Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

If there is anything that worries expats with families, this is probably where to enroll their children for the upcoming semester. Travel is especially burdensome for children who have no choice but to move from school to school every year.

When they have no other choice, expats usually send their children to international schools. There are other advantages and disadvantages to admitting your child to one of these schools. A known disadvantage is that a year at an international school can be pretty heavy financially. In addition, you are almost unfamiliar with the local culture and language in which you currently live. But if there is a chance that you foresee travel and relocation in a few months or years, then international schools are your best choice for a quality education.

In this article we will talk about the importance of international schools, are they worth your attention and your trust. We will try to compare them to local schools and point out the main things to make everything clear for you.

History of international schools

International schools offer expat children the opportunity to study, even if they live thousands of miles from home, immersed in a different language and culture.

International schools have been the most popular option for foreign children for a long time, as lessons are taught in English and they are more gently introduced to the social norms of the new way of life.

You will find international schools in almost every country in the world. Some major cities have several competing schools, all with outstanding accreditation and sometimes incredible tuition fees.

Other schools are smaller, perhaps more affordable, and may offer a blended curriculum.

There are so many questions to consider, for example:

• How will my children cope with foreign language lessons?
• Could moving abroad harm a child’s academic prospects?
• How much do we need to invest in a decent international school?

The key takeaway is that education is a global asset. In most countries, you will find a number of outstanding schools with dedicated teachers and excellent student support.

In 2000, about 2,600 international schools enrolled about one million students, mostly foreigners. Today that number is 5,700 schools with more than 2.5 million students; by 2021, it is expected that there will be over 11,000 international schools with over 5 million students.

The growing desire to send local children to international schools is based on the quality of teaching in these schools. Local wealthier families also recognize the value of teaching in English. Costs can be high even in countries with low cost of living.

One of the researches dedicated to mapping international schools of the world and analyzing changes in the market, monitors these numbers and trends. They predict further opportunities for parents looking to provide their children with an international education, wherever they live.

Asia has been a growth leader since January 2006 with 3,000 schools. This is 53 percent of all international schools worldwide.

Currently, the leading countries for international schools are China, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. Europe has also grown significantly and now has 1,324 schools. We look forward to future growth in South Asia, especially India and Pakistan; in Western Asia, in parts of the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia; in East Asia, especially China, Hong Kong and South Korea; and in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore.

Local schools vs international schools

One of the first questions that most expats ask when planning a move is whether their children would be better off attending a local school or an international institution.

In short, the international school caters to foreign children, often teaching lessons in English and following a British or American curriculum.

They charge a commission, which can be high in some cases. However, the best schools often have long waiting lists but high standards and excellent results for their students.

Some countries also have requirements for international schools to reserve places for local children, so they can be a significant mixture of children of different nationalities, giving them the opportunity to explore the local culture and meet friends from all over the world. Both options have their pros and cons.

Benefits of choosing a local overseas school

• Public schools make it easier to learn a language or improve language skills.
• It is more natural to immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with local children.
• Getting used to a new lifestyle can be tricky, but making friends with peers in a group of children can make life more manageable.
• International schools can be very expensive, while public schools are free in most countries.
• You will probably find local schools right on your doorstep, but depending on where you move, you may have to travel a lot to the nearest international school.

Benefits of choosing an international school

• International schools often teach primarily in English, so the transition is less difficult.
• Some offer UK curricula with familiar qualifications such as GCSE and A-Levels so that the changes don’t disrupt pre-existing learning for children.
• If you do not reside abroad permanently, an international school allows your child to continue their education in the same program and then continue their education upon returning to the UK.
• Sometimes there are several high quality international schools to choose from, with different specialties, but only one or two public schools.
• Many international schools offer extremely high standards of instruction, including local language lessons, to help expatriate children explore the culture.

While there are many benefits to choosing an international school, a lot depends on the country you are moving to and the local educational standards.

If you move somewhere where English is the primary language, for example, this may be less of a problem as public schools will be teaching in English, so your child will not try to study academic subjects in a language that they are not already. owns.

Likewise, a country with exceptional educational standards can offer world-class instruction in its local schools.

Choosing the International School that’s right for your child

The best starting point is to think about your child, let’s say they need additional support in a specific area of ​​study. In this case, you may well need an international school with smaller classrooms and more dedicated teacher support.

