How to Choose an International School When Moving Abroad With Children

For families moving abroad, choosing a school can influence almost every other part of the relocation.

The school you choose can affect where you live, how long your daily commute is, your housing budget, your child’s language development and even which universities may be realistic later.

International families also face questions they may never have considered at home: Which curriculum should you choose? Is the school properly accredited? Will qualifications transfer to another country? How competitive are admissions? What happens if you relocate again?

This guide explains how to choose an international school when moving abroad and which questions to ask before accepting a place.

Important: school systems, accreditation, admissions rules and qualification recognition vary by country and institution. Always verify current information directly with the school and relevant education authorities or examination bodies.

What Is an International School?

The term “international school” can describe different types of institutions.

A school may:

• Teach an international curriculum
• Teach the curriculum of another country
• Teach primarily in English or another foreign language
• Serve a large international student population
• Offer internationally recognized qualifications

Do not choose a school based on the word “international” in its name alone.

Investigate exactly what curriculum it teaches, who recognizes the school and which qualifications students receive.

Start the School Search Before the Housing Search

One of the biggest relocation mistakes families can make is choosing a home before understanding their school options.

Your preferred school may determine:

• Which neighborhoods are practical
• How long the school commute will be
• Whether school transportation is available
• How much you need to budget for housing

Research schools and housing together rather than treating them as separate decisions.

Our guide to finding a rental home abroad explains how to evaluate neighborhoods and housing before your move.

International School Comparison Checklist

Factor	What to Check
Curriculum	What your child will study and which qualifications are awarded
Accreditation	Which recognized bodies authorize or accredit the school or program
Language	Main teaching language and available language support
Admissions	Entry requirements, testing and availability
Fees	Total annual cost, not only tuition
Class size	Student numbers and teacher ratios
University pathway	Qualifications and university preparation
Support	Language, learning and counseling support
Location	Daily commute and transportation
Community	Student mix and family environment

1. Decide Which Curriculum Fits Your Child

Curriculum is one of the first major decisions.

International schools may offer programs such as:

• International Baccalaureate programs
• British-based curricula
• American-based curricula
• National curricula from other countries
• Local curriculum with international components
• Hybrid or bilingual programs

The best choice depends partly on where your child has studied previously and where they may study next.

2. Think About Your Next Move, Not Only This One

International families sometimes relocate more than once.

Ask yourself:

• Are we likely to return home?
• Could we move to another country?
• Will our child complete secondary school here?
• Where might they attend university?

Curriculum continuity can make future transitions easier.

A child who changes educational systems repeatedly may need additional support to manage differences in subject sequence, assessment and qualification requirements.

3. Check Accreditation and Recognition

Do not assume that every international school has the same status.

Ask the school:

• Which education authority recognizes the school?
• Which organizations accredit it?
• Who authorizes its curriculum?
• Which qualifications are awarded?
• How are those qualifications recognized internationally?

Where possible, verify important accreditation claims directly with the relevant organization rather than relying only on school marketing materials.

4. Understand the Admissions Process

International-school admissions can vary substantially.

A school may request:

• Previous school reports
• Academic records
• Teacher recommendations
• Language assessment
• Entrance testing
• Student interview
• Parent interview
• Passport or identity documents
• Immigration documents
• Health or vaccination records

Ask for the complete admissions process before applying.

5. Check Availability Before Making Other Commitments

A school may be suitable academically but have no places available for your child’s year group.

Before signing a lease or finalizing a neighborhood, determine:

• Whether applications are open
• Whether your child’s year group has space
• Whether a waiting list exists
• How the waiting list works
• When admission decisions are made

Do not treat an application as an acceptance.

6. Apply Early When Possible

Popular schools can have limited capacity.

Starting early gives you more time to:

• Research alternatives
• Gather documents
• Complete assessments
• Visit schools
• Coordinate housing

If your relocation timeline is uncertain, ask schools how they handle applications from families waiting for immigration or employment confirmation.

7. Calculate the Total Cost of International School

Tuition may be only one part of the cost.

