Directory of International Schools: A One-Stop Tool for All Your Questions

What exactly is a directory of international schools? To answer this question satisfactorily we must first provide a definition of international schools. Basically, an international school is one that teaches a curriculum that is different from that of the local schools, with instruction that is either taught in English or bilingually in English and one other language such as French, Spanish, German, etc. Some international schools will use a curriculum that is based on either the United States or the United Kingdom model, while others will use an international curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate, or IB program.

The original intention of international schools was to provide education to English-speaking students from the U.S. and UK who were living in foreign lands, usually due to their parents’ position. More recently, however, they have become quite popular for local children whose goal is to learn English or another language and prepare themselves for studies or professional positions outside of their own country. This recent trend is perhaps most evident in India, where it is estimated that at least 20 percent of the local school children attend international schools that teach a UK curriculum. Not only is the student body of international schools multinational, so too is the faculty and administration.

What Can I Discover from a Directory of International Schools?

A directory of international schools is akin to a “yellow pages,” of international schools throughout the world, although it offers much more information. From international schools, to all-English schools to strictly American schools, a directory of international schools can supply you with all you need to know about enrollment, program requirements, curriculum and more, all catalogued in a single place. Two pieces of information you can discover from a directory of international schools are:

·Curriculum Type. There are essentially three main categories of curriculum, and although all three offer students an excellent and very well-rounded education, many parents will prefer one model over the other—a decision typically based on where the student plans to attend college. The three forms of curriculum are: International curriculum, a university prep model that is accepted at universities worldwide; the United States high school curriculum, which is also college preparatory and includes preparation classes for the SAT; and the GCSE’s and “A” levels that are targeted primarily at universities in the United Kingdom. While the credits for all international school curriculums are usually entirely transferrable to universities throughout the world, some universities prefer one model over the other, which, again, is usually the basis for a parent’s decision.

·School Information. A directory of international schools is also a great tool for finding information on a particular international school. For example, the British International School in Belgium, which this author located using a directory of international schools, has, among other things, “six large classrooms and a computer suite; small class sizes that average 12 students per class, a 178 day school year, and a school day that begins at 9 AM and concludes at 3:15 PM)

These are just two samples representing the type of information you can discover, but as you can see from these brief examples, a directory of international schools can be a very useful tool for finding a variety of school and curriculum information.

Study Abroad Programs and Scholarships

Have you been considering one of the many opportunities to study abroad? Do you need more information with regard to the various study abroad programs and scholarships? Study abroad programs were first introduced after World War II as a way to promote tolerance between countries, and in these early years of the program the opportunities were very limited. Today, however, with almost every country in the world participating in study abroad and student exchange programs, the opportunities are virtually limitless. Study abroad programs have become so popular that many foundations and organizations have begun promoting them by offering scholarships for those students who are willing to participate. To illustrate the diversity of programs and the many funding opportunities available, here we will outline just a few of these study abroad programs and scholarships, along with the details and requirements of each.

Study Abroad Programs and Scholarships: Boren Scholarships and Fellowships

The Boren study abroad programs and scholarships are quite unique, and are designed for United States undergraduate and graduate students wishing to become more proficient in the languages and cultures of countries that are somewhat under-represented in many study abroad programs, but extremely important to U.S. interests. Students can choose from a variety of academic programs, ranging from science and engineering to business and the humanities in one of the many countries located in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Eurasia and Central and Eastern Europe. The maximum awards for the Boren Scholarships are $20,000, and $30,000 is the maximum prize for the Boren Fellowship.

Study Abroad Programs and Scholarships: Fulbright Scholarships

Anyone who has ever been involved with education has undoubtedly heard of the Fulbright study abroad programs and scholarships. These scholarships are made available both to outgoing United States students and incoming foreign students, with award amounts that vary from student to student. The Fulbright program is designed primarily for those individuals who are either presently working in education and research or those who plan to pursue a career in these areas—areas which include university, secondary and elementary teaching, as well as graduate study and advanced academic research.

