For kids who have lived abroad and attended the international school in the previous year, this can be a joyous time of reuniting with friends and getting back into the swing of things. However, for students who have just moved abroad or changed schools, especially for the first time, this can be a stressful period for both student and parents.
To make the transition as easy as possible for both new students and those returning to their international school, there are many things you can keep in mind before and as the year starts fresh:
• Learn about any acceptance requirements early. The top international schools fill fast, and may even have a long waiting period, so as soon as you know of your relocation be sure to check with possible schools to see how your child can be enrolled.
• Once your child is set up and enrolled in classes, prepare for the first day by purchasing all back to school necessities. For those living on site, this may mean stocking up on a good number of essentials, but even those who will be attending a typical international school should be prepared to come with fresh notebooks, papers, and pencils, as well as any other teacher-specified equipment.
• If possible, ask if your child can visit the premises and speak with his or her teacher before classes begin. It is daunting enough having to attend a new school with new classmates and teachers, but if your child doesn’t know the way around it may cause even more problems. Of course, if your child is a returning student this should be much easier.
• Speak to your child. They will no doubt be worried about fitting in and doing well in the new environment. Reassure them and be available to listen, both before and after classes begin.
• Make sure they are clear on what is expected in terms of performance. It will be a lot to handle, but ensure your child will not be putting new friends above school work by speaking openly in terms of grades.
• This is a perfect opportunity for students to reinvent themselves. Breaking away from an old school and old country altogether means having the opportunity to redefine yourself. Whether that means making a goal to push for higher grades than in the past or working to make plenty of new friends, beginning classes at an international school can bring about good changes too. Give your child a positive outlook about beginning fresh!
While there are many similarities with beginning school abroad and beginning school locally, you will want your child to begin the school year as relaxed as possible. By following these pointers you will be sure your child is prepared to handle anything that comes his or her way.
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