How to choose the right school abroad: tips and recommendations

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the key points of choosing a school for children studying abroad and conduct a comparative analysis of educational institutions in different countries.

Types of educational institutions

The first step is to decide which type of educational institution is right for you:

• Russian school;
• local with training in the country's language;
• international with the program in English.

This choice largely depends on the country you have moved to, as well as your long-term plans, including your desire to stay in that place.

Educational prospects

When choosing an educational institution, it is important to carefully consider the prospects for further education. It is necessary to find out in advance where and in what language the child can acquire professional skills. For example, in Montenegro, there are universities offering courses in tourism management.

However, for those who aspire to a career in information technology, the best option would be to choose an educational institution in another country, which requires knowledge of the English language and the skills acquired in an international school.

Difficulties of adaptation

If you expect your child to continue their education at a university in the country of residence, the best choice would be a quality local school where they can master the language and cultural nuances.

The significance of socialization

Adaptation to a new environment also plays an important role. The most comfortable transition will be provided by a Russian school, where the educational program will not differ significantly from the familiar one, and where other Russian-speaking children study.

Such schools can be found in major cities and capitals of various countries. There are also opinions that studying at a local school helps with quickly learning the language and making friends with local children. Often, children become a connecting link, which facilitates the integration of the whole family into a new cultural environment.

Financial aspects

Financial aspects are also important when choosing an educational institution abroad. The budget a family is willing to allocate for their children's education can vary considerably. Studying in international and Russian schools abroad can cost from 1,500 to 20,000 euros a year, and in some large cities, such as Dubai, these amounts can be even higher.

Nevertheless, in Turkey, Bulgaria, and Montenegro, there are state schools where children of foreign citizens can access primary and secondary education if they have a residence permit.

Distance learning

Distance and online learning are also becoming increasingly in demand. Some parents who have moved to another country may decide that their child will study simultaneously in both a local and an international school while still remaining within the Russian school system. This approach is possible if you have the opportunity to organize home schooling in your home country.

Conclusion

Choosing an educational institution is a serious and responsible step that requires consideration of many factors. Understanding education, social aspects, and financial possibilities will help you make an informed choice for your child in a new country.

Independent learning for children

Your child can develop their knowledge independently by using a variety of educational materials or by seeking the services of tutors. The key point is to regularly monitor the assessment process, both in-person and remotely, at the school in Russia where you have enrolled your child.

Moreover, there are now many serious private online schools that offer the opportunity for distance learning, helping students improve their knowledge in specific subjects and prepare for exams.

Education in Russian abroad

In the world, there are many educational institutions offering instruction in Russian. For example, in Turkey, there are Russian schools in major cities such as:

• Ankara
• Istanbul
• Alanya
• Antalya

The tuition fees at these educational institutions vary: the minimum cost is approximately2500 eurosper year, the average price reaches around5000 eurosThe education in these institutions follows Russian educational standards; however, to obtain a certificate of secondary education or completion of studies, it will be necessary to take final exams in Russia.

Famous educational institutions

One of the well-known educational institutions is the Pushkin International School, located in the Sultanbeyli district of Istanbul. It offers instruction in:

• Russian language
• English
• Turkish language

Since 2014, a branch of a private school from the Moscow region called "Classica-M" has been actively operating in Alanya, located in the Kestel area. The country has a wide selection of international educational institutions, including:

• 67 accredited under the International Baccalaureate (IB) program
• 27 according to the standards of the Council of International Schools (CIS)

Tuition prices range from.1500 to 9000 eurosper year.

International schools in Turkey

According to Aysun Tekce, the marketing director of Antalya Homes, most international schools are concentrated in Istanbul. Here, you can find a variety of educational institutions, including:

• Istanbul International Community School in Büyükçekmece
• German Alkev Private School
• MEF International School in Bahcesehir
• Manara Canadian Academy
• British Tarabya British School (TBS)
• Sainte-Pulchérie French High School in Beyoğlu

In Ankara, there is the Oasis International School in Gölbaşı, Bilkent Laboratory & International School (BLIS), and the school affiliated with the British Embassy.

