TIRA Members Understand & Deliver Local Schooling Support
TIRA members understand first-hand that expert schooling assistance for transferees with school-age children can be a dealbreaker in accepting an assignment. Importantly, schooling support for children affects the entire family’s adjustment and successful assimilation to their new location.
Engaging with local education experts will help families identify the best-fit school options for their child to align with the parents’ education goals.
Factors to consider when researching best-fit schools when on an international assignment include: a school’s culture, location of the school, diversity of student population, support services and activities offered, curricula suited to students’ interests and strengths, affordability, and alignment with parent’s longer-term educational goals for their child.
Our TIRA members in the UAE, Sweden, Singapore, Italy, and New York City share their knowledge of the educational landscape and highlight their high-touch support.
Facts about the education landscape:
EER Middle East shares that one of the most unique aspects of education in the UAE is the diversity of curricula available for prospective students. With such an international population, assignees can pick the education pathway that best suits their child. The top curricula offered include the UK, the USA, and the International Baccalaureate.
Nimmersion in Sweden is recognized for its inclusivity and strong student support. The school year typically starts in mid-August and concludes in early June. The school year is divided into two main terms: the autumn term (August to December) and the spring term (January to June). Education is free from compulsory school through university, and the government heavily subsidizes preschool, making it accessible for all families. Meals are included at both preschool and compulsory school levels and are provided at no cost to students during school hours. Additionally, school supplies are usually covered during compulsory school, ensuring all students have the necessary study materials. This approach highlights Sweden’s dedication to educational equality. Importantly, students in Sweden are encouraged to develop critical thinking and critical thinking skills, often with greater freedom in choosing their areas of study.
Relo Network Asia in Singapore reminds us that public and private education systems offer high-quality teaching and facilities. Most expat parents choose to send their children to international schools. Access to local government schools is extremely limited to foreigners and the application process is stringent. Application to local schools and school allocation is centrally managed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), no local school tour is allowed.
Relo Network in Singapore anticipates challenges to obtain school places at certain top-tier schools. Parents can find French, Australian, Swiss, German, Dutch, Indian, Korean, and Japanese schools.
Overall, there are international school places available, however, families may need to be prepared not to receive a place in their preferred school, particularly a top-tier one unless they apply well in advance, i.e., at least one year or more. They recommend that parents have a backup school when applying for top-tier schools. Access to top-tier schools is still a significant challenge. Places for certain schools such as Tanglin Trust and United World College (UWC) are usually waitlisted, sometimes for up to 2 years.
Singapore American School (SAS) is also within this tier and slightly different as it focuses on the U.S. curriculum and offers priority to American citizens first, then those working for American companies second. There is still significant demand for places and waitlists are expected.
According to Principal Relocation Company in Italy, compulsory education in Italy lasts 10 years, from 6 to 16 years of age, and includes the eight years of the first cycle of education and the first two years of the second cycle, which can be attended at secondary school – state-run – or at regional vocational education and training courses.
The Italian education system is organized into segments. First, is an integrated zero-to-six-year system, non-compulsory, with a total duration of six years, divided into infant education services, which enrolls children between the ages of three and thirty-six months, and pre-schools, accommodating children between the ages of three and six years. There are four cycles of education, including primary, secondary, and higher education that universities, institutions in art, music, and dance, and higher technical institutes offer. Schools in Italy do not have an internal ranking system.
Foreign students who plan to continue their studies at Italian educational institutions and who are still of compulsory schooling age, according to the Italian school system, are enrolled in the class corresponding to their age, unless the teaching board decides otherwise, considering multiple factors and requirements to be assessed by school board.
NYC Navigator cites there are almost 100,000 public schools and 20,000 private schools in the United States as of Q1 2024. New York City Public Schools is the largest school system in the United States (and among the largest in the world), with over 1.1 million students taught in more than 1,800 separate schools.
Providing local schooling support to transferees with school-age children:
A local education expert can guide families through the school search and provide customized support to identify the best-fit school options. A local education consultant can ease the stress of finding a school where a child can thrive and do well.
EER Middle East knows how overwhelming moving to a new destination can be, especially for those with school-age children. Parents want to know that their child’s education will be high quality, allowing them to flourish. That is why they offer comprehensive support services options for finding the right school. From making recommendations and guided tours to detailed assistance with applications and registrations, their expert consultants ensure that parents can find the right fit for their children.
A unique feature of Nimmersion’s school support services is their personalized matching approach. The team considers the child’s educational needs, and the family’s preferences and plans. Their approach includes providing insights into various schools’ specific curricula and offering guidance on the differences between public, private, and international schools. In doing so, their consultants ensure these options align with the family’s needs. This approach helps them find the ideal fit for the child and the family. This provides a smoother, more comfortable transition.
As early application submission is key, Relo Network Asia partners with an education specialist to conduct an applicant’s needs analysis while transferees are still in their home country. They will make recommendations based on the profile of the child; preference of curriculum; and availability in schools of interest. The team also assists in arranging virtual or in-person school tours for the transferees and follows up with the application status with the schools, if needed.
Principal Relocation consultants have deep knowledge and relationships with leading International & Private School Institutes in Italy. The education consultants have built dedicated communication channels with the school’s admission. A local team member goes with the family on tour visits and provides information/guidelines on the admission process to navigate the school search process. Principal Relocation consultants are the single point of contact within the school to ensure the utmost attention is given to the children’s application. This is possible thanks to our direct knowledge and long-term and continuative relationships with schools in Italy.
NYC Navigator and New England Navigator’s educational support does not stop when they find the best fit public or private school for a student. Additionally, they can order books and private school uniforms, and be waiting at a family’s new home upon arrival, locate tutors, and even arrange swimming lessons. The company is deeply committed to ensuring the children are happy and well-settled throughout the relocation process.
TIRA is a global, allied network of independently owned relocation companies. They are committed to delivering consistent quality and supporting the deployment and development of talent mobility objectives. Your trusted global network of local relocation experts.
Contact TIRA to learn more about us.
By Susan Ginsberg, TIRA Partner and Founder of SRG ADVISORY
