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Choosing the right school for your child can be a difficult decision at home, but when you are living and working overseas there seems to be much more to take into consideration in addition to all the normal 'choosing the right school' selection processes. With so many options and teaching styles available nowadays, how can a parent know what is th...

Deciding between local and international schools for your child is one of the most pressing dilemmas an expat parent can have. The logical choice may be to send your child to an international school, where the chances are they feel much more ‘at home’. But are there some benefits to local schools that an international school simply doesn’t have? Lets take a closer look.

 

What works for your situation

As we discussed previously in our post about choosing the best international school, the first point to consider is what works for your child. However, equally important is what works for your familial situation. If you have relocated to Singapore based on the expat package your company has offered, then perhaps an international school is included in that. If it is not or if your situation changes, then perhaps you are left with no alternative but to take a look at the local system. It goes without saying that international schools are hugely expensive and it may be out of your budget to send your child there.

What works for your child

There is a stigma in Singapore that the local system is extremely rigid and traditional and there is little to offer by means of Learning Support. Whilst this may differ from school to school, the general consensus is that international schools offer far more in terms of hands-on support. If your child has different learning needs or will require support in the future, it is best to try to get an expert opinion. This can be from fellow parents, medical professionals or from talking to the school directly. What they can offer you does not depend largely on whether the school is international or local, but what their resources are.

Age matters

The age of your child will also ensure that your decision is swayed one way or another. If your child is kindergarten or pre-school age, many parents agree that the expense to send them to an international school is simply not worth it. The learning system at this age is largely universal between international and local schools, and it may well be that your local kindergarten has much to offer. If your child is older and preparing for exams, then again, the individual schools you have in mind must be consulted. Many parents veer at this point from reconsidering the local system and investing their time and cash in an international school. This depends on the type of exam your child is studying for. If it is baccalaureate or iGCSE, then your choices may be more limited.

Availability

It is not easy for an expat parent to admit their child into the local system. Many parents have expressed concern over the fight they have had to ensure their child a place. However, it is not impossible. But be prepared to have to work long and hard to ensure a place. This may also depend on the school and the type of visa that you have. If you are a long-term resident, it should be slightly easier than if you are not. Of course, it goes without saying that the only restriction on entering international schools aside from availability, is money. Research your options well and take a look at waiting lists to see how long a child typically has to wait for. 

For anyone, learning a second language is not easy. For children, learning a language can be facilitated not only in school, but also at home. Being surrounded by native speakers and native culture helps immensely, but there are some tips and tricks to help the process along. Here are some helpful pointers to help your child pick up their second (or more) language.  

Organise a play date with a native speaker

This does not always have to mean joining a playgroup with local children, although that is certainly a good idea. Something as simple as introducing your child to colleagues who speak the lingo may start to prove useful. There may be meet-up groups in your area of other mothers who want to introduce their children to others and this is the perfect opportunity for your child to be exposed to the language. Try organising play dates if you know a child who speaks the language fluently. If the school or nursery offers classes after school hours, it might be a good idea to sign your child up for those. Most schools offer this kind of programme nowadays, particularly if there is a high concentration of expats in the community. Meetup.com is a great place to start, as well as checking local listings. If no group exists in your area, why not set one up yourself? It might be a great opportunity to meet other parents as well as practicing the language skills yourself!

 

Technology and your child

Technology is a gift when it comes to education, some may argue. Others may state differently but it certainly helps if it is difficult tracking down native speakers. There a million apps online nowadays to help your child, some more educational than others. Duolingo is popular with adults and kids alike, as it aims to make learning fun and bitesize. Using videos is always a good option, particularly if your child does not have access to their own phone or computer. YouTube alway has songs, dances and short lessons to help your child become accustomed to native speakers. As your child gets older, it may be worth investing in a programme such as Rosetta Stone . You could even try watching television together as a family in the other language to try and grasp the different intonations and sounds. Images work great with language learning, especially for children who are much likely to retain the color, shape and movement.
 

Team effort

It goes without saying that the more time you dedicate to your child’s language learning as a parent, the easier it will become. If you speak the local language well yourself, this will make you a great teacher and example to follow. If not, it can become a fun way to learn together. Playing games, such as Pictogram, is a great way to learn new vocabulary. Perhaps you can even try reading a book together, depending on the age of your child. As you grow more familiar with the language, going to the movies could be a great way of assimilating to both culture and language. Keep it simple however, otherwise you could all be at risk of getting frustrated!

 

Practice the language!

The key for language learning is to keep practicing. Depending on the age of your child, this could mean giving them greater responsibility in helping you shop for groceries, buying clothes or ordering in a restaurant. The more a child practices a language, the better equipped they will be at applying it in the real world. It is one thing to learn a language through study but quite another to speak outside the classroom. This way, your child can grow in confidence and fluency, whilst becoming more comfortable with their surroundings. A reward system is also worth considering as a way to compliment your child’s use of the language. If they do really well in class or speaking to a waiter, then treating your child may reinforce positive learning. Either way, plenty of praise is always appreciated when you are encouraging your child with something difficult. Patience is also key. We are all bound to make mistakes, so remember that learning a new language does not have to be perfect and it will take some time. Keep goals small and be prepared for plenty of frustration. With a bit of hard work and effort on all sides, your child will soon be able to speak freely in another language and that is really priceless.

How did you help your child learn a language? What other tips did you listen to? Comment below with your ideas!