ᐅ INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS: guide to choose wisely.

Choosing an International School: Everything You Need to Know

Are you interested in an international school and don't know which one to choose? Open, multicultural, and bilingual education that an international school offers has many benefits for students. Do you want to know the advantages of studying in an international school and whether it is really worth it? We will answer all your questions in our practical guide, providing everything you need to know before choosing an international school.

What is an International School?

When saying international school, we do not mean a school with branches in several countries. Rather, it is a school with an international education system. It is also a school with a global approach, which transcends purely academic matters.

In general terms, here are some of the most common qualities of an international school:

Global perspective
Bilingualism
Multiculturalism
Innovative and cutting-edge education system
Access to the best universities in the world

Taking your children to an international school will open the door to excellent academic and human development at all levels.

The Difference Between an International School and a Bilingual School

As mentioned, an international school goes beyond bilingualism, even if it includes said element. What is commonly referred to as an international school offers the opportunity to learn more than one language at a native level, along with other advantages.

Many parents do not want to limit children's education to the academic side. If they want a student to develop at all levels, an international school is a great option. Not only do they include subjects in English and other languages, but also work on general human skills.

For example, if you want your child to study mathematics and linguistics, as well as learn to perform in sports, art, and at an interpersonal level, an international school sees the student as a whole, understanding that their future success will depend on education at all levels.

Benefits of Studying in an International School

International education offers a number of benefits. Here are some worth highlighting:

Bilingualism

Firstly, the school is bilingual, which means that the second language is used in studies and students’ day-to-day routine, with some subjects taught in Spanish. The use of two languages as native languages helps the neuroplasticity of students from their earliest age.

It also favours their ability to adapt and other cognitive benefits. Lastly, and as a fundamental point, it is a way to ensure mastering an international language in order to have more academic and professional options in their adult life.

Global Perspective

Students at an international school broaden their horizons beyond their city and country. The whole curriculum, teachers, peers, and the overall educational experience integrates a broad world view in all aspects and stages of development.

Thanks to this, students have the opportunity to grow up in a diverse and cosmopolitan environment, which allows them to develop curiosity, which pushes their learning further. Additionally, having an open perspective will enable them to adapt easily and be flexible in the future in a changing, international world.

International Community

In an international school, there are students from all over the world. Therefore, if your child studies in this type of school, he or she will have classmates from different countries. This provides a great cultural, ideological, and human richness for their development.

Values such as tolerance and companionship can be fostered more easily in an international school, as it is a place where students and teachers mix different countries, languages, races, and ways of seeing life.

Language diversity is one of the most important aspects, especially in encouraging English language development. Having students from many different places makes it possible to learn English with different accents and variants of English, from British to American, and other ways of pronouncing and speaking this international language.

Qualified Teachers with Access to Innovative Methodologies

Teachers at international schools are highly qualified and are selected for their first-class knowledge and skills. Moreover, they receive continuous training in teaching methods and practices. As a result, students have the advantage of being able to benefit from the most innovative teaching techniques

International Opportunities

Students at an international school have the advantage of having access to more opportunities, during as well as after their academic years. For example, exchanges with schools in other countries allow them to continue their academic schedule while broadening their horizons and improving their language skills by spending time away from home.

Studying at an international school allows you to dream big, to be able to fulfil your dream of studying abroad (England, the United States, France, etc.). It will be something you can achieve after having studied in the International Baccalaureate (IB) methodology. An international education is an education without limits, where a wide range of opportunities will open along the way.

Additionally, university entrance exams are internationally recognised. Thus, students open many doors for their professional future. Being able to apply for qualified jobs at an international level thanks to the level of studies and native English can be a fundamental legacy for your child's future.

Great Prestige

Lastly, an added advantage of taking children to an international school is that they are highly prestigious schools. International recognition of quality is a guarantee of peace of mind for parents.

Families who do not settle for less and who want excellence understand that a first-class all-round education for their children is a priority.

What to Look For When Choosing an International School

There can often be questions about what to consider when selecting a good international school for your children. To do so, the school's international curriculum, as well as its positions in top rankings, should be taken into account.

On the other hand, we must keep in mind that education includes every aspect vital to child’s complete development at every stage of their as a student.

Here are some aspects that may vary from one international school to another:

Educational systems and methodologies.
School values and culture.
Facilities and extracurricular activities.
Other services: pedagogical counselling, university counselling, psychological support, etc.

Keeping these points in mind can help you favour one more than another when choosing a top international school for your child.

What Language Will My Child Speak in an International School?

Most international schools naturally and seamlessly integrate the use of both official languages of the school. For example, if it is an international school in Spain with English, your child will be able to practise using both languages in and out of the classroom.

Boarding International School: Pros and Cons

Some international schools include accommodation for students to live in the boarding school during the educational process.

International students who also live at the school have some advantages that should be appreciated. Firstly, they have a comprehensive international experience, which goes beyond school hours. They have access to extracurricular activities, weekends, and much more.

As parents, it is worth bearing in mind that an international boarding school encourages autonomy and responsibility in children from an early age. They learn to be organised, independent, and to carry out many tasks effectively and confidently, beyond the academic aspect. In addition, their cultural and linguistic immersion is much greater than only in school hours.

Advantages of Choosing an International School in Costa del Sol

If you are looking for an international school near Málaga, Marbella, or Estepona, you have an excellent option for your child's all-round education. Whether you live close to the Costa del Sol or have decided to send your child to boarding school, in Sotogrande you will find an international school of great prestige and quality.

Choosing an international school in Costa del Sol like the Sotogrande International School offers many advantages of its privileged location. Students will be able to enjoy the perfect climate for outdoor activities, including sport and breaks in natural surroundings. Likewise, the area has a high level of security, so parents will be assured while their children develop and grow in a unique environment.

Why the Sotogrande International School is the Best Option

Choosing Sotogrande International School means choosing first class quality. It is one of the best schools in Spain, as well as in Europe.

As an international school, its doors are open from the ages of 4 months, offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate system from 3 to 18 years of age. The objective is to prepare students from the earliest stages of their education to achieve exceptional academic results.

The school located in Costa del Sol has first class facilities, allowing students to take advantage of a beautiful natural environment, with a perfect climate for maximum use throughout the year.

Sotogrande International School also has the best academic, sporting, and outdoor learning facilities, as well as residential facilities, being one of the best boarding schools in Costa del Sol. If your son or daughter wishes to pursue a specific sporting career, the school also has programmes for elite athletes.

Who Can Attend an International School?

You may not be sure if your son or daughter can attend an international school. In reality, these schools are open to all kinds of people; however, you should bear in mind that they strive for excellence, and this implies a commitment from the parents and students to have the academic, linguistic, cultural, and human resources to be able to attend an international school.

Steps to Register in an International School

If you are inclining towards such a school for your child, be aware of how the whole process works. Also, you may be unclear about the age at which your child can start studying at an international school. We will discuss this in more detail below.

There are usually a number of steps to follow when applying for an international school. First of all, it is important to visit the school and its facilities, get a sense of the atmosphere and the teachers first hand. This will help you to make a well-informed decision, keeping in mind that this is an important step in your child's life.

It’s important to remember the importance of access from the earliest years; such a decision should not be delayed. An international and bilingual education from the earliest stages is key to developing maximum ease and fluency in a foreign language, and to be able to take advantage of the educational methodology. Likewise, parents may be left without a spot for their children because they put off the decision, which is why it is worth considering while the child is young.

It is common for language and other academic tests to be taken when entering international schools. This is especially the case when the student enters the school at an older age, in order to be able to adapt to the educational plan, the language, and every other aspect.

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