A Guide to Overseas Education for Students and Families
Studying abroad offers a unique and enriching experience at any stage of life – whether you're a young child just starting to learn your ABCs or an adult pursuing a post-secondary degree. It allows you to open the door to new academic and career opportunities while immersing yourself in a new culture and broadening your global perspective.
If you're considering studying abroad or relocating overseas with school-aged children, it's important to understand how the local education system works.
In this article, we’ll explore key insights into international education and provide valuable resources to help you navigate academic opportunities for learners of all ages. Whether you're planning your own academic journey or supporting your children through theirs, we’ve got you covered.
Studying abroad offers a unique and enriching experience at any stage of life – whether you're a young child just starting to learn your ABCs or an adult pursuing a post-secondary degree. It allows you to open the door to new academic and career opportunities while immersing yourself in a new culture and broadening your global perspective.
If you're considering studying abroad or relocating overseas with school-aged children, it's important to understand how the local education system works.
In this article, we’ll explore key insights into international education and provide valuable resources to help you navigate academic opportunities for learners of all ages. Whether you're planning your own academic journey or supporting your children through theirs, we’ve got you covered.
Sending Your Child to an International School
Moving to a new school can be challenging for any child, whether they’re in kindergarten, elementary school, or high school. However, when you add a new culture and language into the mix, the transition can become even more daunting.
This is why many expat families choose to enroll their children in international schools, which provide a familiar academic environment that helps ease the transition to life abroad.
In many countries, international schools offer a competitive – or even higher – standard of education than local public schools. Beyond academics, they can also play a key role in supporting your child’s mental health and well-being, providing a stable environment during a time when adjusting to a new culture can be stressful.
Many international schools also offer instruction in multiple languages. If your child speaks a widely spoken language such as English, Mandarin, Hindi, or Spanish, they can continue their education in their native tongue while learning the local language.
This bilingual approach not only eases the transition but also broadens students' global perspectives and boosts their academic and social confidence.
How to Choose an International School
Selecting the right international school is crucial for your child’s academic success and overall well-being.
When evaluating schools, parents should consider the following key factors:
- Curriculum and Accreditation – Does the school offer an internationally recognized program such as the IB (International Baccalaureate) or British A-Levels?
- Extracurricular Activities – Are there opportunities for sports, arts, and social engagement?
- Cultural Diversity – How diverse is the student body, and does the school support cultural integration?
International School Tuition Costs
It’s important to note that a top-quality education often comes with a higher price tag. International school tuition fees can be substantial and vary by region.
Below is a snapshot of median annual fees in different cities as of 2024 (according to the International Schools Database):
- New York City: $45,950
- Beijing: $36,799
- Shanghai: $33,777
- San Francisco Bay Area: $31,880
- Zurich: $30,701
- London: $22,725
- Toronto: $21,861
- Milan: $14,288
- Bangkok: $13,287
- Copenhagen: $5,143
When considering tuition, it’s essential to evaluate the value your child will receive in return. Look at factors such as course offerings, classroom sizes, teacher experience, and other important elements to ensure you make the best choice for your child’s education.
Read More: How to Choose the Right International School
Attending University or Getting a Masters Degree Abroad
Studying abroad for a semester or an academic year is a great way to gain international exposure. However, this is not the same as uprooting your entire life to complete a university degree in a foreign country.
For instance, an American student who participates in a one-semester study abroad program in Italy will not have the same experience as a student who permanently enrolls at an Italian university. The key difference is that full-time students at Italian universities are expected to speak Italian.
For some students, this presents an incredible opportunity for immersion, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of a foreign language’s cultural context. This can help them appreciate local customs and the subtleties of communication.
Ultimately, studying abroad as a full-time international student can significantly enrich your education and allow you to build meaningful connections with peers and professors.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Studying Abroad
You can gain valuable international experience by attending a university or graduate program full-time.
If you’re considering earning a degree abroad, start by researching schools with the best programs in your field of interest and look for options that offer financial aid, such as study abroad scholarships.
Depending on your home country, you might also be eligible for financial aid to study abroad. For example, American students who want to study overseas are eligible for financial aid through the U.S. Department of Education.
Be sure to research local financial aid programs and check whether they allow you to use the funding in a different country.
Top Global Universities by Discipline
Some foreign universities are highly regarded for specific fields of study, offering specialized programs that are recognized worldwide.
Whether you're looking to pursue a career in the arts, business, or technology, selecting the right university can play a key role in shaping your academic and professional future.
It's important to carefully research the programs, faculty, and resources offered by these institutions to ensure they align with your goals.