Study Abroad Programs and Scholarships: Global Health Management

Qualified nurses are in very high demand throughout the world, an issue which makes these study abroad programs and scholarships so unique and invaluable. Global Health Management is an international firm that specializes in healthcare design, development and management. The firm is currently offering 10 full-ride nursing school scholarships—scholarships that include airfare, tuition, housing and books—for students willing to study at the Shanghai Institute of Health Sciences International Nursing Program, in Shanghai, China.

These are just a small sample of the thousands of study abroad programs and scholarships currently available. Students who need additional information have many resources available to them—resources that provide the necessary information on the various study abroad programs and scholarships—including International Education Financial Aid, one of the premier sites for students wanting to study in a foreign and country; and studentawards.com, a site that lists all of the available grants, scholarships and bursaries for study abroad programs.

Study Abroad Programs: A Few Helpful Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Experience

Have you recently considered applying to one of the many study abroad programs that are currently available? Could you use some helpful hints to help make this experience a bit more enjoyable? Each year, thousands of students pack their bags, heading to one of the many participating foreign countries involved in the various study abroad programs throughout the world, and for most of them, this journey will be the experience of a lifetime. In fact, some students have enjoyed their travels so much that they have participated in study abroad programs multiple times. This turns out to be rather fortunate for you, because based on their experiences, many of them are now offering up some helpful tips for the newcomer—some of which are listed below.

Study Abroad Programs: Choose the Program You Want

If you’ve already considered participating in one of the many study abroad programs, odds are you have checked out what your college or university has to offer, but the question is did you find what you were looking for? Sadly, many students who want to study abroad believe they are limited by the choices available through the specific college they attend—a selection which can often be rather limited, depending on the college. This is not always true. There are hundreds, even thousands of study abroad programs offered every year, and with such a large selection you’re almost certain to find one that not only matches your academic area of interest, but the locale you’d prefer to visit as well. Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime, and you don’t necessarily have to choose a program through your own college just for the sake of convenience.

Study Abroad Programs: Get Involved—with the Locals

A sad fact about many study abroad participants is that they tend to form clicks and associate primarily with other “exchangers” from their own country. This will only limit your study abroad experience. Instead, try to become involved with people in your host country. This could mean joining a club, participating in a new sport, or simply hanging out at the coffeehouse that is often frequented by the locals. This will give you opportunities to learn their customs, traditions and language, which will make your study abroad experience more enjoyable and culturally fulfilling.

Study Abroad Programs: Go Alone

Another tip from experienced “study abroaders” is if you plan to participate in one the many study abroad programs, plan to go alone, leaving your friends, family and even your significant other at home. Bringing someone with you will almost always force you to take time away from the real reason your there: to experience the people and culture of another country. This may be uncomfortable, even frightening initially, but once you get involved with your fellow students you’ll be glad you traveled alone.

Study Abroad Programs: See the Sights

Finally, wherever you decide to travel, whether you go to Europe, Asia, Australia or anywhere else, make time in your schedule to see the wonderful sights the country has to offer. This could include museums, landmarks, parks, art galleries, architecture and restaurants, along with the landscapes that make your host country so interesting and unique.

Study in Spain: Academics Service Providers

Have you always dreamed of studying abroad in Spain? Were you upset to discover that your school or university does not currently have a partnership with one of the many Spain academics service providers? Study abroad programs have become very popular among both secondary and university school students, but sadly, many schools, including a lot of colleges and universities, either don’t offer study abroad programs or the options they offer with regard to location are very limited.

This can be very frustrating, but it does not mean that your dream of studying in Spain cannot come true. For students desiring to study in Spain, academics service providers are still widely available, although you may have to go through a third-party provider rather than your home school to apply. Although your school’s selection of study abroad programs may be limited, most schools will usually accept high school or college credits from a Spanish school, as long as that school and the third-party Spain academics service provider—the organization that arranged the program—are accredited. In this article we will briefly explain the many tasks involved, both before and during your study abroad experience, and show you how Spain academics service providers can assist you with each of these tasks.

