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Educational Options for Expat Kids

May 30th, 2014 by Jason Hartman | Comments Off on Educational Options for Expat Kids

JS0512Gone are the days of travel ending when a couple chooses to have children. Now, children enhance and enjoy travel, and more and more families are embarking on family-wide vacations or enjoying expatriatism as a family group.

For children, this experience can be enriching and educational—but more education is required. For expat children, the school experience is bound to be a bit different.

Jason Hartman’s team is here to provide you with a few options to educate yourself—and your children!

International Schools

International schools are well equipped to deal with the particular challenges that expat children might face. They’re great for big adjustments, be they cultural or academic.

At an international school, you’ll find languages classes that focus on the local speech, extracurricular activities, and teachers trained to help children assimilate into academics and a changing environment. International schools are great for families who move around a lot and for those who will remain expats for an extended amount of time. Because they’re intercultural, they’re great for introducing children to this type of lifestyle.

International Diplomas and Curriculum

Many international schools offer centralized diplomas and curriculum so that students who move around a lot are not at a disadvantage. The school system remains the same so that students aren’t left behind when they change locations.

The International Baccalaureate is one such example, offered at over 300 schools across 140 countries. Expat children pass exams in six subjects, including an essay component. Upon passing, students receive a diploma that is accepted at universities around the world.

Some international schools offer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (the British equivalent) and are required to take a series of tests. The certificate prepares students for secondary education, but additional qualifications are usually necessary.

Home School

Many parents choose to homeschool their children because it can be done anywhere and keeps children steadily educated without the hassle of transition. This way, parents don’t have to rely on the availability of schools in rural areas. They create their own schedule and curriculum.

Home schooled children can have a more difficult time finding friends, especially if they’re traveling. It’s also difficult to develop a good, well rounded curriculum that will prepare children for college or the workforce.

Jason Hartman has learned an invaluable amount from traveling and believes in an education outside the classroom. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to get it!

(photo credit: toshisyung via photopin cc)

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