What are the types of 'international' schools found around the world?
There are many different types of international schools found around the world and every international school is unique; however, there are some common traits that researchers have decided identify a school as being 'international'. These are:
A great article written by Cynthia Nagrath can by found by clicking this link: What makes a school international? In this article she discusses the rapid growth the international community has experiences recently, how the market for international schools is growing exponentially, and what the label of 'international' on a school really means. She then goes on to talk about the many reasons why pinpointed a standard definition of an 'international' school is utterly impossible because of the extreme diversity found amongst international schools. Despite this variation found amongst international schools, there are five general types of international schools, and they are:
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Some of the Female Faculty at the International School of Abuja on Nigeria Day.
My high school volleyball team. |
American International Schools
American international schools can be found in capital cities around the world as well as large industrial centers. There are 197 American international schools found in over 138 countries, all of which are directly or loosely associated with the US State Department. All of these schools use 'American' curriculum from one of the US states but attempt to teach it from a global perspective. These schools are generally accredited by one of these agencies (you can visit their websites by clicking on their names below):
The American International School in Abu Dhabi is a great example of one of these schools. They follow the curriculum of the state of Virginia and are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the Council of International Schools. They also offer the IB curriculum for primary and secondary years. You may visit their schools website by clicking on the following link: American International School in Abu Dhabi School Web Site. |
American International School of Abuja
American International School of Abu Dhabi
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Canadian International Schools
Like American international schools, Canadian international schools can be found around the world in large industrial centers. There are 93 schools registered with the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC). The schools on this list are the only authorized Canadian offshore schools which are recognized by the Canadian government. There are currently no authorized schools offering Saskatchewan's curriculum abroad. This list can be found by going to this site: CICIC Directory of Canadian Elementary and Secondary Schools Outside Canada.
The Canadian International School in Singapore is a great example of one of these schools. They follow the curriculum of the province of Ontario and are accredited by the province of Ontario as well as the Council of International Schools. They also offer the IB curriculum for primary, middle years, and secondary years. You may visit their schools website by clicking on the following link: Canadian International School in Singapore School Web Site. |
Canadian International School of Singapore
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British International Schools
There are more than 2200 British international schools around the world. Unlike Canadian and American international schools, which are monitored by some governmental agency to ensure a standard quality of education is being met, the British international schools are not associated with the British government in any way. As such, the quality of the education received in British international schools around the world ranges from very poor quality to very high quality. The reputation of British international schools suffered quite heavily as a result of low performing British international schools, and as a result the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) was formed to accredit these schools. COBIS works with the Office for Standards in Education within the U.K. Department of Education to make sure that the standards established within the U.K. are being met by international schools claiming to use U.K. curriculum. COBIS, upon request, inspects and accredits international schools who wish to become a prestigious member of this organization. Of the over 2200 British international schools around the world, only 134 are COBIS certified. You can visit the COBIS website and view its school directory here: Council of British International Schools Website.
The British International School of Shanghai, Puxi, is a great example of one of these schools. They are accredited by the Council of British International Schools and offer the IB curriculum for primary, middle years, and secondary years. You can visit their schools website by clicking on the following link: British International School of Shanghai, Puxi Website. |
The British International School of Puxi, Shanghai
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'International' Schools
These schools are found around the world and incorporate multiple approaches to education from a variety of nations. In these schools teachers design the curriculum by researching what high achieving institutions are doing in their curriculum and combining what they like from these high achieving institutions and adapting them to fit the needs of their diverse student bodies. These schools are often independent and because of this it is important for these schools to be accredited by international agencies. The most trusted international agency that accredits schools is the Council of International Schools (CIS). There website can be found here: Council of International Schools Website. This agency is so well respected internationally that even schools who are accredited by national governments (like Canadian and American international schools) seek accreditation by CIS to ensure that their students diplomas are recognized in universities internationally.
The International School of Dakar is a great example of one of these schools. This is actually the school I graduated from and spent my 11th and 12th grade years at. They are accredited by the Council of International Schools and offer both AP and IB programs. You can visit their schools website by clicking on the following link: International School of Dakar Website. |
The Internatioanl School of Dakar
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IB International Schools
The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) has become the gold standard for quality education internationally. Their programs are currently offered in 3,576 schools in 145 countries around the world and service over 1 million students. The IBO offers four challenging programs to students aged 3-19. You can click each of these links below to learn more about each program individually:
The IB Primary Years Programme
The IB Middle Years Programme
The IB Diploma Programme
The IB Career-Related Certificate
I highly recommend becoming certified to teach the IB Diploma Programme. This certification will set you apart from other candidates even if the school does not offer the IB Diploma Programme. The IB Diploma Programme is also offered in the Saskatchewan Public School System, so even if you are not planning to teach internationally becoming certified to teach these programmes would set you apart here in Saskatchewan as well.
The IB Primary Years Programme
The IB Middle Years Programme
The IB Diploma Programme
The IB Career-Related Certificate
I highly recommend becoming certified to teach the IB Diploma Programme. This certification will set you apart from other candidates even if the school does not offer the IB Diploma Programme. The IB Diploma Programme is also offered in the Saskatchewan Public School System, so even if you are not planning to teach internationally becoming certified to teach these programmes would set you apart here in Saskatchewan as well.
This is a great video in which both students and teachers talk about the IB Diploma Programme. To receive this diploma students must complete 6 IB courses which are at a higher level than your normal high school courses. In addition to these 6 courses, they must complete a course on the Theory of Knowledge. This course looks at the nature of knowledge and different way of knowing. Students must also complete a 5000 word minimum extended essay which can be done on any of the 6 IB courses the student takes. It is designed to be a mini-thesis paper which allows the student to engage in independent inquiry. Finally, students gain hands on service experience beyond the classroom in the Creativity, Action, Service programme. This ensures that students gain an understanding of what it means to be a contributing member of society. |
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If you'd like to read more about the different types of international schools out there, Cynthia Nagrath has written a great article called International Schools - Understanding the Differences. You can find this article by clicking this link: International Schools - Understanding the Differences.