Are you moving to Korea? Donโt know the best school option for your children? Well, if you are not a native of Korea, youโd better enroll your kids in an international school! This will save them from experiencing language and cultural barriers. Fortunately, Seoul has many prestigious international schools that are affiliated with renowned universities around the world. Most of these international schools cater to English speakers and offer British and/or American school curriculums. However, you can also find international schools in Korea that teach curriculum in German, Japanese, and/or Chinese.
International Schools of Korea: Types and How to Apply
Types of Schools in Korea
You can find three types of schools in Korea: local, foreign, and international. Local schools are standard Korean schools that are perfect for native Koreans. It is important to note that local schools are the cheapest option but do not have KSL (Korean as a second language) programs. Most also do not have cultural education or additional support classes if your child begins to fall behind.
Foreign schools follow an international curriculum and there are those that have a limit on ethnic Korean students. They are specifically designed for children of foreign nationality. Meanwhile, international schools have no such limit on the number of Koreans, but they still follow the curriculum of other nations.
How to Get into International Schools in Korea
Each international school will require different documents from you; however, the most common procedures and documents that you must prepare are the following:
-Transcript copies
-Copies of the studentโs passport
-Birth certificate.
-standardized tests
The registration process differs according to the age of the student. For example, for an elementary school student, a transcript will not be required. However, a high school student transferring to an international school in Korea will be required to submit a copy of their transcript. In addition, standardized tests will also differ from age to age and from grade to grade. So, be sure to check what you need before you leave your country of origin!
Recommended International Schools
There are hundreds of schools in South Korea, and there are 47 international schools. It is important to note that local public schools here in South Korea are quite brutal. They are known for overzealous competition, which often isnโt healthy. Even Koreans normally would prefer sending their children to an international school. So, if you have the means, I recommend that you send your children to an international school here in Korea. Here are my two top choices, that I would send my children to.
Seoul Foreign School โ Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Seoul Foreign School is the only international school in Seoul that offers a complete education system from Pre-K to 12th grade. And they provide both English National Curriculum and/or American Educational Programme, along with IGCSEs and the IB Diploma. In addition, Seoul Foreign School has a proven heritage that spans over 100 years. The campus spans 26 acres and has a rich history.
It is considered the seventh most established international school on the planet and the most established British international school in Korea. Furthermore, the institution is not driven by profit or revenue. It only focuses on providing students with a balanced education system.
Website: https://www.seoulforeign.org/
Address: 39 Yeonhui-ro 22-gil Seodaemun-gu Seoul
Email: sfs@seoulforeign.org
Phone: +82-2-330-3100
Chadwick International
Chadwick International School offers a complete education from Pre-K to 12th Grade. The school aims to develop excellence and exemplary character in its students and help them discover themselves by providing them with various experiences. Its educational program is balanced and encourages students to constantly step out of their comfort zones.
They offer various extracurriculars such as performing arts, visual arts, practical sciences, etc. Additionally, the school teaches its students about the diversity and complexity that exists on our planet by encouraging them to provide their services to society based on their interests and passions.
Website: https://www.chadwickinternational.org/
Address: 45 Art center-daero 97 beon-gil Yongsan-gu Seoul
Email: songdo-admissions@chadwickschool.org
Phone: +82-32-250-5000
Conclusion
I listed two of what I believe are the most well-reputed international schools in Korea. However, the best way to choose the right school for your child is to see if the values โโyou want to instill in them align with the values โโof the school.
Lastly, itโs smart to consider the limitations of your budget when making a decision. Even if your child cannot enroll in the best international school in Korea for whatever reason, you still donโt have to worry about the quality of their education with the fact that even the humblest schools in Korea provide high-quality education and ensure that they inculcate exemplary values โโand manners in their students.
Looking at starting a family in South Korea? Click Here to read about maternity and paternity benefits.