Academically gifted children will do well in alternative schools that excel in sports and creative subjects, so it is wise to consider the spirit and goals of any shortlisted school, not just practical considerations and costs.

Your intended moving location will also be an important factor:

• Moving to a densely populated city such as Bangkok, Mumbai or Dubai may mean choosing a school close to where you live so you don’t have to spend hours every day during rush hour.
• Some countries have religious schools, the rules of which can be very different from other ones. So, for example, if you move somewhere where corporal punishment is still legal, you probably don’t want to go to your local school.
• In many countries with warmer climates, more of the school day will be spent outdoors. As a result, you can find schools with fantastic sports facilities, stables, swimming lessons, and educational day trips.

If you are moving to a country with a strong expat community, you can consult with other parents in local forums to find out where most of your children go to school and therefore where your child is easiest to make friends.

Remember, the most prestigious international schools can have extensive waiting lists. However, while it may be necessary to quickly reserve a seat, parents should always do their due diligence first.

There are many ways to explore a school:

• Join forums and local groups to learn about the experiences of other expatriate parents in the area.
• Make sure the school has the appropriate accreditation from a recognized educational body.
• Ask about the teaching staff, their qualifications and abilities.
• Look at class size and teacher turnover. Schools with a longstanding management team and teachers who are an integral part of the community are best suited.
• Meet with the headmaster or headmaster and prepare questions about the school day, whether there are PTAs, extracurricular activities and clubs your child might want.
• Check out your high school university admission track record.
• Browse exam reports, peer grades and ask for average SAT scores.

Moreover, to be 100% sure on the school, try to find the answers of these questions:

Does the school have accreditation?

An accredited school has a curriculum that articulates and meets certain standards. The accreditation process ensures that the school has a supportive learning environment, a strategic plan for the future, that the school is mission-driven and that the school has high safety standards. Accreditation also allows students to transfer loans between schools. If the school is accredited by an American organization, this allows schools to offer diplomas that are valid, for example, for admission to an American university.

Is the school a member of educational organizations?

In Europe, high quality international schools are members of the European Council of International Schools. There are also councils for international schools in every country or region. To be part of these councils, the school must meet certain standards. For example, if a school in Germany is not a member of the Association of German International Schools, you can ask why.

What is the culture in the school?

When you have the opportunity to visit the school, ask your guide to describe the culture of the school. They should be able to give you a description of the school’s general values. Keep your eyes and ears open as you walk down the hallways during walkthroughs or breaks.

Is this a highly academic school? Does the school have a long tradition? Does the school respect the local culture and value the home culture of its clients? Do the students seem happy? Do they gather in places to talk and study? Do you see teachers walking alongside or talking to students?

Does the school value languages?

In most international schools, English is the main language of instruction. International schools often require students to learn the local language as well; Learning in the local language will help students adapt to their new home, so don’t underestimate the importance of this. Although most subjects in international schools are taught in English, you should hear other languages ​​being spoken in the hallway. If only the local language of the community is spoken in the corridors, then the school may not have an international orientation.

Choosing an international school curriculum

There is often a choice of study programs. For example, international schools may teach a British curriculum that is in line with British standards and is familiar to children already in their education.

This option is usually the most preferable because children can pick up where they left off in their previous school. In contrast, in some countries children start at the age of seven or eight, compared to four in the UK, so a different curriculum is likely to be at a different stage of learning.

Many private schools in the UK have opened their international schools abroad, mainly in countries with the upper price range.

Options include Harrow, Repton, Oxford School, Wellington College, Dulwich and Shrewsbury. There is also an International Primary Curriculum for children aged five to eleven, which is used in over 90 countries.

Another alternative is the International Baccalaureate School. The IB education system covers ages from kindergarten (starting at 3) to 19 years old, which is equivalent to A-Levels in the UK.

There are four IB programs, each offering a standardized curriculum that is used in over 158 countries and taught by 1.4 million students.

What are the most important points when choosing an international school?

While you need to be sure that the school you choose provides the right teaching, support, and community for your child to thrive, it’s important to think about the practical aspects.

