Secondary education abroad

Many parents are increasingly looking towards top schools abroad, especially private and boarding schools, for their children's education. These schools are not just well-furnished with state-of-the-art facilities like laboratories, reading rooms, music, and sports halls, but they also offer a consistent and high standard of education. Opting for such schools abroad provides students with unique advantages: determining their future educational pathways, specialties, and faculties. Our list of schools, featuring over 100 of the best schools and colleges across Europe, the USA, Canada, and beyond, ensures that international students receive top-notch and progressive education.

Keys  Language Features to Schools Abroad

A strong command of foreign languages, particularly English, is crucial for admission into these middle schools abroad. Prospective students are required to present documentation verifying their language proficiency. However, those who might need some brushing up on their language skills have no cause for concern. There are numerous support courses available globally, offering students the chance to improve their English proficiency.

Benefits of Studying in Secondary Schools Abroad

Studying in secondary schools abroad typically spans 11-13 years. For a smoother transition into foreign universities, international students are advised to obtain an international matriculation certificate after completing their course abroad post 9th grade. This approach ensures that by the time they've completed their secondary schooling abroad, they possess a solid knowledge foundation and an impressive level of language proficiency. With this robust preparation, it becomes considerably easier for students to pursue further studies abroad following their 11th-grade year.

For those considering the best schools for their children, our schools abroad ranking can provide invaluable insights, ensuring that every student gets the high-quality education they deserve.

Cost Factors for Schools Abroad

Studying in the top schools abroad comes with its associated costs, which vary based on a number of factors. These can include the school's ranking, the quality of teaching, the selected specialization, and its geographical location, among others.

Tuition Breakdown by Location

• England:

  • Day schools: £14,000 - £25,000 annually

  • Boarding schools: £32,000 - £40,000 annually

• Switzerland (Europe's Priciest Education Destination):

  • Boarding schools: CHF 60,000 - CHF 90,000 annually

  • Day schools: CHF 20,000 - CHF 50,000 annually

• USA:

  • Boarding schools: Approximately $40,000 - $60,000 annually

• Canada:

  • Boarding programs: $35,000 - $60,000 annually

For those on a tighter budget, high-quality education can still be accessed affordably. Countries like France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and even England offer boarding programs where tuition won't exceed 25,000-30,000 euros per year. Our list of schools includes these affordable options.

Sarah Hicklin

Director of International Admissions at Oswestry School

How much do parents usually spend per year apart from school and living fees?

If the child stays on campus for the holidays, this is usually paid separately, plus pocket money, plus additional EAL (English as a foreign language) classes. In total, approximately £ 150-750 per term.

Based on feedback from international students, the advantages of attending secondary schools abroad include:

• Immersion in a new culture: Understanding the language, mindset, and customs of the host country.

• Opportunities for creativity and sports skill enhancement.

• Breaking down language barriers through daily interactions.

• Comprehensive and comfortable preparation for higher education.

Should you have any further queries or need clarity on schools abroad ranking or anything else, the SMAPSE experts are always at your service and ready to assist.

The optimal age to start studying in a foreign school is 13-15 years old. By this age, children already have the skills of independence, can maintain their own household around them, and have the skills to socialize and integrate into society. By entering at this age, the student will have enough time to adapt to the new teaching system and ensure a smooth transition to high school programs.

Pay special attention to schools with a small number of students and a family atmosphere. In this way, your child will be given individual attention and will find it easier to adapt. If time permits, it is worth considering a trip to a summer camp to see how it will be to adapt and live independently without parents. It makes sense to consider a camp at the same school where you plan to enroll so that you can familiarize yourself with the conditions and faculty beforehand. There is also always a psychologist and a boarding supervisor at the school who will always be available for help.

In most schools, an IELTS exam is not required as schools conduct their own internal English language tests. In addition, there are math tests, as well as a non-verbal reasoning test, aimed at identifying the peculiarities of a student's approach to the learning process. An interview with the admissions committee will also be a mandatory part of the entrance test. During the interview, the student and the school get to know each other, the school learns about the student's plans and goals for education, his or her hobbies, and the child has the opportunity to ask the school any questions he or she may have.

After receiving the invitation from the school, it is important to secure a place by paying the tuition deposit. As the child will be living independently in another country, a guardianship is also a requirement. The guardian is either the school itself or a specific person who meets the school's requirements and is accredited by the country's guardianship agencies. It will also be necessary to collect a number of supporting and financial documents for the visa, properly form a package of documents and make an appointment at the embassy or visa center.

Yes, you can. Private international schools have many years of experience working with international students and are ready to offer academic support to international students. Assistance is offered both in explaining topics and subjects and in additional English classes to quickly and painlessly integrate the student into a new learning environment. In addition, there are special preparatory schools that offer specialized adaptation programs and prepare students for admission to ranked schools in a short period of time.

In addition to an extensive curriculum, schools offer equally extensive and exciting learning activities. Schools offer a wide variety of sports, hobby clubs, project activities and always try to develop and support the talents that a child has. In addition, admissions always take into account the achievements that a student already has and they can play a significant role in the decision of the admissions committee.

Since foreign international schools have many years of experience in working with international students, the whole period of study, and especially the first months, is aimed at adapting the child to the new environment of study and living, as well as making the child feel at home away from home. Each student is assigned a mentor who helps to solve everyday issues and ensures a painless integration into the new environment. During the first days of arrival, games and team-building activities are organized. In addition, the child is not left without communication and can regularly call his or her parents at home.

When choosing a school, it is worth paying attention to the average score on the final exams, as well as to which universities and specialties graduates are admitted to. As a rule, most schools have certain areas, certain subjects for which the school is most famous and in which the school has certain achievements. You can also talk to school leavers and find out what their careers have been like since graduation.

Based on feedback from international students, the advantages of attending secondary schools abroad include:

• Immersion in a new culture: Understanding the language, mindset, and customs of the host country.

• Opportunities for creativity and sports skill enhancement.

• Breaking down language barriers through daily interactions.

• Comprehensive and comfortable preparation for higher education.

Should you have any further queries or need clarity on schools abroad ranking or anything else, the SMAPSE experts are always at your service and ready to assist.

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