Facilitator Insights: The Importance of International Schools in Shaping Well-Rounded Students

A school is a place where a child spends most of their time, right from their early childhood years. Schools shape a child’s personality, way of thinking, opinions, and behavior. Children who attend international schools are known to develop holistically, heightening their intellectual, social, physical, and creative potential.

Having served as a facilitator for 9+ years, here is my opinion on why International Schools play a vital role in the development of students.

Global Perspective:
One of the significant benefits of an international school is its global and multicultural environment. Members of the school’s employees and students come from different parts of the world, giving everyone a chance to learn about and become familiar with different nationalities and cultures. The global nature of an international school environment nurtures and instills students with qualities and abilities that help them develop into the best version of themselves. Such skills can include learning and understanding the differences in others, cooperating with peers and other members of the school who have different personalities and cultural beliefs, understanding their role and responsibility in making our world a better place, and more. Through this multicultural and international environment, students develop global mindsets and grow as global citizens, making them better equipped to adapt and function anywhere in the world.

Enhancement of Critical Thinking:
International Schools play a crucial role in developing critical thinking skills among students. We use critical thinking skills every day. They help us to make good decisions, understand the consequences of our actions, and solve problems. International Schools with a varied range of learning environments help to develop critical thinking skills among students. These incredibly important skills are used in everything from putting together puzzles to mapping out the best route to work. It’s the process of using focus and self-control to solve problems and set and follow through on goals. It utilizes other important life skills like making connections, perspective taking, and communicating.

Curriculum and Teaching Approaches:
International schools offer a range of curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and American Curriculum. These curricula focus on developing students’ critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. International schools also use a range of teaching approaches, including project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and collaborative learning. These approaches help students to develop a deep understanding of the subject matter and apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

Exposure to Diverse Culture:
One of the best reasons to choose a truly diverse international school is the wide range of cultures and languages that your child will be exposed to. No matter which country you’re from, your child can celebrate their rich, unique heritage while interacting with others from all over the world. This diversity in international schools makes it even more attractive for parents who want a global education for their children.

Academic Performance in Future Job Market:
The benefit of an internationally recognized curriculum and course material translates into students’ ability to express themselves, exercise their creativity and apply their critical thinking skills in a holistic and academically nurturing environment. Students gain soft skills like teamwork, collaboration, decision-making, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are not only a great asset to achieving success in post-secondary education but will make for a strong foundation they can build on to find a suitable career in the future.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision, and it can have a significant impact on their future. International schools offer a unique educational experience that prepares students for success in a globalized world. They provide a diverse and inclusive environment, a high-quality education, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your child’s needs and the overall development of the child.

Insights by: 

Prodipta Chakraborty 

Secondary English Facilitator