Some of the main considerations are:

• When does the school day start and end? Some schools start classes as early as 7 am, especially in very hot countries. For example, schools in Pretoria and Berlin start at 7:30 am and graduation times vary depending on the day of the week.
• Do they offer workarounds? These can be after-school clubs, breakfast clubs or after-school sports that are a lifesaver for working parents.
• How far is the school from your home? Large cities can have messy roads, so is there a safe public transport network or does the school offer transportation?
• What will the school do in an emergency? Can you quickly get there from home or work if needed?
• The closer to home the better. This makes transportation more manageable, but it also means that your child can meet friends who live nearby and chat with them after school and on weekends.

The main benefits your child will get from International Schools

There are undoubtedly many advantages to studying in international schools. Its strength lies not only in the implementation of curricula that are better adapted to the demands of the modern labor market and a globalized society, but also in a multicultural environment. Below we list the most important benefits of studying in international schools.

1. International curricula

International schools offer education in accordance with foreign curricula. However, many of them combine elements of more than one system, for example, a curriculum based on the Polish core, enriched with elements of the British, American and other systems. Such training programs are often much better suited to the demands of the global labor market.

A particularly interesting option is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which prepares children for an international diploma. Its goal is a comprehensive education focused not only on expanding knowledge and skills (both academic and “soft” – communicative or social), but also on personal development and the formation of an attitude of tolerance, understanding and responsibility.

Poland also has private high schools offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These courses were created by the Council of Colleges, the American association of numerous US universities and schools that also administer the SAT. The AP program aims to transfer certain knowledge.

There are 38 subjects to choose from, including art history, biology, chemistry, psychology, music theory and others. It is an ideal choice for those students who want to gain in-depth knowledge in a specific field. Another big advantage is that some AP courses are recognized by prestigious universities in the US and Canada (including Harvard and Stanford). Thanks to this, you can significantly reduce costs and reduce training time. AP exams also make it easier to enter these countries.

2. Learning languages

Since classes in international schools are conducted in a foreign language (usually English), they provide exceptional opportunities for the development of language skills. These schools also offer a wide range of additional language courses: French, German and Spanish, as well as languages ​​less popular in Poland, such as Japanese. Knowledge of languages ​​is confirmed by appropriate certificates, respected all over the world, which is a great advantage in the labor market.

Both public and private schools with international classes are also required to teach Polish. This gives foreigners the opportunity to expand their communication skills, learn more about the culture and adapt to Polish society. It also ensures that children from Poland who attend an international class or school do not lag behind in learning their mother tongue, as well as Polish geography and history, because these lessons are mandatory for them.

3. Own grading system

International schools use not only foreign curricula, but also the assessment systems used in other countries. They are often more motivating and less stressful for children and adolescents than the classical system (scale from 1 to 6) used in Poland. It should be remembered that in primary schools, including international ones, children must take the Polish language exam in the 8th grade.

4. International environment

One of the biggest benefits of studying in an international school is the multicultural environment. Students get to know other cultures. Through this, they develop the ability to collaborate with people of different characteristics, customs and cultural norms. They also learn tolerance, mutual respect, empathy and understanding of others – their behavior, motivation, aspirations and values. This environment helps to shape the world’s citizens who will feel comfortable wherever they are.

5. Greater opportunities in the labor market

Graduating from an international school increases opportunities in the global labor market. This is especially true of the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate program. The IB diploma is recognized by most foreign universities, and employers are very positive about it.

A diploma from an international school allows a graduate to stand out and testifies to a high level of knowledge and competence, which gives its holder a significant advantage over graduates of ordinary schools.

6. A wide range of extracurricular activities.

International schools are not only interesting international academic programs. They also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that include foreign language lessons, sports and art activities such as music, art, dance, and photography.

The wide range of these activities allows students to develop their interests, build their curiosity about the world and teach them a systematic approach to acquiring skills and achieving goals. Thanks to this, the student of the international school has the opportunity to acquire general and professional knowledge, as well as to develop socially and emotionally.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Qatar is a small state located in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Characterized by a high standard of living, in the 2012 ranking, it ranked first in the world in average per capita income. The main source of income for Qatar is the export of oil and gas, the rest is the service sector. The overwhelming majority of the citizens of this state (as well as of other states in the region) profess Sunni Islam, which determines the way of life characteristic of most Muslim countries.

Knowing the approximate figures of the monthly income of the Qataris, many make a simple, but not entirely correct conclusion about life in this Arab state. The opinion of outside observers is: “Qatar is an ideal country, almost a paradise.” However, the first impression is far from complete. The nuances should be understood in more detail.

