What makes a school ‘truly international?’
Print Edition
THERE are more international schools around the world than ever before, but behind the name “international school,” there are actually many differentiating factors for parents to consider. So what does being an “international school” really mean, and how does it benefit students?
National versus international
At many international schools for expatriate children, for instance, the environment and curriculum replicate the education provided in certain countries, and these schools are therefore “national schools” in an international setting. In contrast, at one school in Shanghai, Yew Chung International School (YCIS), the curriculum is designed to engage students in an international setting and explore global citizenship as the central focus of student learning experiences. The YCIS language program contributes to the international environment by ensuring students are able to focus on the essence of language as the tool for making the connections between cultures and ideas. According to Fred Runkel, co-principal at the school’s Century Park campus, “Our international curriculum is created from the best elements of world research in designing student learning. It provides our students with a global, rather than domestic learning experience.”
Learning in context
Language, culture and environment are also an important part of any international school experience. Runkel says, “As an International school for the children of foreign passport holders, our students are the guests of their host country. In order to integrate with our host community and nation, and to be able to take away more from their time while living overseas, we design our learning program to help students understand the culture, communicate in the language, and engage with Chinese society in much deeper and richer ways. In addition to intensive English language learning, our Chinese language program includes Chinese cultural studies designed to help our students learn about, and engage with Chinese culture. This combination of language and culture in the program of learning at YCIS enables our students to develop an understanding of, and appreciation for the values of Eastern and Western cultures.”
Transferability
With today’s landscape of expatriate families regularly shifting around the world, it’s essential for an international school to provide its students with an education that will set them up for success and transfer their learning experiences wherever they go. “The curriculum we have designed at YCIS focuses on ‘learning for meaning and understanding,’” says Andrew Mellor, co-principal at YCIS’s Hongqiao campus. “This overarching theme provides children with an environment to grow and develop in a way that will allow them to move to another country or education system with ease and confidence.”
Educational innovation
As with any discipline, pedagogy changes with time, and therefore educational leaders must strive to ensure they constantly review best practices in order to provide students with optimal learning. Mellor notes that, “Our international staff have worked in a wide range of different education systems, so they bring a wonderful variety of knowledge and experiences that add to the diversity and strength of the learning environment. This also allows us to introduce cutting-edge educational best practices into our program.”
An international school is more than just a setting with a diverse group of students and teachers. It requires embracing the local language and culture, identifying the best educational practices from around the world, and providing a strong educational base to ensure students are able to adapt to, and thrive in any learning program around the world. A truly international school is one where global mindedness is at the heart of every decision, action, and interaction between the members of the community. YCIS is an example of just such a school, benefiting students not only during their time in China, but also well into their futures.
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