Schooling the Expatriate Child
September 1, 2003

Each year, thousands of expatriates relocate overseas for work assignments. Almost half of this population has children between the ages of 5 and 12. While relocating to a new city can be difficult for the transferee, it can be an even greater strain on the family if the children have difficulty adjusting.

One of the most important things affecting a child’s successful transition is his or her new school. A school search can be one of the most stressful parts of preparing children for overseas assignments. There are many factors to consider when choosing a school - such as language barriers, cultural differences and school curriculum. Choosing the right school for a child can assist him or her in a healthy transition, not only to a new school, but a new environment.

The Selection Process
In some English-speaking countries such as Australia, American and British expatriates tend to send their children to public schools, as they are highly regarded and offer the expatriate child a chance to interact with local children on a daily basis. However, in most other countries, unless the child speaks the local language, expatriates usually send their children to well-established international schools in the area. With most international schools having a foreign student population of over 50 percent or more, these schools are accustomed to transitioning children into a new cultural environment.

Almost all international schools stress that it is crucial to register children early. In fact, many suggest that a transferee contacts the school as soon as a relocation assignment has been confirmed. In some of the larger cities where there are many foreign workers, waiting to enroll the child in a school can result in being put on a long waiting list.
For expatriates whose companies provide a preview trip before the family arrives at a destination are encouraged to schedule a school search during this time. Those without an orientation package can have a relocation provider schedule the school search. International schools offer guided tours by faculty or current students and can provide an overview of the school, the type of curriculum they teach and a chance to meet the teachers and see the classrooms. Children should attend the school search if possible, so that they feel a part of the decision-making process. This can be most helpful when relocating to a larger city where there may be several choices for international schools.

Allow enough time for each school visit. Typically, two tours maximum will be a successful amount to cover in one day. School visits usually last a minimum of one hour, but ask each school beforehand how much time to set aside for a visit. It is helpful to allow a bit more time if siblings will be visiting the same school for consideration.

After each school visit wraps, parents should take time to go over everything with the child. Take notes on the positives and negatives of the school and any feedback noted. Having this done while the visit is fresh in the mind will eliminate any confusion of the schools toured. Most importantly, parents need to ensure the child is rested and not over-scheduled with school visits. While the purpose of this search is to interview the prospective school, the school can be doing some interviewing of their own.

An important factor in the school search process is determining the needs of the child. If the child has any learning or physical disabilities, it is crucial that these needs be brought to the attention of the school prior to enrollment. While many schools can offer programs that adapt to a child’s special needs, many do not and it is important for a family to know this before choosing the child’s school. Private international schools are not bound by other country’s discrimination laws, whether they are American international school or otherwise and can decline an application if they can’t or won’t meet the child’s needs.

Getting the Application in Order
When deciding on a school, parents need to have various forms and documents available in addition to the school’s general application form. Most schools require a copy of the following:

• Child’s report card for the last three years
• Copy of the child’s birth certificate
• A valid passport and/or visa for the child

In addition, some schools require student references, an exit letter from the child’s previous school or a doctor’s report and documentation proving that required vaccines have been administered. A child’s academic performance can be the deciding factor in many school’s admission processes. This is especially true when trying to enroll a child in the middle of the school year.

Most international schools offer an American or British curriculum, but there are some that teach based on the International Baccalaureate curriculum. Local language instruction is common in almost all international schools regardless of the type of curriculum offered.

Getting Acclimated
Once the child has been accepted, many schools make attempts to welcome him or her to the school and community prior to the child’s arrival. The American Community School in London tailors their orientation program to specifically suit an incoming child’s needs and encourages participation from the entire family. Activities include a summer picnic for all new and existing students and their families, peer counselors and a welcoming committee. The school’s Transition Assistance Network contacts families prior to their arrival in the U.K. The network offers families the opportunity to address any concerns or get answers to any questions about the school or culture.

Because most international schools have a high student turnover, due to a high percentage of expatriate families on assignment, there are many opportunities for a child to make friends with other newly arrived students.

The Dallas International School, which follows a French curriculum, schedules an orientation session two days before the start of school and offers tutoring after school and during study halls. They also offer a Summer Language Program for six weeks where children can spend half or whole days learning French or Spanish. At the Hong Kong International School, students through the Fifth Grade learn Mandarin and all grades participate in an Asian and Chinese Studies class.

When School is in Session
Parents should remain active in their child’s progress in school. Parents used to an American curriculum may have a hard time adjusting to how an international or British curriculum tracks a student’s performance. They should not be afraid to keep in regular contact with their child’s teacher or the school administrator. Many schools offer parent- teacher organizations where parents are involved in the planning of many school activities. At the Dallas International School, parents also get involved with the Newcomers Committee, which is responsible for welcoming all new students and their families to the area. By keeping active in the school community, parents can better support their children through the transition period as well as meet other international parents. Some of these parents will be fellow newcomers with similar concerns and interests.

Moving On
One of biggest reasons expatriates give for failed work assignments is an unsuccessful repatriation. This holds true for children returning to their homes or to another country for their parent’s next assignment. Since international schools are accustomed to high turnover for students, they can better prepare the child for his or her next location.

Some international schools offer ‘moving on’ or repatriation seminars for students and their families to inform them of what to expect in their next destination or when returning home. Other schools report that teachers have also integrated a departing child’s next destination into their course work. At the Hong Kong International School, they organize “good-bye groups” and develop closure activities with classes, groups and individuals.

Additional Resources
Thanks to advanced technology, almost all international schools have websites. Here parents and their children can find photos of the school, admissions policies, academic programs and other useful information about the school. Some schools websites also include links to obtain local information on the area.

A relocations provider can also offer assistance by providing school searches and material designed to prepare kids for a new destination. Companies who have an international presence often have expatriate employees who have children attending international schools. Relocation provider, Crown Relocations, offers country-specific kid’s guides designed and written by students from international schools in the region. These types of materials let children know that they are not alone and there are many children living abroad who can relate to how they are feeling.

Another resource for parents is the International Education Guide available on the Expat Exchange (www.expatexchange.com). This valuable online tool offers school descriptions, articles and advice as well as reviews of schools by parents.

The best advice from all schools is for parents and companies to plan ahead. Taking the time to research the different schools in the new area and finding out as much information as possible will make it easier for parents to decide what school fits their child’s needs.

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