° What are the different educational systems followed by international schools in Thailand?
° How is educational quality assured ° What other services do international schools provide students and their families?
° I want my child to be involved in sports and activities. What does an international school offer?
° What is an international school?
° Why study at an international school in Thailand?
° What is the application process to an international school?
° My child cannot speak English fluently. How will that affect his/her admission to an international school? What are the different educational systems followed by international school in Thailand?
Broadly speaking, international schools are classified into three educational systems in Thailand: American, British and international. Although, the American and the British systems predominate, other national systems are represented e.g. Swiss, Japanese, French and German. Courses offered by international schools lead to internationally recognized qualifications such as the International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE), the International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and the General Certificate of Education at Advanced level (GCE”A”Level). These are academically rigorous courses, which enable students who have satisfactorily met the examination requirements to be admitted to universities or other institutions of higher learning either in Thailand or overseas. Back To Top How is educational quality assured?
The Ministry of Education requires that all international schools are externally accredited to ensure that they meet recognized standards and follow agreed procedures. Accrediting organizations include the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). As an interim measure, the Ministry allows accreditation through the Office of the Private Education Commission’s Standards of Quality Assurance Procedure. Back To Top What other services do international schools provide students and their families?
Some international schools offer programs for students with mild to moderate learning difficulties. Counseling and behavior modification programs are offered at some schools for students with mild to moderate emotional and behavioral difficulties.
School which have secondary school programs also provide advice or counseling to students who are preparing for college and university. Back To Top I want my child to be involved in sports and activities. What does an international school offer?
Many international schools make physical education a required subject. In addition, some schools provide after-school sports programs for both boys and girls that give students opportunities to play against teams from other schools, both local and international. Some schools also offer special-interest activities such as dance, chess, stamp-collecting, and public speaking. Community service,programs teach students social responsibility, empathy, and compassion. Back To Top What is an international school?
Two things distinguish an international school from local schools. First, an international school follows a curriculum from a system of education in another country. Second, the language of instruction is usually English. “Diverse” is the word that best describes international schools in Thailand. Teachers and students in an international school represent many nationalities and educational backgrounds. Over recent years, international schools have grown in number in Thailand and the students attending these schools vary widely in terms of interest and ability. International schools now educate students from pre-school through to the tertiary level and prepare them for entrance to further education either in Thailand or abroad. School size varies considerably, from large (2000+ students) to small (less than 100). International schools are located in all regions of Thailand, from Chiang Mai to Phuket offering both day and boarding programs. Back To Top Why study at an international school in Thailand?
An international school in Thailand is an ideal place to study. Firstly, Bangkok is a regional hub for air travel to other countries in Asia, Europe, and the United States and within the city there is a network of urban expressways, trains and buses. Secondly, the latest communication technology, computers and the Internet are easily available. Thirdly, Thailand’s tropical climate ensures good weather all year round and provides a perfect environment for a variety of outdoor sports and athletic activities such as sailing, swimming, hiking and diving. Fourthly, Thailand has unspoiled rainforests, beaches, islands and national parks, thus making environmental studies a hands-on learning experience. Finally, Thailand has many places of cultural and historical interest. Together, these reasons make studying at an international school in Thailand very appealing. Back To Top What is the application process to an international school?
International schools usually require applicants to complete an application form and provide academic records and letters of recommendation, so families should be sure to request reports or transcripts from previous schools attended and letters from former teachers or principals. Most schools also require applicants to take a placement test and to be interviewed. Schools generally charge a fee for the admission process. Back To Top My child does not speak English fluently.
How will that affect his/her admission to an international school?
Testing at admission will determine the most suitable placement for your child. International schools have different approaches to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). These approaches range from separate classes for ESL teaching to mainstreaming. In mainstreaming, the child is placed in a grade level classroom and receives language assistance either in or outside of class; sometimes both. Back To Top
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