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Compare schools >A Look Inside How International Schools Provide A Full Spectrum Education
International schools offer a unique opportunity for students to receive an education that goes beyond the scope of traditional schooling.
With a global focus on education and learning, international schools provide an experience that prepares students for success in the 21st century.
International schools provide a full spectrum of education beyond traditional academic and extracurricular offerings. From language courses to cultural activities, international schools provide students with a curriculum designed to foster a sense of global citizenship and understanding.
With a focus on global studies and international exchange, international schools provide students with the opportunity to develop a well-rounded understanding of the world and its people.
Read on to find out how international schools provide a diverse learning environment that encourages students to become innovative, creative, and independent thinkers prepared for success in an ever-changing world.
What is an International School?
An international school is a place of education where students are instructed primarily in languages other than the host country’s language and in a curriculum that focuses on global issues and international understanding.
International schools are generally established for the children of people employed by international organizations. Still, a growing number of international schools admit children from all walks of life who are interested in global education.
International schools may also refer to an American school based in a country other than the United States that offers an American-style education to local and international students. These schools are accredited by one of the American regional accreditation bodies.
International schools are also sometimes known as:
1. International schools
2. Expatriate schools
3. Overseas schools, or,
4. Foreign schools.
What is a Full Spectrum Education?
A full spectrum education goes beyond typical academic subjects to include other areas of learning essential to a well-rounded education.
Full spectrum education often includes subjects such as:
1. The arts
2. Civics
3. Language
4. Wellness
5. Career and financial literacy.
Full spectrum education is not a type of school or curriculum. Instead, it is an approach to complete education that recognises the interrelatedness of all subjects. It seeks to engage students in their own learning process by connecting academic content with their own interests and life experiences.
Language Courses
Learning another language is integral to the full spectrum of education and is a core part of the curriculum at most international schools.
While some schools provide courses in multiple languages, others focus on one language in particular. Many schools provide language courses on a variety of levels, so students of all ages and proficiency levels can participate.
Language courses at international schools often focus on teaching conversational skills and providing students with the opportunity to engage with their peers and local communities.
1. Mandarin Chinese
2. Spanish
3. French
4. Arabic
As well as language-focused curricula such as the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
Cultural Activities
Cultural activities are an essential part of a full spectrum of education and are often a core part of an international school’s curriculum.
These activities range from visits to museums and cultural sites to hosting cultural events on school campuses.
Additionally, many international schools host an immersion experience for students that allows them to live with a host family in a different country for a period of weeks or months.
These opportunities are often available for middle and upper school students and provide students with a unique opportunity to explore a new culture and language while getting a taste of life as a local.
Global Studies and International Exchange
Beyond cultural activities, international schools often provide students with access to global studies courses that focus on a huge range of topics, including politics, economics, and history.
Some schools also allow students to participate in international exchange programs that will enable students to travel and study abroad during the school year.
These programs allow students to travel with a group of peers to a destination based on their proficiency level in a foreign language.
For example, students who are just learning a foreign language can travel to a destination where English is the primary language. In contrast, more proficient students can travel to destinations where their language is spoken.
Benefits of an International School Education
International schools provide students with a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective and develop a well-rounded education focusing on international affairs and transnational issues.
With a focus on global studies, international schools provide students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics and subjects, including:
1. Economics
2. History
3. Cultural studies
Students who attend an international school receive a comprehensive education that provides them with the skills and competencies they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Students attending an international school can develop a unique set of skills essential to our changing and complex world.
Innovative, Creative, and Independent Thinking
International schools encourage students to think outside the box and be innovative in their decision-making. With a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving, international schools provide students with the tools to think critically about various topics and issues.
Additionally, international schools encourage students to be creative and express themselves through the arts. Through instruction in the arts, international schools provide students with the opportunity to explore creativity and hone their artistic skills.
In addition, students who attend international schools are encouraged to develop an independent mindset and self-reliance that allows them to navigate their lives and seek solutions to problems on their own terms.
Conclusion
International schools provide a unique opportunity for students to receive an education that goes beyond the scope of traditional schooling.
With a global focus on education and learning, international schools provide an experience that prepares students for success in the 21st century.
International schools provide a full spectrum of education that goes beyond the traditional academic and extracurricular offerings.
From language courses to cultural activities, international schools provide students with a curriculum that is designed to foster a sense of global citizenship and understanding.
With a focus on global studies and international exchange, international schools provide students with the opportunity to develop a well-rounded understanding of the world and its people.