Spain Academics Service Providers: Tasks They Can Assist You With

If you want to study abroad in Spain, academics service providers can be of great assistance, providing a variety of services that include:

· Application Assistance. If you want to study in Spain, academics service providers can help you to apply. Spain academic service providers will usually review your qualifications to ensure you are eligible—qualifications such as age, grade point average, etc.—and if you are deemed eligible, a representative will then help you complete the required application and prepare you for the student interview that may be also necessary.

· Help with Costs. Some study abroad programs in Spain can be quite expensive, but if Spain is where you truly want to study, you should not let the cost deter you. Spain academics service providers can help connect you with organizations and foundations that provide financial assistance to those wanting to study abroad, including scholarship, grants, fellowships and student loans.

· Help with Logistics. Academic service providers understand that preparing to study abroad can be both exciting and nerve racking at the same time, which is why many of these organizations help to ease your stress by helping with some of the logistics of your trip. This includes arranging your roundtrip travel, helping you obtain the required travel documents and even helping you decide what to pack for the trip.

· Arrange Accommodations. Before you can begin the academic and cultural component of your study abroad adventure, you will first need someplace to stay. Spain academics service providers can help arrange for your student housing needs, with options that range from living on campus in a residence hall, renting a flat and for younger students, staying with a host family.

· Enroll in Courses. Third-party academic service providers are experts in getting you enrolled in the classes that most interest you. They are also great resources for ensuring that the credits you earn while studying in Spain are transferred expeditiously to your home school.

· Arrange Cultural and Sightseeing Excursions. Spain is a majestic country to visit, with amazing art, architecture, landmarks and scenery that should not be missed while you’re there. Spain academic service providers help to arrange many cultural and sightseeing excursions that allow you to see all the beauty Spain has to offer, and mingle with its people, learning the culture customs and traditions that make Spain such a wonderful place to visit.

Whether you enroll in a program offered by your school or by one of the many Spain academic service providers, the opportunity to study in Spain is one that should not be passed up, regardless of the obstacles you may face.

Spain Educators Service Providers: Helping to Serve Educators and Students throughout the World

What exactly are Spain educators’ service providers? This is a not an easy question to answer, nor will it brief, largely because the scope of the services these organizations provide is so very broad. By definition, Spain educator’s service providers are for-profit or non-profit organizations, located in Spain, which provide a wide range of services to educators, students and other professionals throughout the world. From helping to set up student and international exchange programs to offering customized training programs to compiling a comprehensive directory of international schools, the work done by Spain educator’s service providers is invaluable. To illustrate this, in this article we list some of the needs that can be directly met by working with Spain educator’s service providers, with a brief descriptions of each of these services.

Spain Educator’s Service Providers

If you are an educator, administrator, student or other professional seeking vital information on Spain and the Spanish school system, including the latest statistics, there are several tasks you can quickly accomplish by working with Spain Educator’s Service Providers, including, but not limited to:

· Advertise your international school. International schools—schools that teach a different curriculum than what is normally taught in the region that school is located—are becoming very popular among foreign residents and local students alike. If you are an educator or administrator of an international school, working with Spain educator’s service providers can help you advertise your school by entering your school details into their comprehensive directory of international schools.

· Initiate a Student Exchange Program. Does your secondary school—junior high school or high school—currently participate in a student exchange program? If not, working with an educator’s service provider in Spain can help you develop an exchange program with a local secondary school. Students who participate will be able to study in Spain while living with a host family, offering them the cultural experience of a lifetime and an opportunity to make new friends while expanding their world perspective.

· Gather General Information with Regard to Spain. Service providers in Spain have access to a copious amount of important information regarding Spanish schools and students. Whether you are an employer looking for the most optimal way to recruit Spanish students for positions abroad, or an educator needing general statistics and data on the Spanish school system, Spain educator’s service providers have all the information you need.

· Receive Valuable Training (Educators, Business Professionals and Student Training). Service providers in Spain offer customized training programs and study tours, giving both local and foreign educators, business professionals and international students the opportunity to visit Spain and study some of the important aspects of this vibrant country. This includes local and regional development, judicial ethics and inspection, along with labor programs sponsored by the Spanish ministry.