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, the following universities are among the best for various disciplines:
- Liberal Arts and Humanities: University of Toronto, Canada
- Business and Economics: Tsinghua University, China
- Computer Science: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Engineering: National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Law: University of Melbourne, Australia
- Physical Sciences: ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Psychology: University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
These universities not only provide excellent academic opportunities but also offer students the chance to be part of a diverse and dynamic learning environment, helping them to thrive both personally and professionally.
Understanding Student Visas and Work Permits
If you plan to study abroad, you will likely need a student visa. Each country has its own regulations regarding student visas, work permits, and residency requirements.
You can read more about this in our article on Visas for Living and Traveling Abroad, which includes some of the most popular study destinations.
When applying for a student visa, you will typically need to provide the following:
- Proof of enrollment at an accredited institution.
- Financial statements showing you can support yourself during your studies.
- Health insurance coverage, depending on the country.
- A valid passport that extends beyond the duration of your study program.
- English language proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) for certain countries.
Health Insurance for International Students
Many countries require international students to have valid health insurance before granting a student visa. The type of coverage needed depends on the country you are studying in, so it's important to check this well in advance.
Some universities and study-abroad programs offer their own student health plans. However, you may need to purchase private international health insurance if your school’s plan does not meet visa requirements.
To avoid any delays in your visa application, it’s essential to research and secure the appropriate coverage before arriving in your destination country.
You can read more about this in our article on student insurance, which outlines the specific insurance requirements for popular study destinations and explores various international student health plans and what they cover.
Learning a New Language Abroad
Whether you dream of learning Spanish in Barcelona or Madrid, Italian in Florence or Rome, or French in Paris, there are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in a new language abroad.
The Benefits of Learning a New Language Abroad
Learning a new language in a country where it’s spoken can significantly speed up language acquisition.
Engaging with the language every day reinforces vocabulary and grammar, and improves comprehension. It can also provide valuable insight into local customs, traditions, and lifestyles, helping you better understand the culture.
This experience challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, making you more flexible, open-minded, and adaptable to different social norms and cultural practices.
Moreover, when the time comes to enter the workforce, being bilingual or multilingual can give you a competitive edge in the global job market.
The Best Ways to Learn a Language While Living Abroad
Language learning apps like Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and Duolingo are excellent for casual learners who want to pick up basic words and phrases at their own pace. However, they often lack the depth of personalized instruction many learners need.
Hiring a language tutor can offer a more comprehensive, tailored learning experience. Tutors do more than teach vocabulary – they help you master intonations, tones, and cultural nuances, guiding you to speak in a way that native speakers will truly understand.
Joining a group class is a great way to learn while making new friends and building connections. If you prefer a structured curriculum, you can enroll in one of the top global language schools in your destination country or find a one-on-one tutor to work with privately.
To keep costs low, you might want to consider hiring a college student as your tutor. Language tutoring is a great side gig for students who want to work a few hours a week, and it offers a flexible, informal learning environment that can be ideal for expats.
Another option is to search for language MeetUps in your area. Most international cities host events where expats can practice their language skills in a relaxed, social setting. You can also find Facebook groups that help you connect with others and continue learning in an informal way.
Read More: Finding a Language Tutor Abroad
Free and Low-Cost Learning Apps and Online Courses for Foreigners
For expats and their families, virtual learning tools offer flexibility and access to global education while living abroad.
Whether you're looking to advance your career, gain new skills, or continue your education, there are countless online courses and training programs available to help.
For example, vocational training courses provide practical skills and certifications for specific careers, such as culinary arts or trades like plumbing and automotive repair.
Many universities also provide online degree programs in fields like business administration or computer science, allowing expats to further their education from anywhere in the world.
In addition, workshops and short courses offer intensive training on specific topics, from first aid certification to creative skills like photography and graphic design.
As mentioned earlier, language courses can be particularly valuable for expats looking to integrate into a new culture. Many also offer recognized certifications, such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which can enhance career and educational opportunities.
Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning provide flexible scheduling and a range of price options, making it easier for expats to pursue education while balancing work and family responsibilities.
These platforms are especially useful for those returning to school later in life, as they allow learners to set their own pace and study at their convenience.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Studying Abroad
No matter your age or field of study, studying abroad is more than just an academic journey – it’s a life-changing experience that helps you grow both personally and professionally.
Immersing yourself in a new culture can boost your confidence, increase self-esteem, and make you a more independent and self-assured individual.
Whether you choose to study in Japan, Chile, France, England, Germany, South Africa, the USA, or beyond, each destination offers a unique opportunity to expand your worldview while earning a valuable education.
As you navigate new environments, overcome challenges, and gain deeper insights into yourself and the world, you'll find that studying abroad sets the stage for a lifetime of personal, academic, and career success.
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