There are many international schools in Switzerland and I can tell you right now that Swiss education lives up to everything that it promises to be. Not for nothing are children flocking to schools in Switzerland from all over the world. In fact, why just international schools, the local schools in Switzerland are no less.
Spoilt for Choice?
But the question arises - which sort of school to choose for your child? Local or International? Well, firstly, you need to consider your child's age, the language they are comfortable with, local integration priorities and of course, scheduling. Many times, the schedule followed by local or international schools aren't well received by the student, so you have to take your pick accordingly.
If you are considering a local school, then it is your best option if you want your young child to be freely able to speak English at home. This kind of school is pretty good for students who do not need to be taught both the local language and English in a written level. On the other hand, if your child needs to learn to write both English and Swiss, then you should enroll them in an international School.
There are thirty eight international schools in Switzerland and all thirty eight are a part of the Swiss Group of International Schools. This body has an enviable reputation all over the world. It is definitely among the best. They are known for their high standards of teaching, discipline and also for their extracurricular activities. If it is all round development you are looking for then an international School is your best bet.
Exams
When you're graduating from an International school, you have the option to choose whether you would like a nationally recognized or an internationally recognized qualification. There are two international qualifications which are available to students - the IGCSE and the IB.
The IGCSE stands for the International General Certificate of Education. It is basically UK based and is equivalent to the British GCSEs. All students who opt for this need to take up at least eight subjects.
The IB or the International baccalaureate is Switzerland's own international qualification which originated in the international school in Geneva. It is equivalent to A levels and students are required to study six subjects in two years' time for this. It is big on personal development. There are no dearth of International schools in Switzerland, take your pick from the thirty eight!
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