According to a research by International School Consultancy (ISC), as of 2016, there are about 8,000 international schools around the world teaching 4.26 million students, and the number is nowhere near to decreasing. As ISC says, “The market for international schools continues to expand around the world, and overall growth shows little sign of abating.”
Most schools have international curriculum options that are accredited and approved by international educational bodies. The common curriculums offered are the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB). IB is offered within different levels of schooling in itself, including International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). Most international schools in India adhere to these curriculums.
Each of these curriculums is specially designed to cater to a comprehensive understanding and development of the students. Apart from providing consistent and updated knowledge, they develop creative thinking and the intelligence to question and apply the concepts learned. The students are prepared to respond to a rapidly evolving global society. Communication skills and opportunities to learn global languages helps in understanding cultural differences, making it a stepping stone to adjusting with the global scenario.
Opportunities to study at and interact with foreign universities through schooling and after graduation is one highlight that makes international schools highly preferable. The curriculums support this aim of attending college at international universities that offer unique subjects and courses. In fact, the curriculums at international schools are designed keeping this in mind - to assist a smooth transition from school to university.
Student life at international schools is promised with the active involvement of teachers and facilitators who are generally from around the world. The teachers are very adept in their area of teaching apart from being trained to exercise viewpoints that are different from regular, local schools. The teachers’ community at international schools in India is varied in ethnicity and culture giving a perspective of a different kind of leadership and guidance to students.
The culture that is embraced at international schools in India and elsewhere is very diverse. Students (and teachers) from an extensive range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures, constitute the crux of the school environment. Building friendships and networks with like-minded peers who hail from different corners of the world give the students a holistic view of the multiple communities existing in the world.
Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities of various kinds make student life at international schools a unique experience. This is achieved through the Theory of Multiple Intelligence that revolves around Specific Intelligence, Logical Intelligence, Naturalist Intelligence, Spatial Intelligence, Inter-personal Intelligence, Kinesthetic Intelligence, Musical Intelligence, and Intra-personal Intelligence. In order to intensify their personal and interpersonal development, Creativity, Service, and Activities (CSA) is a key policy that international schools in India follow together and incorporation with the Theory of Intelligence.
Whether its sports, music, literary, cultural, artistic, or oratory skills, students in international schools get heavy doses of guidance, encouragement, coaching and appropriate facilities in these areas of extra-curricular activities. In fact, this is requisite that international schools have on their agenda for education alongside internationally approved curriculums.
International trips, tours, and student exchange programs teach the students tolerance and enhance their capacity to observe, compare, respect and assimilate the beauty and values of other nations that help build them emotionally and spiritually.
Students are encouraged to give undivided attention and voluntary assistance through community service and other such activities, making them competent in empowering the needy in their own way. Student life at international schools is incomplete without this motive to create a difference, collectively enhancing a global learning experience. They are also encouraged to involve themselves as student representatives in various global development councils and associations.
Among the most well-known international schools in India, stands Jain International Residential School (JIRS), which is located in Bengaluru. The school offers the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), IGCSE, and IBDP programs. The school provides world-class amenities to match with its international standards, which includes extensive interactive and technology-based learning methods, sports facilities, healthcare, student-exchange programs, and appropriate measures to make extra-curricular activities a fun-cum-learning experience.
Enrolling a child in an international school plays an important role in building his/her views on life as a whole. They are nurtured physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and socially in ways that local schools cannot offer. Students who study at international schools turn out to be independent, confident, resourceful and competent individuals. This makes student life at international schools a worthwhile phase to go through.