International schools are educational institutions that cater to the schooling needs of children of expatriates and local children whose parents want them to learn under a foreign curriculum. International schools most prominently follow the British curriculum, with accreditations such as the Cambridge Assessment International Education and other internationally accredited education programmes such as the International Baccalaureate. International schools usually apply English as the language of instruction. This means the teachers are native or near native English speakers, and the exams are also conducted in the same language. The only deviation from this lies in foreign language classes, with international schools generally offering various language classes including French, Spanish and Mandarin.
Bilingual schools, both primary and secondary, generally use the national curriculum of the country in which they are based, but it is taught in a minimum of two languages of instruction. The principal goal of such schools is to better enable the students to learn a new language. The two languages alternate meaning that the curriculum is covered in both. Teachers at bilingual schools are either fluent in both languages or there are two teachers representing both languages in the classroom.
International vs bilingual schools – what are the key differences?
Diversity in international vs. bilingual schools
International schools are typically characterized by a diverse student body, with students from all over the world. This can offer an enriching educational experience, with learners exposed to a wide variety of diverse cultures and perspectives. The teachers also often come from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Thus, the student will not only learn a new language in addition to the mother tongue but will develop the experience with people of different nationalities, acquiring sociocultural experience and personal aggrandizement.
Local bilingual schools are not associated with such pronounced cultural diversity, with student bodies who tend to be native to the country of the school, and a less international teaching roster.
Facilities at international vs. bilingual schools
International schools charge high tuition fees and in return offer exemplary facilities. From science labs, football pitches to basketball courts, the facilities are likely both extensive, modern, and well kept. Such schools tend to offer a wide range of extracurricular activities both after school and during the holidays.
Bilingual schools do not usually have the funding levels of international schools, and as a result they may have larger class sizes, a limited choice of extracurricular activities, and more modest facilities.
Learning approaches: international vs. bilingual schools
With smaller class sizes, teachers can give more individual attention to students at international schools. This enables them to closely monitor their progress and provide additional assistance when required. International schools also tend to take a holistic approach to learning, in which spiritual and mental aspects of a child’s growth go hand in hand with their academic development. The experience at the international school places students in global realities based on the interrelationship with people of the same training standard, however, with different social relationships, expanding the world view.
One of the great benefits of international schools is the ability to obtaining world renowned qualifications such as IGCSE, A-levels, and the IB certificate, the ideal start for them in today’s globalized world.
Bilingual schools tend to have more constraints and pressures due to limited resources and larger class sizes. This leads to a greater focus on memorising materials and children do not gain such a depth of understanding of the subject matter. In all, the calibre of education is rarely comparable to that offered by international schools.
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