When our family first thought about moving overseas, one thing we didn’t worry too much about was what type of school (and school curriculum) was the right fit for our kids. We were operating under the proviso that the only way my hubby would accept a role at an international school was that the kids would also go to the same school!
But after a few years on the circuit experiencing different types of schools (from full British where my 4-year old had to wear a tie, to a more relaxed fully international school where the kids can wear whatever trainers they like), and after talking to many digital nomad families who don’t work in international education, I’ve realised there’s a lot more to consider when choosing the right school for your kids!
Here are some of the main options to think about when deciding on the best curriculum and type of school for your family.
1. International Schools
What are they?
International schools are designed for expat, diplomatic, or internationally mobile families (or locals looking for an international education and English immersion).
A lot of international schools offer the IB (International Baccalaureate), British (IGCSE/A-Levels), American, Canadian, or even Australian school curricula.
Teaching is usually done in English and, depending on the location, students typically come from all over the world.
• Our first years overseas were in British curriculum schools. These offered clear stages (EYFS, Key Stages, IGCSE, A-Levels), and typically lots of assessment and structure. Although it wasn’t familiar for us (being Australian), lots of our British friends felt really comfortable in this environment because it replicated what they believed their kids would get if attending a school back in the UK.
• Later, we moved to a full international IB school. These schools typically offer a more inquiry-based learning mode which means cross‐disciplinary work across various subjects. There’s a greater emphasis on thinking, reflection and global citizenship (though all schools obviously differ).
Pros & cons
Pros
Because international schools usually follow globally recognised curricula, transitions when moving can be smoother for many families.
You’re likely to get classmates from many nationalities which can offer kids a great perspective (ask your prospective school about student body diversity).
There is typically good support for expat families.
Cons
International schools can be very expensive if you’re covering full fees yourselves.
Your kids may struggle to adapt if the style of learning is significantly different to your home country.
Depending on the school, you may experience lots of staff and student turnover, which can be challenging for some kids.
2. Bilingual Schools
What are they?
These schools use the local curriculum (or a modified version) with some international elements. For example, instruction in English plus the local language, and some international pedagogies mixed in (again, depending on each school). These schools are sometimes called “national plus” in Asia, or bilingual schools in Latin America, Africa, and Europe.
What we’ve heard
From friends who have taught and sent their kids to these schools, we’ve heard they offer much stronger immersion in the local language and culture, which can be a big plus especially with younger kids.
But they’re not as well-resourced as high fee paying international schools. So sometimes resources aren’t as impressive - and the teaching body is more likely to be made up of local teachers (which isn’t a bad thing - but something to be aware of) than international teachers.
Pros & cons
Pros
Strong local cultural and language connection.
Fees are cheaper than full international schools.
Good option if you plan to stay in one country long-term or want your kids to integrate more locally.
Cons
Local curriculum standards can vary - could make it challenging if/when your family moves again.
Potentially fewer subject choices and less rigour academically than you’re used to.
May be less diversity in student body (e.g., predominantly local) which can be challenging for some kids, especially teens.
3. Homeschooling & Worldschooling
What is it?
• Homeschooling: This is when parents (or private tutors) teach kids at home. Curriculum may be parent-designed, online, or follow national or international standards.
• Worldschooling: This is a lifestyle choice where education happens through travel (lots of social media influencers who live as digital nomads choose this option). It’s focused on local experiences, using the world as a classroom. (Here's how the word worldschooling originated!)
What I’ve heard
Homeschooling gives tremendous flexibility (schedule, content, pace) which is great if you’re looking to travel. And it also brings closeness as a family. But it demands a lot in terms of planning, discipline, and social connections for children. And it’s definitely not for all families (hats off to any families doing this).
Worldschooling gives kids the chance for incredible exposure to different cultures, languages, and ways of thinking. But it can be logistically tricky: visas, continuity of learning, accreditation, assessments etc. In our experience, a lot of people who choose this have younger kids - but it is possible with all ages.
Pros & cons
Pros
Flexibility in time, pace and learning style to suit your family.
Can be tailored exactly to your kid’s strengths and interests.
Lower costs (less tuition, travel can be part of “school”).