Collectively, the services provided by Spain Educator’s Service Providers can help provide your school or organization with all the information they need to connect and collaborate with Spanish programs and the professionals who oversee them.

A Closer Look at International Schools Programs

Education is perhaps the single best gift any parent could give his/her child, and if you live in the United States, for example, that education is not optional, but compulsory, at least for most of a child’s life. Most children in the US will grow up and become educated in a single system—one that caters primarily to United States citizens. Children are required to attend school from age 5 until approximately age 18, which will adequately prepare many of these students—those that choose to do so—to further their education at an American college or university. But what happens when parents of US children decide to take a position of employment that is outside of the United States, like an executive of an international corporation? Is it possible for these children to receive the same US-based education—one that is taught in English and will prepare them for college—even though they are living outside of the United States? The answer is yes, and this is usually accomplished through one of the many international schools programs.

What Are International Schools Programs?

In simple terms, international schools programs are those that endorse international education. They do this by using a core curriculum that is different from the country where the school is actually located. Many international schools programs use an international curriculum, such as the popular International Baccalaureate or the Cambridge Internal Examinations curriculum, the latter of which is very popular in India. Others will use a curriculum from another country, such as a United States-based curriculum, being taught at a school in France. To qualify as an international school program, the school must meet certain criteria as laid out by the International Association of School Librarianship. These are:

· Must offer transferrable programs and credits

· A regularly fluctuating school population

· A student body that is both multinational and multilingual

· Must use an international curriculum—a curriculum other than that of the host country

· Must be accredited as an international school

· Faculty that is both transient and multinational

· Curriculum in which instruction is presented in English (usually) or presented bilingually

As businesses and the world in general have become more globalized, the number of schools offering international schools programs has risen dramatically. International schools programs have long been the schools of choice for employees of many international businesses and organizations, foreign embassies and missionaries, but more recently, the number of local children attending international schools is also up—children whose parents want them to learn a new language, usually English, and prepare them for more gainful employment outside of their own country, i.e. the United States or United Kingdom..

International Schools Programs: About the Curriculum

The curriculum taught at international schools is typically based on that school’s country of origin, with the most popular models being based around US education or education in the United Kingdom. However, the use of an international curriculum—curriculum designed around creating a more global and collaborative citizen—is also becoming very popular.

Most International Schools programs—the schools using an international curriculum—provide instruction in all of the following areas:

· Mathematics

· Language Arts

· The Sciences

· Humanities

· The Arts

· Physical Education

· Information Technology

· Design Technology

· And more…

This curriculum is designed to create a well-rounded student who is prepared to meet the challenges of higher education. Also central to most international schools programs is a fostering of appreciation for the diversity of other cultures. Students will regularly interact with fellow classmates and instructors from around the globe, learning the importance of both independence and interdependence in the new global society.

International Students Accommodation: What You Need to Know

Are you a university-level student planning to pursue a course of study in the United States? Do you also plan to pursue an on-campus residence during your stay in America? Among the many options for international students accommodation in the U.S. is living on-campus. This option not only offers the utmost in terms of convenience, it also gives international students a great opportunity to make new friends and to learn the customs, traditions and language of the fellow classmates. Despite all the advantages, though, many international students will pursue this option with a bit of anxiety and trepidation, which, of course, is completely normal. While studying in a foreign land can alone be very intimidating, living closely with those from the host country can initially be almost paralyzing. To help ease your worries a bit, in this article we will provide a bit more information about on-campus international students’ accommodations, along with what you can expect while living at a U.S. university.

International Students Accommodations: Everything You Need to Know about On-Campus Living

Nearly every college and university in the United States offers on-campus living—a residency option ideal for an international student’s accommodation. Although in other parts of the world they are called residence halls, in the U.S. they are referred to as dormitories. Dormitories are large buildings that contain a number of student rooms (usually shared by two students), several large community bathrooms, a community kitchen and a community living space.

