Education Options For The Expat Family After Covid-19

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Education Options For The Expat Family After Covid-19

Moving overseas with family is stressful, we all know that. Add in obstacles from a global pandemic and matters become even more complicated. For those who are still looking to make an international move soon, especially with children, the route is looking rough.

Written exclusively for Expat Network by Stephen Spriggs of William Clarence Education.

Outside the professional-related matters that require solving, a big issue for those in new countries is the education of their children. With schools closed and plans to reopen in disarray you may need to study the options open to your family.

The good news is that while the coronavirus has severely impacted school operations, it has also affected their admissions. Which has resulted in places available at prestigious British schools that would typically be fully booked at this point and admissions staff desperate to fill seats before the new term begins.

Therefore, for families considering a move to the UK, there are still great opportunities for admissions to schools for 2020 and beyond into 2021 and 2022. Education consultancies such as William Clarence Education are still taking on families looking for school placements right now with places at prestigious institutions open.”

Distance learning

The most likely form of education at the current time remains distance learning. With classroom doors shut most school have now made the transition, at least part, to online distance learning. Using software such as Zoom or Skype to maintain a teacher-student bond is the next best alternative to face-to-face teaching.

Plans for the reopening of schools are at different stages around the world but the one constant is internet-based classes. Check the situation of schools in your chosen area as early as possible, education consultancies will be able to offer expert advice on the best choice to match your requirements.

Private tuition

Much like schools the world of private tutors has faced massive challenges. Suddenly unable to visit students in their homes tutors have turned online, offering 1-1 tutoring through video chats. Tutors offer a personal touch to their teaching methods and possess the unique ability to hone down on subjects that a child is struggling with.

Tutors can work freelance or within agencies and often specialise in one specific subject area. Due to this you may wish to find a tutor to supplement the more traditional classroom learning or any other method of teaching you decide to use.

Home-schooling

If you are worried about the lingering impact of COVID-19, either the disease itself or the effect of measures schools have been placed under, you may wish to home-school. This is not the easiest form of education for you or the children as it can often be taxing on the family relationship and your professional life.

The key to a successful home-school environment is boundaries. Make sure there are clear times that separate when class is underway and study is required, compared to typical family time around the home. There is a limit on the amount of knowledge you can pass on, and with no training there may be times where acceptable teaching methods go out of the window. Therefore, home-schooling is best used as an additional form of education alongside one of the previous two routes.

Materials are available online to assist with lesson creation and education experts can also help ensure you are both in line with the curriculum and delivering lessons in a productive manner.

Whatever option you choose, be sure in the selection. There is uncertainty around every aspect of life right now, but a child’s education is a more important decision than most. It sets their life in motion. For help and support you can always turn to an education consultancy for more tailored advice.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.