Educational institutions in Antalya and Alanya

In Antalya, there are various educational institutions, such as:

• ICCA (International Community College)
• TED College
• several Istek institutions

In Alanya, there are TED College, Yedi Bilim in Oba, and Doga College in Tosmur. Many foreign parents choose the American Cultural College, where classes are conducted in both English and Turkish. Schools located in the Bahcesehir area, as well as Öhep educational institutions, have a good reputation.

Conditions of education in private schools

In private schools, classes tend to be small, with class sizes not exceeding the15 studentsRegardless of your child's place of residence, a transfer from home to school and back will be organized for them for an additional fee.

Anastasia Kezik, the marketing director at Alanya Property Sales, advises to enroll in the chosen educational institution in advance, as there may be no available spots during the summer months, such as July and August. Private schools usually announce the tuition fees for the next academic year in January-February.

If you contact an educational institution in advance, there is a possibility of receiving a discount of 15-20% on the study programs, as well as discussing the terms of an installment plan for a year. For students who demonstrate outstanding academic results, there is a chance to receive significant benefits — discounts on tuition can reach up to 75% in some educational institutions, starting from school classes.

In addition to Russian and international schools, there are also free general education institutions that can accept foreign children with a residence permit and propiska. At the same time, it should be taken into account that when enrolling in private educational institutions in Turkey, a residence permit is not required. Moreover, the possibility of enrolling in such schools can serve as a basis for a simplified residence permit for the whole family.

Summer courses and admission

Municipal schools usually offer summer courses where children from other countries have the opportunity to learn basic Turkish language skills. Before enrolling a child in an educational institution, it is necessary to make an appointment with the local department of the Ministry of Education, which operates in all major cities and popular resorts in Turkey.

I will need to gather a number of necessary documents, including:

• passport;
• notarized translation of the birth certificate;
• transfer of the certificate for the last school year for students in intermediate grades;
• a transfer letter from the previous school.

If the child is with one parent, a translation of the power of attorney from the other parent will also be required, as well as copies of the passports and residence permits of both the parent and the child for public schools.

Tips on moving and education

If you are considering moving to a country on a permanent basis, it would make sense to enroll your child in a Turkish school.Children learn languages easily, and speaking the language of the country of residence makes many aspects of daily life much easier," says Specialist Kezik.

In Bulgaria, there is a single Russian-speaking educational institution located in Sofia at the Russian embassy. This institution organizes education according to Russian educational standards, and upon completion of the course, a corresponding certificate is issued.

Bilingual schools in coastal cities

In coastal cities, there are no Russian schools; however, there are bilingual educational institutions where the primary language of instruction is Bulgarian, and Russian is used as a supplementary language. These private schools charge tuition fees ranging from 300 to 350 euros per month. If you pay for the entire academic year, you can expect a discount. The "Little Prince" school in Varna is particularly popular, with many families from the CIS sending their children there.

Admission to public schools

If parents obtain a residence permit in Bulgaria, their children can study in local public schools. Education in such institutions is free of charge and is conducted in Bulgarian. In order to enter, for example, the 6th grade, it is necessary to have a certificate of completion of the 5th grade, previously translated into Bulgarian.

Evgenia Prokazova, the sales manager at Bulgaria Avenue, emphasizes that often the quality of education in public schools surpasses that of private institutions, making them attractive to many parents who seek to provide their children with a decent education.

Choosing an educational institution after the fourth grade

After completing the fourth grade, parents are presented with a new opportunity to choose an educational institution for their child, based on various fields of study such as natural sciences, humanities, arts, or music.

According to an expert in this field, the enrollment process in schools is carried out based oncompetitive selectionwhich depends on a variety of factors, including place of residence, social status, and exam results.

It should be noted that after the fourth and seventh grades, students go throughcertificationAttending preparatory courses at a chosen educational institution can provide children with additional advantages, if desired.

Tips from specialists

Specialist Evgenia warns about the risks of buying real estate near a certain school, noting:“The child may not get into this institution. Moreover, the interests of parents and children may change over time.”.

If the goal is to obtain a quality education, it's worth paying attention to the city.Varna, which has become since 2017the youth capital of BulgariaThis city is home to seven universities and numerous international educational institutions.