Student rooms usually come furnished with two beds, one or two desks and enough closet and storage space for each student. The rooms do not generally have private bathrooms, but instead students will use a community bathroom that usually includes toilets, sinks and a shower or tub. For meals, most residents of dormitories will flock to the on-campus cafeteria, which usually serves meals three times a day that are included in the price of the international student’s accommodation, as it is for US students as well. Those who prefer to cook meals for themselves can do so in the community kitchen.

The furnished living area is where most students will gather between classes and during the evening. Whether watching television, playing games, or just talking, this area of the dorm is the perfect place for international students to get to know their American counterparts and to make new and sometimes lifelong friends.

International students need not be concerned about supervision or safety in these dormitories. In each dorm there are supervisors, usually called “resident advisers” or “resident directors,” that are employed by the University. In most cases these supervisors are either upper-level students or graduate students, and they are responsible for making sure that each student follows the rules regarding the cleanliness of the dorm, noise limitations, and other rules that help ensure the safety and comfort of each student.

In terms of an International students accommodation, the dormitories located on most college and university campuses are safe, convenient, and in most cases, fun. While living in the dorms, not only are the classrooms and other University services in close proximity, but the opportunities available to meet new people, practice valuable language skills and soak up the American culture are virtually endless.

Foreign Student Exchange and Student Visas

Are you a foreign student and planning on participating in a foreign student exchange program—a program that will bring you to the United States to study? Do you understand the document requirements for participating in a foreign student exchange, particularly the student visa requirement? Coming to the United States can be the academic, cultural and personal experience of a lifetime, but in order to visit the U.S. you must first secure a student visa. To help you meet this obligation, in this article we will provide some basic information about the student visa, including the requirements for qualifying, the application procedure and the required documentation you will need to secure this very important document.

Qualifying for a student visa, a document required for anyone participating in a foreign student exchange program, means you must first meet certain guidelines and requirements as laid out by the Immigration and National Act. These include:

You must have a verifiable residence in your country, with no immediate intentions for abandoning this residence.

You must indicate that you plan to return to your country, or at the very least that you intend to depart the United States, once your program of study has concluded.

You must have sufficient funds to pursue the propose course of study, including living expenses.

Foreign Student Exchange: Applying for a Student Visa

While the application process for a student visa can be quite arduous, it is nevertheless required if you wish to participate in a foreign student exchange program. The first step to this process, required for students of all ages, is an interview at the embassy consular section. Getting an appointment for this interview, especially at certain times of the year, could take some time. For this reason, students are encouraged to apply for their student visa as early as possible.

Every foreign student exchange student applying for a student visa must undergo a digital fingerprint scan as part of the application process. This is a very quick process and can usually be scheduled on the day of your interview.

As with any government submission the application process for the student visa requires that all foreign exchange students submit certain documents. These documents include:

Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status-For Academic and Language Students or Form 1-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status for Vocational Students. The reason that academic and language students will complete a different eligibility form than vocational students is that the two students fall under different student visa categories, F-1 student status for the former and M-1 student status for the latter.

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form Ds-160

Passport. Foreign student exchange participants must possess a passport that will remain valid until at least six months after the conclusion of the course of study.

Photograph. A photograph, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches, is required for all participants of a foreign student exchange.

Receipt. This is a specific receipt that proves you paid the student visa application fee.

The SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.

While the above documents are always required, participants of a foreign student exchange should additionally be prepared to show other documents as well, including transcripts, standardized test scores (TOEFL, SAT, etc), and financial proof that they or their parents have sufficient funds to sponsor the foreign student exchange participant in his/her course of study.

High School Study Abroad Programs

Are you a high school student who has always dreamed about studying and living in a foreign country? Do you enjoy meeting new people, seeing new and interesting sites and taking part in culturally diverse activities? If so, you may be a perfect candidate for one of the many high school study abroad programs. High school study abroad programs offer students age 15-19 a unique opportunity to study in a foreign high school and live with a host family in that country. Aside from the amazing academic opportunity this presents, high school study abroad programs are an exceptional vehicle through which students can learn the culture and the history of another country, and gain valuable language skills that could benefit them both personally and professionally in the future.