Cons
Potential gaps in socialisation, especially for older kids, unless you make the effort to connect (lots of opportunities now via social media groups).
You might experience accreditation / recognition issues unless you’re following an authorised curriculum. For example, will universities or schools accept transcripts or qualifications?
The burden on parents is very high! You’ll be parent, teacher, administrator, travel planner… and jack of all trades!
4. Local (Public) Schools
What are they?
These are standard public schools. Instruction will be in the local language of where you’re based and follow the national curriculum.
What we’ve observed
We know of a few families whose children were young, and enrolled them in local schools. Unsurprisingly they picked up the local language very quickly! And their kids learnt to navigate society more like local kids do. But this choice heavily depends on the country, the school, whether non-local students are allowed to attend, and whether there are language or curriculum support services. Sometimes, the quality of education can also vary widely.
Pros & cons
Pros
Cost: often the lowest tuition.
Cultural integration and making friends with local children.
It’s possible there’ll be more stability in terms of staff (less turnover) and students than an international school.
Cons
Language barrier & adjustment for kids - starting out can be difficult unless your kids are very young.
Curriculum may not align with home or future country’s expectations which could make moving difficult for your kids.
There’s unlikely to be many other expat kids, which means your kids will stand out (and perhaps experience exclusion and even worse, bullying).
How to Decide What’s Right For Your Family?
Based on our experience, and chatting with other families, here are a few questions to ask yourself to decide what the best approach is for your family.
1. How long will you stay?
If you’re likely to move often for work (e.g., you’re on a short-term post), an internationally recognised curriculum (e.g. IB, British, American) could be the best choice to help your kids transition more easily. If you’re making a more permanent move (or think you’ll stay for at least a few years), then local or bilingual options may be a good choice.
2. University goals & credential recognition
Where do you think your children will end up going to university. Your home country or somewhere else? Think about what school curriculum matches up best for the university/college requirements to make it easier when the time comes to apply.
3. Learning style & child’s personality
Some kids thrive with structure & exams, while others prefer inquiry-based settings with lots of creativity and flexibility. Our middle child, for example, did well and enjoyed our last school (British-based but Korean with lots of homework), but has really come into her own at a PYP inquiry-based school where there is a lot more interconnected learning across subjects and she can see the big picture of what she’s learning about.
4. Language & culture priorities
Do you want your kids to become fluent in the local language? Make local friends and feel connected to the host culture?
5. Budget & resources
School tuition, living costs, travel, extracurriculars, tutors, and language support can all seriously eat into your budget. And let’s not forget transport, uniforms, school supplies, testing, trips etc. If you’re covering costs yourselves (e.g., not being covered by an expat package), it can quickly add up.
6. Legal/regulatory/accreditation issues
If you’re considering homeschooling or worldschooling, make sure to check the legal requirements in the country (or countries) you’re travelling in. Also think about what official recognition your children may need if you think you’re considering more traditional schooling in the future.
In our experience, and after chatting with lots of other expat families, there’s definitely no one right approach. It’s more about what best aligns with your family's priorities, your kids’ personalities, your mobility, and your long-term plans.
Whatever option you decide, do your research, ask schools plenty of questions, visit (if you can), or chat with other expat/digital nomad families to get advice and guidance (especially if you’re thinking about homeschooling or worldschooling - hats off to anyone who does this - it would lead to far too many fights in our house ;p).
Really think about what kind of education you want for your kids and consider what’s the right option for them now and in the future.
And don’t forget: kids are resilient! If it doesn’t work out, you can always adapt and change. Being flexible, open to change, and having lots of patience will help you to make the right choice in the long run!
Please click the photo below for a collection of my International Teaching Families columns:
Kelly Quinn, the International Teaching Families Editor for Wandering Educators, is a writer and expat parent who has spent the last few years behind the scenes in international education. She recently founded International Teaching Families, a site dedicated to helping international teaching families and expat parents navigate the world of international schools. Kelly has spent the past five years living in Peru, South Korea, and Malaysia with her husband (an international school teacher) and their three kids. When she’s not navigating visa rules or the MANY school WhatsApp groups, she also writes about travel and expat life for her personal blog - My Expat Fam.
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