposure to different cultures. (Unspalsh pic)

International schools are made up of students and teachers from all over the world, including Indonesia, China, South Korea, and even the UK and US.

In order to foster a spirit of global citizenship, international schools are proud to celebrate each others’ differences and often conduct activities such as researching and celebrating festivities.

Your children will automatically gain exposure to other cultures and become global citizens at an early stage of their life.

This will help them when they eventually choose to study abroad at a university, as they will not be lost like fish out of water – in fact, they will fit right in with their peers.

Holistic education

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Students are guaranteed a better holistic education both inside and outside international school classrooms. (Rawpixel pic)

National schools in Malaysia tend to emphasise rote learning and scoring high marks in examinations. That is not the case for international schools.

At international schools, students are allowed to explore their lessons through hands-on and experiential learning, which helps strengthen their abilities academically, mentally, and socially.

These activities enable students to think outside the box and pick up valuable life skills along the way.

International schools ensure students’ have a lower teacher-to-student ratio. This ensures maximised engagement as students will benefit from their teacher’s full attention while in class.

Growth opportunities

As international schools inspire students to make a difference within their communities, students can explore their interests and foster altruistic traits.

Students can manage their time to cultivate leadership skills and sportsmanship skills by getting involved in extracurricular activities. This allows students to be organised, confident, and take challenges head-on.

What’s more, students are assessed on their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, which trains them to make quick decisions, thereby molding them into effective leaders.

With the boundless opportunities available at international schools, more Malaysian parents are opting to send their children there.

True, international schools are often expensive but an all-rounded, high-quality learning experience can only be experienced once.

SchoolAdvisor.my provides information on private and international schools, extra-curricular activities as well as other education-related topics in Malaysia.

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