High School Study Abroad Programs

If you’re interested in participating in a high school study abroad program, your guidance counselor should be able to provide you with the information you need. Just as a backup plan, though, below we have compiled a list of some of the more popular high school study abroad programs you can contact:

American Council for International Exchange (ACIS)

The ACIS high school study abroad program has been in existence for 40 years, with campuses in London, Paris, Rome and St. Petersburg. These 4-week summer programs include academic enrichment, along with a number of short cultural and recreational excursions. Airfare and housing for these programs are included in the cost of tuition.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

The CIEE high school study abroad programs are very well-respected. Offering semester and full academic year options, the CIEE program has campuses in a number of diverse international locations, including, but certainly not limited to, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Spain, Japan and Australia. Students live with a host family while attending the local high school, and will have an abundance of time to soak up the local culture.

Rotary Club International Youth Exchange

One of the oldest and most renowned service clubs in the world, Rotary Club International has been sponsoring high school study abroad programs since 1927. Programs are open for students who wish to pursue one of the many vocational studies programs, and scholarships available and based on merit.

AYUSA

Unlike some high school study abroad programs—programs that require an exceptional grade point average—the AYUSA program is available to all students who possess a minimum of a 2.75 GPA. Students can choose from summer, semester or full academic year programs in over 10 countries worldwide. Scholarships for the AYUSA program are also available, and like the Rotary Club scholarships, they are also based on student merit.

This is just a small sample of the many high school study abroad programs, and like these, every one of these organizations offers a very unique opportunity for students who want to see the world and expand their horizons.

Student Host Families: How to Become a Host Family

Have you ever thought about participating in a student exchange program as one of the many student host families throughout the world? If so, do you need some additional information on how to get started? Student host families are an integral part of any student exchange program, with an immeasurable number of benefits for both students and their host families. In this article we will briefly mention a few of those benefits, and outline the steps normally required to become a student host family to one of the thousands of international students that participate in these programs each year.

Student Host Families: The Benefits

Student host families are the bedrock on which international exchange programs are built, and while it’s true that the generosity and caring of these families has changed many students lives for the better, most student host families will tell you that they, too, benefit greatly from these programs. Student host families have the opportunity to:

· Learn about and embrace a different culture

· Learn a new language

· Act as an ambassador for their country

· Share in the experience of their student’s life

· Teach their children about acceptance and tolerance

· And much, much more…

Student Host Families: How to Become Involved

There are hundreds of organizations worldwide involved with international student exchange programs, and while each has their own particular procedure for locating and qualifying student host families, generally the process is very similar with each one of them. This includes:

· Submit a Host Family Interest Form. Completing a host family interest form is usually the first step for potential student host families. This informs the organization that you are interested, who will then connect you with a volunteer working in your area to help answer any questions and explain the application procedure.

· Attend an Informational Seminar. Families willing to share their home with an international exchange student will usually have the opportunity to attend an informational meeting or seminar, either in a physical location or via online. Here the organization will provide all the information families need to know, including how the program works, the various countries that the children are from and how to begin the application process.

· Complete an Application. Many international exchange organizations have now streamlined the application process, allowing applicants to apply online. The application itself is fairly straightforward, typically asking you to provide some general information about your location, the size of your household, your community, your lifestyle and the things that are important to your family, i.e. education, religion, etc. Also required, for the safety of the child and the program, is a criminal background check on all the adults living in the household. Some organizations may even require the same criminal background checks on all persons 14 and older.

· Be Matched Up with a Student. Once your application is approved, you will typically have the opportunity to review student profiles with a program staff member, and from the information in those files you’ll be matched up with a student whose interests are very similar to your family’s interests.

Many organizations will usually hold some type of orientation event just prior to the school year or semester, giving your family the chance to meet other student host families, many of whom will have prior experience and can give you some helpful tips.