Possible expenses can include:

• Application fee
• Registration or enrollment fee
• Capital or development fee
• Tuition
• School bus
• Uniforms
• Books
• Technology
• Meals
• Activities
• Trips
• Examinations
• Additional learning support

Ask the school for a complete fee schedule.

Include education in your broader cost of moving abroad calculation.

8. Understand How Fees Are Paid

International schools may use different payment schedules.

Ask:

• Are fees annual, termly or monthly?
• Is a deposit required?
• When does the deposit become non-refundable?
• What happens if your relocation is cancelled?
• What happens if your visa is refused?
• Are fees refundable if you leave during the year?

Understand the financial commitment before accepting a place.

9. Check Whether Your Employer Pays School Fees

If you are relocating for work, review your employment or relocation package.

Some international assignments may provide:

• Full school fees
• Partial tuition support
• Registration fees
• School transportation
• Education allowances

Confirm exactly which costs are covered and whether limits apply before choosing a school.

10. Evaluate the Teaching Language

The language used in the classroom can have a major effect on your child’s transition.

Ask:

• What is the primary teaching language?
• Which subjects use another language?
• What language level is expected at admission?
• What support exists for new language learners?
• Are additional language classes compulsory?

11. Ask About English or Language Support

If your child is not fluent in the school’s teaching language, ask about structured language support.

Find out:

• How students are assessed
• Whether support happens inside or outside the classroom
• Whether additional fees apply
• How progress is measured
• When students transition out of additional support

A strong language-support program can make a significant difference during the first year.

12. Consider the Local Language Too

An international education can make the academic transition easier, but children also need opportunities to connect with the country where they live.

Ask how the school teaches the local language.

Learning it can help children:

• Build friendships outside school
• Participate in local activities
• Understand their new environment
• Integrate more easily

13. Compare Class Sizes

Ask for actual class-size information for your child’s age group.

Consider:

• Average class size
• Maximum class size
• Teacher-to-student ratio
• Teaching-assistant support
• Class size in specialist subjects

Smaller is not automatically better, but class structure can affect the level of individual attention available.

14. Research Teacher Qualifications and Turnover

Ask how the school recruits and retains teachers.

Useful questions include:

• What teaching qualifications are required?
• How experienced are teachers with the curriculum?
• What professional development is provided?
• How long do teachers typically remain at the school?

High staff turnover can affect continuity, although the reasons for turnover should be understood in context.

15. Look Beyond Academic Results

Exam results can be useful, but they should not be the only factor.

Also investigate:

• Student wellbeing
• Pastoral care
• Arts
• Sports
• Clubs
• Community activities
• Learning support
• University counseling

The strongest academic school on paper may not be the best environment for every child.

16. Understand Learning Support

If your child needs additional educational support, investigate services before accepting a place.

Ask about:

• Learning-support specialists
• Individual support plans
• Classroom accommodations
• External specialists
• Assessment procedures
• Additional fees

Provide relevant educational information during admissions so the school can explain whether it can meet your child’s needs.

17. Ask About Counseling and Wellbeing

International relocation can be a major emotional transition for children.

They may be dealing with:

• Leaving friends
• Changing language
• Changing curriculum
• Entering a new culture
• Starting in the middle of a school year

Ask whether the school provides counselors, transition programs, buddy systems or other support for new students.

18. Evaluate the School Community

International schools can have very different communities.

Ask about:

• Student nationalities
• Local versus international students
• Typical length of enrollment
• Parent community
• Family events
• New-family orientation

A welcoming parent community can also help adults establish social connections after relocating.

19. Ask How the School Helps New Students Settle In

A good transition process may include:

• Orientation
• Student buddy programs
• Parent orientation
• Language support
• Counselor meetings
• New-family events

Ask specifically what happens during your child’s first weeks.

20. Visit the School if Possible

Websites and brochures cannot tell you everything about a school.

If possible, visit during a normal school day.

Observe:

• How students interact
• How teachers interact with students
• Classrooms
• Outdoor space
• Sports facilities
• Libraries
• Science facilities
• Arts facilities
• General atmosphere

Ask whether you can meet admissions staff and relevant academic leaders.

21. If You Cannot Visit, Request a Virtual Tour

Families relocating internationally often need to choose schools remotely.