Education in Montenegro

As for Montenegro, there are also several wonderful private Russian schools here, such as:

• “Compass”in Sveti Stefan (the tuition is 400 euros per month),
• Dukley Academyon the Zavala peninsula in Budva (600 euros per month),
• Adriatic Collegelocated also in Budva (600 euros per month).

Students of the first two institutions receivediplomas of Russian standardWhile graduates of Adriatic College receive diplomas of Montenegrin standard, the instruction is conducted in Russian. There is an international school in the Kotor region.Arcadia Academywhere classes are conducted in English, and the cost of education is 12,000 euros per year. Additionally, there are several more international schools opened in Tivat and Podgorica.

Opportunities for foreign citizens

For foreign citizens who haveresidence permitin Montenegro, availablefree state educational institutionswhere the training is conducted in Montenegrin. Svetlana Barina, the deputy director of Montbel, believes that this is the perfect choice for those who plan to stay in the country for a long time.

Tatiana Artamonova, a real estate consultant from Mercury Group, emphasizes the advantages of private institutions as they offer a variety of additional activities, including sports sections. In private schools, classes for children run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while in public institutions, lessons end at 12:00 PM, leaving parents to manage their children's leisure time on their own. Private educational establishments typically have small classes, not exceeding ten students, which allows teachers to give more attention to each child.

Education in Cyprus

In Cyprus, many Russians and citizens from CIS countries, when moving to the island, choose Russian schools for their children.

Educational institutions in Cyprus

Real estate consultant representing Mercury Group in Cyprus, Dilshod Akhmedov, emphasizes that educational institutions on the island offer a high level of education that meets the standards of the Russian educational system. In these schools, where instruction is primarily conducted in Russian, significant attention is also given to English. This creates additional opportunities for students. The average price for a year of study in international educational institutions ranges from3000 to 7000 euros.

International schools in Limassol

Cyprus is famous for its many international schools, among which the most respected ones are located in Limassol. In particular, schools such as:

• Foley's School
• Heritage School
• Pascal School in Nicosia
• Grammar School in Limassol
• American Academy
• International School in Paphos

These establishments have a reputation as the most prestigious and expensive on the island.

State schools for foreign children

Children of foreigners who have obtained residency can enroll in local public schools that are located near their residence. However, it is important to keep in mind that classes in these institutions are conducted in Greek.

Education in the United Arab Emirates

Now let's focus on educational institutions in the United Arab Emirates, especially in Dubai. Currently, the only establishment that offers education according to Russian standards isRussian International Schoollocated in the eastern part of Dubai in the Deira area, in the Al Muhaisnah community. This school has been operating since 1996 and offers a program that combines the educational standards of Russia and the UAE. In addition to the core subjects, students study:

• Arabic language
• the culture of the UAE
• ethical education

Some subjects in high school are taught in English.

The cost of education at the Russian International School

The annual tuition fee at the Russian International School is about25,000-30,000 dirhams(approx.6800-8000 US dollars), which is quite attractive compared to other educational institutions in Dubai. It is important to note that this amount already includes expenses for textbooks and uniforms, so the only remaining issue is transportation costs. If necessary, the school bus can provide transportation services for students, and the cost of this service is about8000 dirhamsApproximately2180 US dollars(in a year).

Competition among international schools in the Emirates

In the Emirates, there is a wide selection of international schools — there are more than150Evgenia Rapaport, a real estate consultant in the UAE from Mercury Group, notes that the high competitiveness among educational institutions forces them to maintain a high level of education quality, as the school's reputation directly affects the number of students and, consequently, the tuition fees and gross income of the educational institution. The Minister of Education regularly monitors educational institutions in Dubai and compiles corresponding rankings. The results of inspections lead to evaluations that can vary from“excellent”to"unsatisfactory"and only a few schools end up in the lower categories.

