What Are the Steps Required to Apply to International Schools?

There are education advisors that assign an agent dedicated to assist in your application process. Hiring an advisor is suggested if you have concerns and questions regarding your child’s education. The advisor can help with all kinds of requests, such as helping your child in choosing their course or finding accommodation for your child if the school is far from home.

Most international schools will require the following steps:

Prepare the most recent school reports.

Prepare identification data, such as passports and birth certificates.

Some schools might request additional data, such as psychological testing results, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), English as Additional Language (EAL), Speech and Language, and Occupational Therapy, Student Health Online form.

Some schools also have basic assessments to check your child’s academic standing.

If your child has not experienced an international syllabus prior to applying, there will be English proficiency tests depending on their level (primary, secondary, or higher education).

The application process has become a lot more simplified and you can even do the entire process online in most cases. Check out your school’s website to find out more.

I Want My Child To Learn Mandarin - What Schools Are Good for This?

Learning language is about how often it is practiced. If you are more interested in active learning within an international school syllabus, you can check out our article: 9 International Schools and the Foreign Language Options They Offer.

Another alternative is to study at a Chinese vernacular school. Your child will be surrounded by other students that speak Mandarin and all subjects are taught in Mandarin. Chinese schools are known for their rigorous focus on academics and discipline.

If none of these options are suitable for you, the next best thing is to find a reputable language centre near to your residential area. There are also many Chinese-language tutors available online if going to class physically is not an option.

Do ask for personal recommendations via online expat forums to source your own tutor. Mandarin is in very high demand and you will have no issues finding a good, experienced tutor. Bonus points if the lessons are online - you can learn along with your children.

What’s It Really Like Living In Malaysia? Hear From Expats Themselves

Malaysia is a diverse country that is filled with people of different nationalities comprising of the Malays, Chinese, Indians and various others. You can practically find almost every kind of cuisine from different cultures.

Despite Bahasa Melayu being its national language, people in urban areas are mostly able to communicate using English, which is convenient if English is your daily-spoken language.

Malaysia provides real international experience. The country is the center of trading in South East Asia. Tourists often visit the country and have a high regard of Malaysia as a melting pot. Many of them choose to stay on and make Malaysia their second home.

There are a lot of international communities that you can find online or through close-knit communities at your children’s schools or around your suburb.

There are misconceptions about living in Malaysia, such as it is cheap and life is easy. This may or may not be true, depending on a lot of factors, such as your socio-economic background, your interests and your ability to withstand spicy food and occasionally extreme heat.

The best thing to do is not believe everything you read on the Internet, and come with an open mind.

I’m Worried About My Child Fitting In With the Locals and Adjusting To Malaysian Culture

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when

Tapping into the expat community in Malaysia

To get in touch with your home country community, you can find them at your child’s school. Schools often provide a platform for parents to have an independent community that works alongside schools to improve a child's education experience.

For higher education (colleges and universities), students can attend club expos to find their home country community. It is usually very easy to look for one since the community itself will actively promote themselves whenever a new batch of students are coming in.

You can also inquire about communities or associations from your respective embassy before or upon your arrival in Malaysia.

Schools That Offer Additional Assistance With Languages And/Or Specific Needs

There are schools that are certified with the Dual-Language Programme (DLP) in Malaysia, such as Zenith Private Schools and Garden International school. Schools with DLP offer students the option to study in both English and Malay. For details on the criteria of schools to adopt DLP, you can check out our article.

There are also international schools that offer students to pick two main foreign languages in addition to their core subjects. For example, Elite International College International school offers Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Spanish. You can check out more schools here.

Are Expats Permitted To Send Their Children To Private (as Opposed to International) Schools?

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when

We Might Migrate Later But Are Unsure of Our Plans - What Is The Best Option For Choosing A Syllabus?

International syllabus offers flexibility with credit transfer programmes. Since international schools adopt the same syllabus across countries, it will be easier to continue your child’s study despite moving around.

Most, if not all international syllabus are recognised around the world, and if not, you can ask about the equivalent certifications required, depending on where you move to.

It’s always best to bring this up while you’re enrolling at the school of your choice. The School Head might be able to guide you towards the best option, or offer alternatives.

Are There Schools That Accept Students After Intake Dates?

Many international and private schools are willing to accept students past their intake dates because they understand the dilemma of travelling expats.

There are a few that are strict about intakes to minimise disruptions to other students, but calling or checking the website of your school of choice is your best bet.

I’m Completely New Here - How Do I Find Transporters For My Children’s Commute To School?

The Klang Valley area does have a public transport system, but it is best to arrange for private transportation for your child, especially if they are on a schedule.

Check with your preferred school if they have options available - some of them already have existing vendors.

For carpool, you can check out www.kidzcarpool.com.my for transport services.

Otherwise, asking around in online forums for parents, or tapping into your school’s parent community might be useful. Best to stick to recommendations by people you know however, which is a good way to ensure the quality and safety of the transporter.