The standard of living in Qatar, his salary in 2021 allow literally every resident of the country to live comfortably. Prices in Qatar are in line with local salaries.

Doha is slated to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Many projects are being implemented to build 12 stadiums, increase the number of hotels and their size, and modernize the transport system. Only the road network is going to make a contribution of $ 20 billion!

There is also a plan to build a new city that will house 200,000 people.

However, the situation with migrants is different. An interesting fact is that the per capita income in Qatar is $ 88,000. But at the same time, the annual salaries of builders at the already mentioned stadiums do not exceed 2-3.5 thousand. This is for 6 working days a week, 15 hours a day!

The secret is that upon arrival in the country, workers renegotiate contracts, part with the promised monthly salary of $ 500, free housing, and food.

They subscribe to new conditions: salaries of up to $ 200 a month (due to the deduction of the amount for room and board).

Accordingly, the standard of living of immigrants differs significantly from that of a native resident. Therefore, do not rush to immigrate and obtain Qatari citizenship, take care of a good job and a high salary.

There are two ways to prevent the above-described surprises:

• Enlist the support of an experienced international lawyer.
• The most well versed in matters of jurisprudence, know the Arabic language.

The positive sides of life in Qatar

The obvious advantages of living in Qatar include the following:

• High level of remuneration. True, one clarification needs to be made here – the level of wages is high either for local residents or for narrowly demanded specialists. For an immigrant without special skills working in the service sector, the salary will be 400-600 US dollars, while a Qatari citizen in the same position will receive at least three times more.
• Safety. Qatar is one of the quietest countries in the region; terrorists are only talked about in foreign news. Crime is at a very low level, you can calmly walk at night not only in the center of the capital, but also on the outskirts of the city. And this despite the relatively small (compared to the total number of residents) the number of representatives of the security agencies.
• Sights. The state is rich in unique architectural structures. The capital of Qatar, Doha, is itself a masterpiece of building art. It surprisingly combines unsightly two-storey buildings and skyscrapers mesmerizing the spirit. You can get an unforgettable experience from visiting a local amusement park, a zoo, unique for the climate and desert area; an aesthetic pleasure will be given to a tour of the National Museum of Qatar. However, it is necessary to clarify that none of the above can be photographed, since this action is prohibited by law (in relation to attractions, as well as police and military facilities).

Negative sides of life in Qatar

Unfortunately, there are also plenty of downsides in this country. The main disadvantages of the country are:

• By the appearance of the terrain, the entire territory of Qatar is a desert. The weather is also not very diverse – dry and hot gives way to very hot and very dry. So a person who does not tolerate the heat will not stay in this country for health reasons;
• Life in the country is very expensive. If the employer does not provide housing and food to the immigrant, then coming to Qatar on a work visa will practically lose its meaning.
• Qatar, in contrast to the same UAE, is a rather radical Islamic state. Associated with this are a bunch of prohibitions for residents and immigrants. For example, if a visiting worker is caught in a “not very sober state”, deportation to their historical homeland will follow within a very short time. Stricter restrictions apply to the month of Ramadan, when the consumption of any food or smoking in public places is prohibited;
• Strict conditions of the working contract. If a person from the post-Soviet space wants to go to work and live in Qatar, then he must be ready to work for two. The fact is that local employers are “sponsors” of visitors, paying for the flight to the country and the execution of all the necessary documents. For Indians or Filipinos, it is common practice to renegotiate employment contracts with unenviable conditions (for example, with a salary of two hundred dollars instead of six hundred). You must also be prepared for such a turn of events. Until recently, it was not legally allowed to leave the country without the written consent of the employer. Also, the contractor is prohibited from looking for another job during the entire duration of the primary contract (in most cases, it is two years).
• Problems with obtaining citizenship. It is extremely difficult to obtain Qatari citizenship for an immigrant. If the issue of obtaining a long-term work visa or even a residence permit can be resolved, then serious difficulties will arise with full citizenship. Firstly, the applicant will be required to live in Qatar for at least 20 years (if the applicant is Arab, then 15 years). Secondly, the applicant must have legal sources of income and no complaints from law enforcement agencies. And thirdly, the immigrant must pass the Arabic language proficiency test.