Ask for:

• A live virtual tour
• A meeting with admissions
• A meeting with the relevant year coordinator
• Information about current parent communities

A live conversation can reveal much more than a promotional video.

22. Calculate the Real School Commute

A school can look close on a map while creating a difficult daily journey.

Check travel times during actual school commuting hours.

Consider:

• Morning traffic
• Afternoon traffic
• Public transportation
• School bus routes
• Walking routes
• Parking

A long commute affects both children and parents every school day.

23. Understand School Bus Services

If the school operates buses, ask:

• Which neighborhoods are served?
• How long is the journey?
• Where are pickup points?
• What does transportation cost?
• Is there adult supervision?
• What happens after extracurricular activities?

Bus routes can influence which neighborhoods are practical for your family.

24. Coordinate School and Housing Decisions

Once you have a realistic school shortlist, compare nearby housing.

Look at:

• Rent
• Commute
• Property size
• Public transportation
• Healthcare
• Daily shopping
• Recreation

Do not spend your entire housing budget simply to minimize school distance without considering the family’s other needs.

25. Check the School Calendar

School calendars can differ substantially between education systems.

Check:

• School-year start date
• School-year end date
• Term structure
• Holiday periods
• Teacher-training days
• Examination periods

This matters when coordinating your moving date.

26. Moving in the Middle of the School Year

A mid-year move may be possible, but ask the school:

• Whether mid-year admissions are accepted
• Whether space is available
• How curriculum differences are handled
• How new students are supported

Older students may face more complicated transitions where examination courses have already begun.

27. Secondary-School Students Need Additional Planning

Changing curriculum becomes increasingly important as children approach major examinations and university applications.

Ask:

• Which qualifications are offered?
• When examination courses begin?
• Can previous coursework transfer?
• Which subjects are available?
• Are there prerequisites?

Do not assume a student can transfer seamlessly into every subject combination.

28. Review University Counseling

For older students, investigate how the school supports university applications.

Ask about experience with applications to:

• Local universities
• Your home-country universities
• US universities
• UK universities
• European universities
• Other international destinations

A school experienced with multiple university systems may be valuable for internationally mobile families.

29. Ask About Extracurricular Activities

Activities can help children make friends and settle into a new country.

Look at:

• Sports
• Music
• Drama
• Art
• Technology
• Academic clubs
• Community service

Ask which activities are included in tuition and which require additional fees.

30. Check School Policies

Before accepting a place, review important policies concerning:

• Attendance
• Behavior
• Bullying
• Safeguarding
• Technology
• Homework
• Assessment
• Communication with parents

These policies can tell you a great deal about how the school operates.

Questions to Ask an International School

1. Which curriculum do you teach?
2. Which qualifications do students receive?
3. Which authorities or organizations recognize or accredit the school?
4. Is there currently space in my child’s year group?
5. Is there a waiting list?
6. What does the admissions process involve?
7. What is the total annual cost?
8. Which additional fees should we expect?
9. What language support is available?
10. What learning support is available?
11. What is the average class size?
12. How do you support newly arrived international students?
13. What university counseling is available?
14. Which neighborhoods does the school bus serve?
15. What happens if we leave during the school year?

International School Red Flags

Investigate further if:

• Accreditation claims cannot be verified
• Fees are unclear
• Refund terms are not documented
• The school avoids questions about teacher qualifications
• Admissions guarantees are made before reviewing the student
• Policies are difficult to obtain
• Important qualification information is vague

No single factor necessarily proves that a school is unsuitable, but unresolved questions should be addressed before making a major financial commitment.

International School Checklist Before Accepting a Place

Question	Checked?
Curriculum understood	□
Accreditation verified	□
Qualification pathway understood	□
Place confirmed	□
Total fees calculated	□
Refund terms reviewed	□
Language support checked	□
Learning support checked	□
Commute tested	□
School bus checked	□
Housing areas researched	□
School calendar checked	□
Transition support reviewed	□

Should You Use an International School Consultant?

A school consultant can be useful when you are unfamiliar with the destination or need to make decisions before arriving.

