According to the International School Consultancy, there are now about 8,000 international schools scattered across 141 countries worldwide. Thailand alone offers over 172 international schools, with about half of them following England’s national curriculum. Needless to say, if you’re looking to enroll in a British International School in Bangkok, Thailand you’ve got a lot of options to consider.
Unfortunately, it’s fairly easy for any school to say that they’re the best in the region, if not in the country. They will always design their websites and brochures in such a way that it may seem impossible to say no. Ergo, to help narrow down your choices, here are the top three (3) things you should consider when applying for an international school.
Curriculum & Co-Curricular Activities
One of the first things to look at when considering an international school is their current curriculum and the co-curricular activities they offer. If their course list isn’t as extensive as you’d like it to be or their standardized testing system isn’t as updated compared to others, you may want to rethink your application. For instance, the IB Program is now seen as the educational gold-standard for international schools both in the private and public sector. Therefore, it may prove to be more conducive to your education if you attend a school that utilizes this program.
The mark of a good international school is progress and growth. The standards and methods of education change and evolve over time, and it is a university’s job to match accordingly. While many value tradition, outdated teaching techniques, and information could have severe repercussions on your overall educational formation.
Rate Of Turnover
It would also do you well to check out the university’s turnover rate for faculty and staff. Given the international setting, it’s not unusual for teachers to stay for just one or two years before giving in to their wanderlust or seeking new places of employment. However, a relatively low turnover rate speaks volumes of how well the university treats their staff. Any employee, when given competitive compensation packages and a safe, comfortable, and generally enjoyable workplace will choose to stay with an institution far longer than average.
On the other hand, a high turnover rate may be indicative of how the university compensates their staff. If a British International School in Bangkok, Thailand has a stable administration, it follows that the school is stable in almost every area as well. But a school that has a new principal and board of directors every two years is in flux, and ergo may not be the best environment for you to learn in.
Assurance Through Accreditation
Be wary of schools that are either not accredited or have an outdated accreditation rating. You want to make sure that the school you’re attending has articulated specific standards of general management and education—otherwise, you’re just wasting your money.
A good accreditation rating assures you that the international school you’re considering has high standards of growth, progression, and learning. It also means that the campus has higher-than-average standards of security, safety, and study space. If you’re aiming for the gold standard, the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) are both examples of well-known and highly professional accreditation organizations.
Many school websites will have their accreditation information listed either on the landing page or the ‘About’ section. If you can’t find it, try calling them or checking their FAQ section.