Education in Qatar

The education system in Qatar is managed and supervised by the Supreme Council for Education (SEC) and (MOEHE). The SEC is responsible for overseeing independent schools, while the Ministry of Education is responsible for supporting private schools. Formal schooling officially began in 1956. Primary education is compulsory for every child and is free in public schools.

Education in Qatar is very diverse and several schools present different international curricula. There are about 150 international schools in the country. Several prestigious universities from around the world have subsidiary campuses in the country in Education City and in the suburbs of the capital Doha.

International educational institutions in Qatar

In Qatar, there is a large number of private and international schools. Most expats and some Qataris choose to send their children to these schools. These schools (and curricula) include Qatar Academy (IB World School), Doha College (UK Curriculum), Doha American School, Gulf English School (UK / IB curriculum), Doha Academy, Doha English Speaking School (UK Primary program), The International School of Choueifat, The Cambridge School, Dukhan School of English, Park House English School, Compass International School, Qatar International School (British Curriculum for England), MES Indian School and Ideal Indian School (CBSE). Modern English School, Philippine School Doha, Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha, Middle East International School, Sherborne Qatar (British Curriculum), and Mesaid International School.

Vision International School in Al Wakrah will offer the American PreK-12 classroom curriculum. It opened in September 2014.

According to January 2015, the International Schools Consultancy (ISC) has contributed 147 international schools to Qatar. ISC defines an “international school” as the following – “ISC includes an international school if the school offers a curriculum for any combination of preschoolers, elementary or high school students, in whole or in part in English outside of an English speaking country, or if the school is in the country, where English is one of the official languages, offers a curriculum in English that is different from the country’s national curriculum and is international in orientation.”

Let’s now review some of the best international schools in Qatar, to make it easy for you and your kids in choice. But first let’s see what kind of international schools and curriculums can Qatar offer you.

International school programs and certificates in Qatar

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Some consider the International Baccalaureate program to be an international educational standard. This is largely due to the fact that it is a structured academic, comprehensive program that focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and writing. In addition, their attentiveness to service projects is recognized worldwide for its rigor.

The curriculum includes mathematics, science, arts, literature, and language. Upon graduation from high school, students take a comprehensive exam to obtain a diploma. In Qatar, 17 schools offer IB.

International GCSE (IGCSE)

The UK Curriculum International Certificate of General Secondary Education is widely popular in international schools. Divided into three stages that culminate in A-level certification, students can use them in their university applications.

IGCSE is very convenient for parents of students who intend to study in the UK or the British Commonwealth. Students take courses in English and Literature, Foreign Language, Mathematics and Science.

After the first two years of high school, students take the IGCSE exam, usually through the Cambridge International Examination Board. Over the past two years, they have taken A-Level exams in several areas of study, and these results are key to university admission. For this reason, many expatriate parents find continuing education within the British system in Qatar and a British university very convenient.

American High School Diplomas and Advanced Placement The American educational model divides education into elementary, middle, and high school. However, it is generally much less structured than other programs.

Reputable students take the required exams and receive a diploma. They usually study social studies, mathematics, science, English, and a foreign language.

Some parents prefer American schools because they can offer Advanced Placement courses, which many American universities accept as college loans; as well as SAT preparation courses. For parents of students intending to study in the United States, this smoother transition is very attractive.

Compass International School Doha

Compass International School Doha is more than just a school. This is a thriving community where your child will become the best version of themselves and where your child will have no boundaries in what they achieve. Every child is encouraged to strive for learning and exceed expectations.

Each child is raised through individualized learning to develop self-confidence and develop into ambitious learners and strong performers. We understand the importance of developing social skills as well as academic excellence. Our students are encouraged to think independently and critically, to evaluate and make judgments for themselves and with their peers.

With 66 schools in 29 countries, Nord Anglia Education (NAE) has unique partnerships and connections with world-renowned institutions such as the Juilliard School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and UNICEF, which offer students a rich and innovative learning experience. help your child understand their future.

The Global Campus offers challenges, collaborations, and worldwide experiences that will bring many benefits to your child and stimulate their natural curiosity about learning.

Children ages 3-18 study at their four campuses in Doha: Themaid, Madinat Khalifa, Gharaffa, and Rayyan. Study programs offered on our campuses include the International Initial Curriculum, English National Curriculum, IGCSE, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, and A-level.

