Where does your money go?
There are a few reasons for the higher costs associated with an international school education. For a start, the teacher salaries are usually higher, and more often than not international schools pay their teachers expatriate compensation packages.
Secondly, the class sizes tend to be smaller than in local state schools, and so parents pay for the lower teacher pupil ratio. The location of international schools is usually in prime areas and consequently the price of the lease or rent on these school buildings tends to be higher.
In addition, the school facilities are often better than local schools; think about amenities such as sports grounds, health facilities, laboratories, libraries and technology. Some international schools are also finding it necessary to pay for additional security measures as the threat against expatriates in some parts of the world increases. Furthermore, the competition for international schools is fierce.
When you are researching schools to send your children to, ask the school board what happens to the fees paid to the school and the extent to which the money is reinvested to ensure facilities stay up to date.
Tuition Fees
The annual tuition fees of international schools can vary greatly within different regions and even in the same country. The more prestige and popularity associated with a particular school, the higher the financial burden for parents is likely to be. Regardless of location or reputation, the tuition fees will make up the bulk of the costs for an international school education.
However, what tuition fees actually cover will vary between schools. Some schools may include lunch and transportation by a school bus in the fees; others may include nothing extra at all.
Additional Costs
Some costs that you incur sending your children to an international school would also be applicable if your child went to a local or state school. This includes elements such as compulsory uniforms, sports clothes and equipment, transportation to and from school, the cost of meals, extra curricula activities, field trips and textbooks. However, the extent of these costs will differ greatly depending on your school choice.
If the international school offers boarding facilities, the costs will naturally be higher than for day pupils, and you need to enquire about the composition of the fees and the elements they cover.
If your child has special education needs these may be met with a personal tutor of a specially tailored program within an international school, but ask about any additional costs that may be involved to ensure you have a complete overview of the expected financial commitments.
Stretching the Financial Load
If you relocate overseas for work, ask your employer about their financial contribution to your child’s education. Make sure it is agreed and a part of your employment contract before you make the move abroad.
Depending on the school, it may offer a limited number of scholarships, dependent on the attainment of outstanding academic grades, or because a child excels in a particular field or extra-curricular activity. The school will determine your child’s eligibility through tests and you should be aware that the scholarship might not cover the total costs or entire duration of your child’s education at the school.
In some cases, financial aid may be available from the school to help parents meet total costs. Amounts offered are based on individual needs and dependent on the budget available to the school. Note that despite any financial aid you may be lucky enough to receive, you will still need to pay for a substantial part of the fees yourself.
Some schools offer reduced fees for second or multiple children from the same family, so ask for the school’s policy on this. Finally, to help meet the additional costs, there may be the option to buy uniforms, equipment and books second hand and asking around could save you a considerable amount.
Whilst international schooling is not a cheap option, the more understanding you have of the potential costs, the better you can financially plan for your children’s education.
Amanda van Mulligen
More Expat Resources
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