When choosing the right educational environment for your child, the decision between an international school or a local school is crucial. Understanding the unique services and benefits of each school will help you make an informed decision. Here we look at the differences between international schools and how they differ from regular schools.
Definitions of International Schools and Local Schools
An international school is an educational institution that offers a curriculum tailored to students from all over the world. This curriculum is often based on internationally recognized standards such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International Examinations, or the American curriculum. International schools focus on providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for global opportunities.
In contrast, local schools, also known as national or public schools, are educational institutions that follow curriculum prescribed by a country’s education system. These curriculum are tailored to the educational standards and cultural context of each country.
While local schools offer a strong educational foundation, they cannot always integrate the international perspectives and experiences that international schools offer.
The Difference Between International Schools and Local Schools
The differences between international and local schools can be broadly categorized into curriculum, teaching approach, cultural diversity, and extracurricular activities. Here are the explanations:
1. Curriculum
Curriculum International schools provide curricula that are acknowledged and accepted by colleges all over the world. This frequently includes bilingual or multilingual education, which can provide kids a significant edge in a globalized environment. Local schools, on the other hand, use a native curriculum that does not always correspond to international norms.
2. Teaching Approach
International schools frequently use a student-centered approach that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Teachers at these schools are typically internationally qualified and offer a wide range of teaching methods to the classroom. Local schools may employ more traditional teaching methods, with a focus on rote learning and memorization.
3. Cultural Diversity
One of the distinctive features of international schools is their diversified student body.International schools bring together students from many cultural origins, resulting in a fusion of ideas, traditions, and viewpoints.
This diversity fosters a global attitude and helps students prosper in an interconnected world. Local schools, on the other hand, typically have a more diverse student population that reflects the local culture and community.
4. Extracurricular Activities
International schools place a high value on extracurricular activities that enable students to pursue their interests and talents. These activities frequently involve international competitions, exchange programs, and collaborations with foreign schools. Local schools may also provide extracurricular activities, although not at the same degree of international experience.
Is International School Better Than Local Schools?
Whether an international school is better than a local school is a complex question that depends on many factors, including the needs and goals of the students, the quality of the school, and the context in which it is being evaluated.
Reasons why choosing an international school may be considered superior include a global curriculum, exposure to global perspectives, language skills, and modern facilities and resources.
Global International School in Indonesia
Global international schools are educational institutions that not only offer an international curriculum but also embody a global ethos in their operations and culture. The aim of such schools is to develop global citizens equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
SMA Dwiwarna (Boarding School) is one of the international standard schools in Indonesia. The school uses the Merdeka curriculum. The international standard of SMA Dwiwarna (Boarding School) can be seen from the international cooperation they have with many international educational institutions as well as the learning of English, German, and Japanese.
Some of these collaborations are:
- Homestay at Morioka Chuo High School, Japan
- Homestay at Huntingtower School, Australia
- Scholarship program between Dwiwarna High School (Boarding School) and the University of Hyogo, Japan
- Teacher and student exchange program between SMA Dwiwarna (Boarding School) and Anabuki College Group, Japan 4
- Japanese language test preparation (Japan Language Proficiency Test, JLPT)
- German exam preparation (Goethe Zertifikat A1, A2, B1, B2)
Overall, the distinctions between foreign schools and domestic ones can be substantial factors that can greatly influence a student’s schooling. International schools like SMA Dwiwarna (boarding school) offer a unique combination of academic adversity, cultural diversity and a global perspective, making them an excellent choice for families looking for a well-rounded, future-focused education for their children.