Doha British School

DBS is a vibrant, welcoming international school providing a first-class education that will enable all of their students to thrive in an increasingly dynamic global environment.

Their main goal is to ensure that every student gets the most out of DBS. This is based on their fundamental belief that all learners can, need, and want to achieve. The school aims to improve the educational level and life chances of students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, or disability. They fulfill their vision by creating an educational, fun, and social environment that supports modern teaching and learning practices.

The school strives to provide an inspiring, student-centered, and stimulating academic experience. The teachers are recruited for their knowledge, enthusiasm, enthusiasm, and their ability to communicate with students to ensure that each one is engaged, challenged, stretched out, and encouraged in the learning process.

They also strive to ensure that all of the students become considerate, selfless, and open-minded young people; that they are inquisitive and learn to ask questions, think critically, and work independently; that they respect the views and beliefs of others; that they are considerate and supportive of each other; that they are aware, reflective and willing to take risks.

These characteristics combine to create the student profile that exists in and out of Doha British School. Their standards and expectations are high. The teachers and support staff are great, and kids and young people are wonderful. They say if you want to understand DBS and the unique environment, you need to experience it.

Vision International School

Vision International School is a school developed by the International Schools Service (ISS) located in Al Wakrah, a close suburb of Doha, Qatar. The school opened in September 2014 and since then they have focused their efforts on creating a high-quality educational institution for a select group of parents who demand better education, environment, and school community for their sons and daughters.

They also boast a mix of highly trained and experienced staff, abundant resources and educational teaching tools, and a spacious and secure campus that includes a purpose-built building fully adapted to accommodate all students from early childhood through high school. The students represent over twenty nationalities from all over the world.

The school follows the American international curriculum: the educational standards are brought from the United States, as are many of the teachers and most of the teaching resources. The school’s curriculum is tailored to the culturally diverse needs of the students while demonstrating a strong commitment to lifelong learning and service.

They are passionate about what international education means to prepare future leaders for these difficult times. At VIS, they strive to create a community of caring, curious, critical thinking people who, in turn, will take advantage of what they learn and improve the world around them – wherever it is.

So Vision International School is a private school which is owned by the renowned Almuftah Group. The school is located in a modern, spacious and beautiful educational institution located in Al-Wakrah – a close suburb of Doha.

Classes 1 and above are unisexual. The school offers an American international curriculum alongside the Arabic language, Qatari history, and Islamic studies. The purpose-built campus including:

• An early childhood section for Pre-K and Kindergarten Elementary school for Grades 1-5;
• sections for boys and sections for girls Middle/High school for Grades 6-11;
• sections for boys and sections for girls;
• A full-size gymnasium, swimming pool, two cafeterias, well-equipped libraries, art, science, and music labs, and exciting play spaces in both shaded and air-conditioned settings
• A robust After School Activities program for all grades from KG1 and up

Teaching and Application at an International School in Qatar

In order to apply to an international school in Doha, the present time may be asked:

• Latest school report
• A copy of the report nursery (for young children)
• Copy of the passport
• Copy of Qatar Residence permit
• Passport photos
• vaccinations (for young children)
• Registration fee

Students may also be required to take cognitive ability tests (online) and/or take part in assessments (online or in-person). The ideal time to apply in schools is in January, if how would your child do in September. However, the waiting list for some schools can be up to 24 months. Tuition fees can vary depending on the school.

Is it worth sending your child to an international school in Qatar?

Qatar has one major city, Doha, where the majority of expats live. This reality, combined with the inaccessibility of public schools, means that an international school is one of the only viable options for expatriate children.

International schools are attractive because the students are different, from various countries and the staff is used to work with expats. In addition, it should be easier for your child to transition to your country’s education system. However, keep in mind that while some Qataris attend international schools, sending your child to one of them essentially means depriving them of a key institution for potential integration into Qatar.

Choosing the right international school for your child will depend on several factors. What language will your child learn? What curriculum makes sense for your family and your child’s future curriculum?

In addition, take time for the whole family to consider your child’s learning needs and, moreover, their extracurricular interests. When visiting different schools, raise them in conversation. However, keep the long waiting lists in mind when deciding where and when to apply. If you can, it might be a good idea to sit in the classroom to get an idea of ​​the dynamics of the class and the philosophy of teaching.