What all do international schools offer?

International schools are sprouting up in all the metropolitans and Tier-II cities are not far behind either, as families with growing incomes seek to give their kids an edge. In Mumbai alone, there are over 50 International schools, from the well known Dhirubhai Ambani International School to the more ubiquitous-sounding Universal High. Though they may vary in name, recognition and prestige, all International schools must meet certain guidelines and criteria. An international curriculum is a must, such as that of the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge International Examinations. At a conference in Italy in 2009 the International Association of School Librarianship came up with official criteria for describing an International school. They are:

•  Transferability of the student’s education across international schools

This one is straightforward enough – if a student moves in the middle of his or her education, he or she will be able to continue it in any other international school. This is especially important because students in International schools usually move around the globe, due to their parents’ professions.

• A moving population (higher than in state schools or public schools).

An International school accommodates for parents who need to travel a lot in their jobs. Many students transfer in and out of International schools after a few years, or even mid-year.

• Multinational and multilingual student body

Though local students do sometimes attend International schools, most of the student body will be from out of the country. As a result International schools have a high degree of tolerance towards all ethnicities, and expose students to a variety of cultures and languages.

• An international curriculum ( e.g. IB – DP, MYP, PYP)

The IB curriculum can culminate in a diploma (DP), a Middle Years Program (MYP) or a Primary Years Program (PYP), depending on the grade level of the student. In India, the most popular curriculum followed by International schools is the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

• International accreditation (e.g. CIS, IBO, North Eastern ASC, Weston Assc. of Schools and colleges were mentioned by the group)

This is to ensure that the institution meets international standards, and is officially recognized by one of the above educational bodies. Many schools in India might add a moniker claiming their institution as “international,” so make certain it is accredited before enrolling your child.

• A transient and multinational teacher population

Like the student body, an International school will also have teachers and staff from around the globe.

• Non-selective student enrollment

International schools do base admissions on any academic criteria or otherwise; in other words, they accept all students.

• Usually English or bilingual as the language of instruction.

English is the medium of teaching, and there are usually two to three elective languages that a student can choose to take in higher grades.