The Foreign Service Journal, June 2013

70 JUNE 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT ings, as well as a larger pool of students in which newcomers can find friends like themselves—or what I like to call a suitable peer group. But whether a large school is right for a child mainly depends on his or her personality. Some students need a bigger stage and thrive in larger schools. Others may feel lost and invis- ible in a large school, but thrive in the intimacy of a smaller setting. Curriculum. Making a decision about the appropriate school should include a thorough look at the curriculum that is offered. Most families are familiar with the traditional American international schools that feature a standard U.S. curriculum with Advanced Placement courses or the International Baccalau- reate program. Other options typically include local schools and, perhaps, Eng- lish, French or German schools. The language of instruction must also be addressed. French and German schools offer baccalaureate programs, but the medium of instruction is French and German respectively. So academic, as well as social, fluency in those lan- guages is imperative. Once students approach the high school years, it is important to pick one particular curriculum and stick with it. It is very difficult to switch between types of curricula without losing credits, or even the foundational work that is needed to succeed in a course. If the student is thinking about col- lege after high school, curriculum is an even more important concern. Because many colleges are looking for a particular sequence of courses and hours com- pleted in each subject area, the student and family are well-advised to start with the end goal and then work backward to ensure that all requirements will be met. Extracurricular activities. Not all cultures value extracurricular activities as highly as Americans do. Many schools overseas do not even understand the concept, and it is normal for students to Whether or not a large school is right mainly depends on the personality of the child.