Depending on the provider, support may include:

• Explaining local education options
• Identifying suitable schools
• Comparing curricula
• Checking availability
• Coordinating school visits
• Helping organize applications
• Advising on school and housing locations

Confirm exactly which services the consultant provides and which decisions remain your responsibility.

When Is a School Consultant Most Useful?

Professional assistance may be particularly useful when:

• You are searching remotely
• You have several children of different ages
• Your child needs additional learning support
• You are moving during the school year
• You need a specific curriculum
• Schools have waiting lists
• You need to coordinate school and housing quickly

Questions to Ask an International School Consultant

1. Which schools and education systems do you know in my destination?
2. Do you work with families with children of my child’s age?
3. How do you create a school shortlist?
4. Do you help with admissions?
5. Can you coordinate remote school meetings?
6. Can you help compare school locations with housing areas?
7. Do you receive compensation from schools?
8. What services are included in your fee?

Understanding any commercial relationship between a consultant and schools can help you evaluate recommendations appropriately.

Moving Abroad With More Than One Child

Families with several children may face an additional challenge: finding suitable places for everyone.

You may need to compare:

• Schools covering multiple age groups
• Separate schools close to each other
• Different curricula
• Different admissions timelines
• Combined tuition costs
• Transportation logistics

Do not evaluate each child’s school completely independently if the resulting daily logistics would be unrealistic.

International School vs. Local School

An international school is not automatically the right choice for every relocating family.

A local school may offer advantages such as:

• Greater local integration
• Local-language development
• Neighborhood friendships
• Potentially lower costs depending on the system

An international school may provide:

• Curriculum continuity
• A familiar teaching language
• An internationally mobile community
• International qualification pathways

The right choice depends on your child, destination and expected length of stay.

How School Choice Fits Into the Family Relocation

Education should be coordinated with the rest of your move.

A practical sequence can be:

1. Confirm likely immigration route
2. Research destination education options
3. Identify suitable curricula
4. Create a school shortlist
5. Check availability and admissions
6. Estimate total education costs
7. Apply to suitable schools
8. Research housing around realistic school options
9. Plan transportation
10. Coordinate the moving date with the school calendar

For the wider process, read our complete guide to moving abroad with your family.

Include School Costs in Your Relocation Budget

Education can become one of the largest expenses for an internationally relocating family.

Budget for more than tuition.

Include:

• Application costs
• Enrollment fees
• Tuition
• Transport
• Uniforms
• Meals
• Technology
• Activities
• Trips
• Potential learning support

Also consider how the school location affects housing and transportation costs.

See our Hidden Costs of Moving Abroad guide for other relocation expenses families often overlook.

How WTMG Helps Families Find School Support

WhereToMoveGuide helps people find relocation providers based on the service they need and where they are moving.

Families can search for International School Consultants serving their destination and compare available support.

You can also submit a relocation request describing:

• Your destination
• Moving timeline
• Children’s ages
• School-support needs
• Other relocation services required

International School FAQ

How do I choose an international school when moving abroad?

Compare curriculum, accreditation, admissions, total fees, teaching language, learning support, class structure, university pathways, location and how well the school fits your child’s individual needs.

When should I apply to international schools?

Start researching as early as practical because availability and admissions timelines vary. Some popular schools or year groups may have waiting lists.

Should I choose a school before finding a home abroad?

It is often useful to understand realistic school options first. School location and transportation can significantly affect which neighborhoods are practical for your family.

How much does international school cost?

Costs vary widely by destination and school. Calculate application, enrollment, tuition, transport, uniforms, meals, technology, activities and other required fees rather than comparing tuition alone.

What curriculum is best for an international child?

There is no single best curriculum. Consider the child’s previous education, expected length of stay, potential future moves and likely university destinations.

Are all international schools accredited?

No. Schools can operate under different regulatory and accreditation structures. Verify important recognition and accreditation claims with the relevant authorities or organizations.

Should my child attend an international or local school?

Both can be appropriate. International schools may offer curriculum continuity and familiar teaching languages, while local schools can support deeper local integration and language development.

Do I need an international school consultant?

Not necessarily. A consultant may be useful when searching remotely, dealing with waiting lists, comparing unfamiliar education systems or coordinating school choices with housing and relocation logistics.