9 Things That Make International School Education Worth the Investment
Most foreign families in Singapore would agree that the country’s job opportunities, access to services, and public safety are all exceptional. However, one thing that Singapore isn’t is inexpensive. Outside of food, public transport, and consumer electronics, prices in Singapore are generally high, at least by global standards.
For foreign families, these high prices are particularly evident in the country’s expat housing market and the cost of private car ownership. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cost of international school education in the city-state may seem quite high compared to other educational options. When viewed in context, however, these Singapore international school fees represent immense value for money, and foreign parents who are pulling a sufficient income stream should jump at the chance to send their child to a Singapore-based international school. Let’s look at why you should send your child to an international school and keep them there until they graduate:
1. High-Quality Education
Not all international schools in Singapore follow the same curricula, but they all try to maintain high academic standards, regardless. Some educational institutions specifically promise high levels of academic rigor, including a handful that offer a selection of globally recognized systems such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Business Technology and Education Council (BTEC), and Advanced Placement (AP) programs and courses. Sending your child to the right program will undoubtedly open more doors to them, both intellectually and socially.
2. Qualified Faculty
International schools often invest a significant portion of tuition fees to ensure that they have access to highly qualified educators and administrators. In Singapore, these schools typically offer higher salaries compared to mainstream institutions and are, therefore, able to attract highly qualified educators from all over the world. Such investments in staffing are not at all typical below the college level in most mainstream school systems, even in developed countries. By enrolling your child into an international school, you can guarantee their access to talented educators early on.
3. Small Class Sizes
International schools often advertise their small class sizes for good reason. Decades of research show that smaller class sizes consistently produce better academic outcomes for students, since they allow teachers to provide additional support when needed. If you want your child to benefit from extra attention, international schools are probably your best option.
4. State-of-the-Art Facilities
Many international schools in Singapore boast modern facilities equipped with advanced learning technologies, laboratories, libraries, music halls, and sports amenities. These facilities are not always available in school systems with budget limitations, which can often lead to students not meeting their full potential. Enrolling your child in a school with these facilities will give them more opportunities for hands-on exploration, ultimately strengthening their learning.
5. Multicultural Environment
Due to the immense size and diversity of Singapore’s expat community, the country’s international schools tend to have a multicultural environment. This cultural richness can be a major benefit for young learners, as early exposure to different cultures is often associated with tolerance and openness to new experiences, both of which are necessary for robust intellectual development. A 2008 study published in American Psychologist even associates exposure to multicultural environments with creativity, which makes international schools well worth considering if your child shows promise in the arts.
6. Second Language Acquisition
Bilingual programs are also offered in many mainstream schools, but international schools often spend significantly more resources in ensuring students develop true multilingualism. In particular, schools that offer the IB Programme will heavily emphasize language learning as a core part of the curriculum. Given the world’s increasing diversity, having your child enroll in a school with a serious foreign language program should give them a serious edge, particularly later in life.
7. Focus on Global Citizenship
The education offered at mainstream schools is generally aligned with a country’s national goals. This doesn’t mean that a mainstream school will offer a lower-quality education. However, it does mean that much of the specific education content taught at mainstream schools may be unsuitable for foreign children who are likely to go to college and build careers elsewhere.
As the term implies, international schools prioritize the development of globally aware individuals. Some international schools in Singapore take this to another level by offering service-learning projects, community engagement, and experiential learning in locations outside of the country. Through the multicultural environments, curriculums, and international projects offered by these schools, your child can develop an empathetic, globally focused mindset that primes them for continued future success.
8. Preparation for Higher Education
Some Singapore-based international schools are recognized by the world’s leading colleges and universities, thanks to their consistency in producing academically gifted graduates. If you’re hoping for your child to enter a prestigious university, sending them to the right international school will give them both the tools and recognition they need to be accepted.
9. Networking Opportunities
International school connections are not just diverse but of very high quality as well. In the right school, your child can expect to come in direct contact with potentially hundreds of future high achievers. These bonds mat, one day, prove vital in helping your child pursue their academic and professional ambitions.
The Hidden Value of Singapore’s International Schools
These benefits are broadly true for international schools in any global city, but it’s worth remembering Singapore’s context. Decades of economic growth and investment have resulted in the country’s international community becoming home to some of the finest minds in tech, business, and even creative fields. Given the special nature of this community, the country’s international schools have had to compete especially hard to offer a good value proposition.
Despite the seemingly higher-than-usual fees, what your child gets in return can make international schools a bargain. The key, of course, is to do your research so that you can enter your child into a program that suits their unique talents and temperament. With the country’s diversity of options, doing your homework is a must for maximizing your investment.
Carelle
Carelle is a teacher who has been through the ups and downs of the teacher and learner life. She wishes for every learner to gain educational satisfaction that will help embody the people they want to be in the future.
