5 Misconceptions Of International Schools In Malaysia

In Malaysia, there is a growing interest in international schools. The top international schools in Malaysia can give your child the tools they need to succeed throughout life while offering them a brand-new perspective on the world.

Nevertheless, there are many misconceptions regarding international schools. When carefully examined, many myths or beliefs lack validity and compelling proof.

So, let’s take a look at some of the common misconceptions about international schools in Malaysia while also debunking them to help you make the best decision for your child’s education.

Expensive School Fees Are Only For The Facilities

It’s a common misconception that enrolling a child in an international school will result in exorbitant tuition costs in exchange for opulent amenities. Most people think the fees are so costly because operators need to make up for the expenses of construction and upkeep. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Yes, there are international schools in Malaysia that have facilities such as:

• Indoor rock climbing walls
• Dance and theatre studios
• Football fields that meet FIFA standards
• Olympic-sized swimming pools
• Olympic-sized running tracks

But the services of qualified teachers are what parents are paying for. Employing the best employees is crucial for international schools.

Along with academic credentials, becoming a teacher also takes years of experience and language proficiency. These teachers are typically expatriates. The majority of the expenses parents must pay are related to the costs of the following:

• Hiring
• Moving
• Providing staff benefits

All The Students Are Spoiled And Rich

Some people have stereotypes about students from wealthier households who lack parental guidance, are pampered, and eventually turn into bullies in school. These stereotypes may have been perpetuated by movies. Since there is less interaction between the child and the family when attending boarding schools, this impression is even greater.

No matter what kind of school a parent chooses for their child, bullying is still one of their top concerns. Several anti-bullying policies have been enacted by international schools around the nation, and procedures have been put in place to deal with any reports of bullying as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Students are educated on topics like how to deal with conflict, spot bullying, and develop emotional resilience. Many international schools also feature peer-buddy programmes to ensure students feel safe and protected.

International School Don’t Embrace Local Language And Culture

The idea that students who attend international schools gradually lose their connection to their mother tongue is another widespread misconception. Expatriates from nations where English is not the primary language or non-native English-speaking households ought to be concerned about this.

Other languages like Malay and Mandarin are taught in international schools in Malaysia. In truth, Malaysian students who attend international schools are expected to learn Malay until their 12th year, while foreign students can opt to study Malay as a second language.

A diversified student body is something that international schools take pleasure in, and they are aware of the importance of developing international citizens and appreciating various cultures. As such, some institutions go out of their way to provide students with several choices for foreign language study.

Expensive School Fees Are Only For The Facilities

First of all, switching a student’s course is possible; however, there are several timing factors to take into account. A change in the syllabus has minimal effect on students in primary school.

International schools are aware that their students represent a diverse range of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Schools are also aware that, depending on the circumstances of the parents’ jobs, families may need to move at any point throughout the academic year. As a result, it is a procedure that every international school has gone through, and they typically have good support systems in place to help students cope.

At the secondary level, time becomes a more important consideration. The two-year IGCSE programme shouldn’t be interrupted or discontinued midway through if your child is in the middle of it. Several demanding exams make up this two-year qualification and shouldn’t be missed.

This is also applicable to students who are sitting for any university entry examination, including:

• A-Levels
• International Baccalaureate
• Australian HSC

However, if students are not in their last years, changing courses is achievable and shouldn’t be a problem.

Students Can Only Enrol At The Beginning Of The Academic Year

The majority of international schools in Malaysia start classes in September; only a handful adopt the local school year and start classes in January. Regardless, families coming or leaving during the middle of an academic year is common at all local international schools.

They are aware that contracts with expats frequently don’t coincide with the academic year. As long as your child is not enrolled in an examination year, most schools provide flexible enrolment periods that allow you to enrol at any time.

Having A Better Understanding Of International School Can Help In Making The Right Decisions

The best solution to better understand a specific international school you are interested in would be to organise a visit and speak to the administrators. Not only are you able to get accurate information, but you also get a feel of the campus to see if it is suitable for your children.