What Is It Really Like Studying in an International School in Singapore?
Singapore has long been a favored host nation for expatriates from all over the world. As such, the country is also a thriving hub for international education. At present, no less than 64 international schools operate on the island, with collective enrollment at these institutions currently approximated at over 53,000 students per year. Many of these schools have received abundant recognition for academic excellence both locally and internationally, such as the multi-awarded Stamford American International School Singapore, which consistently ranks as one of the best international schools in Singapore.
Going beyond statistics and ratings, though, what is life actually like for students attending these schools? What do international students usually learn, and how are they taught? What significant encounters do they have both within and outside the classroom? The curious need only read on for a quick dive into the Singaporean international school experience.
High-Quality, Inclusive Education
International schools in Singapore offer holistic, comprehensive education programs that have been developed in line with global standards. In addition to a standard high school diploma, students have the chance to earn academic credentials under a specified international curriculum, such as the Advanced Placement (AP) program, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), or the Business and Technical Education Council (BTEC) diploma. Some schools even offer multiple curricula, allowing students to choose an educational pathway that’s well-aligned with their strengths and interests.
International schools tend to eschew the belief in a “one size fits all” approach to learning and work to satisfy the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. Hence, a wide array of available courses and the option to blend or customize curricula are frequent fixtures of international education in Singapore. Even within the classroom, learning is highly personalized and student-centered, as teachers are trained to adjust their instruction according to the interests and current knowledge of the students.
Many Opportunities for Language Learning
Singapore is a famously multilingual, multicultural society that has long recognized the cultural, professional, and social benefits of knowing how to speak more than one language. While English is generally the primary medium of instruction at international schools in the country, most will offer foreign language classes for students as early as the primary levels. Common foreign language offerings include Spanish and Mandarin, two of the most commonly spoken languages in the world, as well as specialized English instruction for students who don’t have English as their first language.
Some schools even offer students the option of enrolling under a bilingual program. The aim of long-term bilingual study is to open up more opportunities for students to practice the target language and hone their proficiency over an extended period of time. The best Singaporean international schools, for instance, offer a dual English/Mandarin program, allowing students to explore content in certain subject areas in both languages.
Wide Variety of Extracurricular Activities
Beyond foreign language lessons, international students in Singapore can sign up for an extensive selection of extracurricular classes and clubs. Commonly offered activities include sports, dance, music, visual art, theater, and many others, allowing students plenty of room to pursue their interests, develop their creativity, and explore a wide range of experiences.
International schools also offer their students many opportunities to have significant learning experiences beyond the comfortable and familiar boundaries of their school grounds. Community service and volunteering activities, symposia, and field trips are just a few examples of externally focused pursuits international students can engage in. These opportunities allow them to connect with larger society, form meaningful connections with new people, and nurture their curiosity about the world outside their classrooms.
Encourages a Global Perspective
International school communities in Singapore are clear reflections of the cultural plurality and inclusivity for which the country as a whole is well-known. Student, faculty, and staff populations comprise individuals from all over the world, often hailing from upwards of 50 countries at large schools. Many institutions also take pride in their precise lack of a dominant nationality and non-selective hiring and admissions policies. This diverse environment, in turn, fosters a generally warm and understanding school culture and promotes respect for others from all walks of life.
Extended interaction with others from a variety of cultural backgrounds also helps students develop a broad, well-rounded view of the world. Students at international schools are trained to think beyond their personal circumstances and to care about the concerns of the larger world. This can eventually translate into pursuing international employment and study opportunities, exploring humanitarian work, and numerous other ways of helping others that extend beyond one’s native region.
More and more parents are looking to international schools to provide their children with the highest possible quality of education. Singapore’s international schools make a compelling case for the many benefits this choice can bring to students, their families, and the societies of which they’re part. These schools have historically succeeded in producing well-informed, compassionate global citizens—just the sorts of people who are sorely needed in today’s increasingly interconnected world.