The benefits of multilingual education: How an International school in Thailand can prepare your child for a globalised world

Finding the right school for your children can often be challenging when there are so many to choose from. Everyone wants their children to succeed in life, but what opportunities will give them the best chances? Knowing exactly what you’re looking for will certainly narrow down the list of schools. We want to talk about multilingual education in international schools. If you are looking for a school in Thailand, there is no better educational setting for students to progress, and here are some of the reasons why:

• Students will master the global language and have access to much more opportunities throughout their lives, both internationally and at home 

• Students will study a world-class curriculum 

• Students will gain access to much better universities across the globe 

• Teachers will be guaranteed to have the appropriate internationally recognised qualifications  

• Students will have access to a plethora of extracurricular activities  

• There is access to knowledgeable advice about what steps to take in moving forward after leaving school 

• Students will be part of a diverse community and gain knowledge that helps them progress outside of their home country 

• Having access to teachers from around the world will help broaden their perspective and give them a real insight into understanding other countries and cultures 

• Students will gain much more than academic achievement 

• Students will have access to academic support programmes by highly qualified staff 

• The school’s facilities will be top of the range

Mastering the global language, what does this mean?

As we know, English is the global language (lingua franca). A good understanding of English will open doors to universities and careers across all sectors worldwide. Students who are fluent in English suffer less discrimination and will find far more opportunities than those who are not. In the modern world, English is far more than a language; it is a tool.

What curriculums do international schools teach?

Whereas public schools will offer a solely Thai curriculum, a multilingual international school is far more likely to have one that is world-class and follows the best educational standards. International schools are monitored closely by overseas governing bodies to ensure that the education delivered is the same quality as in places such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the US. Furthermore, the qualifications that a student ascertains in this environment will be recognised far and wide. For example, suppose the student is planning to work or study overseas. In that case, international schools give the opportunity to gain qualifications such as iGCSE or A-levels, which can be used to access higher education in most other countries. These qualifications open doors everywhere. If you’re unsure what qualifications are necessary for your or your child’s future plans, talk to the school directly, and they will be happy to give you sound guidance.

How does an international education affect university opportunities?

All universities are far more likely to accept students with globally recognised qualifications, as we mentioned above. A multilingual international education is the best choice if your child plans to study overseas. Not only do the qualifications help, but often, when applying to universities as a foreign student, it is customary to take an English proficiency test. So, with the package of high-class qualifications and multilingual background, students are far more likely to succeed and persevere than those without. Opportunities are plenty if the first steps are taken correctly.

Why are teachers better qualified in a international school?

International schools have standards to uphold that are set by the curriculum they teach. These curriculums are created in countries where teaching requires a very high level of education. Therefore, International schools are obliged only to hire the most qualified teachers, and there is no room for cutting corners. In public schools, a teacher can work without any higher education, so if you want a quality education, it is a good idea to go international. This will guarantee a much better quality of learning facilitated by experts.

What are extracurricular activities?

International schools pride themselves on extracurricular activities (ECA). These are additional subjects that a student can participate in outside of regular lesson hours. Extracurricular activities can be beneficial if a student has a passion that may not be covered in the curriculum. Often ECAs can come in a variety of subjects. Examples of ECAs are as follows: 

• Football 
• Swimming 
• Dance
• Orchestra
• Coding clubs
• Choir
• Yoga 
• Rock climbing 
• And many more…

Extracurricular activities can instil a sense of pride and satisfaction in students that standard education might sometimes not fulfil. In addition, they are a great way to maintain a child’s enthusiasm and create much tighter social bonds with other participating students. Therefore, it is highly recommended to choose a school with ECAs when looking for a school for your child in Thailand.

What can a multilingual international school do to guide my child moving forward?

As we have already mentioned, the faculty at an international school come highly trained and equipped with extensive knowledge in education. This is a great tool to utilise when a student is about to make those daunting steps into higher education (especially if it is overseas). Going to university can be scary, but with teachers who know precisely what they’re doing, students will get the emotional support and expert guidance they need. With the extra care given in a multilingual international school, no student is left to feel unsure or anxious about future possibilities.

How will an international school affect my child’s social life?

An international school will give students access to an understanding of other cultures from around the world. This has tremendous benefits in later life. Being surrounded by peers from different backgrounds will satisfy a child’s curiosity and help them develop socially and emotionally. Understanding and empathy are learnt naturally when your surroundings are diverse. The social networks they create can also help them in later life regarding business, travelling, and long-lasting friendships.

What are the other benefits of having international teachers?

International teachers will further develop a child’s understanding of the world, culture, and valuable life skills. They have a multitude of skills and knowledge that they can pass on to their students. They are highly qualified and well-travelled. This means they have the experience to support a child with valuable advice and information and give accurate answers to questions. Aspiring students need someone with life experience for the right sort of guidance.

What else does international education offer its students besides academic achievement?

International institutions are student centred and focus on big ideas. Whereas some schools primarily focus on repetition and ploughing through textbooks, international schools focus on transfer. By transfer, we mean that students will not only learn to pass an assessment but also learn to transfer their skills to real-life situations. In western education, there is a significant focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and esteem building that can sometimes be moved to the bottom of the list in Thai schools. These skills will make a student extraordinarily adaptable and versatile throughout their life in any career and future studies they pursue. They will also gain an understanding of sustainability, life skills, and incredible social skills that they can use to help create a better future for themselves and the world around them. Education goes beyond the classroom in international schools.

What academic support or student support programs do international schools offer?

Unlike public schools, multilingual international institutions offer students a wide range of support. They understand that every child is different and may require a different approach to learning. Academic support programs are designed for students who need extra assistance in their learning or require a different approach. This additional support can help a child flourish where they might struggle or be demonised in a public educational setting. Student support programs are there to help a child who might be struggling emotionally. International schools proudly invest in highly qualified and experienced psychologists, physicians, and counsellors who can support children’s mental growth and promote well-being across the school.

What are the facilities like at international schools?

International multilingual schools have the funding to provide the best facilities. These can range from swimming pools, football fields, and dance studios to fully equipped science labs, theatres, and music recording studios. Children will thrive in an environment with so much at their fingertips.

More advice on international schools in Thailand

If you need more advice on finding the right international school for your child in Thailand, Bangkok Prep is a leading international school in Bangkok that can answer any of your questions. At Bangkok Prep, you will find all of the top facilities, highly trained staff, support programs and a world-class curriculum that we have mentioned throughout this article. We provide a caring and supportive environment that will help your child excel.