Schools with high ratings

Among the educational institutions that have achieved high rankings, the following can be highlighted:

• Repton School Dubai - 73,932 dirhams (about 20,150 US dollars per year)
• Dubai English Speaking School - 39,681 dirhams (which is equivalent to 10,812 US dollars per year)
• Dubai English Speaking College - 72,479 dirhams (about 19,800 US dollars per year)
• Gems Dubai American Academy - 73,725 dirhams (approximately 22,000 US dollars per year)

These are just some of the institutions that deserve attention.

Education in Dubai

Dubai has many educational institutions with high ratings, among which GEMS World Academy and JSS Private School stand out. Tuition at GEMS World Academy will cost parents 77,064 dirhams, which is approximately 21,000 dollars a year, while the cost at JSS Private School is 17,807 dirhams or about 4,900 dollars a year. A complete list of educational institutions can be found on the KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) website.

The cost of education in international schools in Dubai ranges from $4,000 to $35,000 per year. This factor must be taken into account when choosing an educational institution for a child. It is important to remember that foreign citizens can only study in the UAE on a paid basis. A resident visa is required to enroll in any educational institution.

Before enrolling a child in school, they may be offered a paid assessment to help determine the best class for their education. For example, if a student completed fifth grade in their home country, jumping straight into sixth grade in a new educational system may not be the most suitable option.

Education in Portugal

As for Portugal, there are also several schools with Russian-language education, but only two of them offer full educational programs – the First Slavic School and the educational institution at the Russian embassy, both located in Lisbon. The First Slavic School, founded in 2004, provides complete secondary education based on the curricula of the Ministry of Education of Russia and Ukraine.

• Various options for the educational process are available at this school:
• Daily (from 200 euros per month)
• Saturday (from 70 euros per month)
• Distance learning

Graduates of this school have the opportunity to continue their education at universities both in Russia and Ukraine, as well as in European countries.

The school located at the embassy offers educational programs exclusively for migrant children from Russia, including classes only from first to fourth grade. Education here is provided both in-person and remotely.

Additional educational opportunities

Alexandra Taranova, a real estate specialist in Portugal from Mercury Group, notes that in various cities across the country, there are many additional schools operating on Saturdays and Sundays. In these institutions, children can learn Russian and Ukrainian languages, as well as participate in various clubs and activities.

• Prominent among such institutions are:
• Sunday early development school at the International Christian Cultural Center "Pokrov" in Albufeira
• Parish school at the Cathedral of Lisbon
• Children's center "Clouds" in Porto
• Training center "Matryoshka" in Oeiras

Some Russian emigrants give preference to international schools where education is conducted in English, American, German or French. The cost of education in such institutions ranges from 4,000 to 20,000 euros per year. Some of Portugal's international schools are considered the most prestigious. For example, Colégio Luso-Francês in Porto offers education for 300-450 euros per month and ranks 13th in the ranking of the best schools in the country.

Conclusion

So, choosing a school for your child is a significant step that requires careful consideration and evaluation of various factors. It's important to take into account not only language education and cost but also the potential opportunities that may open up for your child in the future. Personally, I believe that each family should make a decision based on their unique circumstances and priorities.

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of schools

Russian schoolcan be an excellent starting point for adaptation during the move, helping the child to protect themselves and their identity in a new cultural environment. However, in addition to this, the benefits of local schooling should not be overlooked - not only will the child learn the language faster here, but he or she will also integrate into the new environment.

Budget

The budget certainly plays a key role when choosing an educational institution abroad. There are many diverse options available:

• Free public education
• Dear international schools

I strongly encourage parents to research the school environment and enroll early to avoid stress and embarrassment in the future.

Modern alternatives

It is also worth paying attention to modern alternatives, such asremoteandonline learningwhich are becoming increasingly popular. This approach maintains the connection to Russian academic standards while providing the opportunity to participate fully in the life of the new country.

Overview of opportunities in different countries

Every country that offers schools for foreign children has its unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, in Turkey, where Russian schools are present in the largest cities, there is an opportunity to study both Russian and the local language, which is an important aspect for future integration.

Main priority

Regardless of all these factors,main priorityYou should always focus on your child. Make sure that the school you choose is suitable for your child, meets their needs, and creates a comfortable educational environment where they can realize their potential. By making an informed decision, you will help your child not only adapt successfully but also achieve success in their chosen career.