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Schooling in Turkey
Someone made a comment yesterday about problems regarding education for children of ex-pats in Turkey.
The following gives a short insight into some choices you may have to face with regard to moving to Turkey with children of school age.
'The attraction of Turkey as a nation for international expatriates has been growing as the world has awoken to the delights of this nation – from its climate and history to its up and coming economy, there is much to be said for going to live in Turkey.
Let’s imagine you have a job in Turkey so your income’s set, you’ve found a beautiful new property in Turkey in Istanbul that puts you right in the heart of all the hustle, bustle and history of this fascinating city. Your visa’s in order as well so in short you’re ready to pick up and move to Turkey. Or, are you? What about if you have a family? This is a serious article about living in Turkey and schooling British children that parents considering relocation really need to heed.
If you have children and intend living in Turkey you have a few more considerations that demand immediate attention other than those detailed above. Turkish schools are not British schools! Education in Turkey is only compulsory for eight years and although there is a full high school system, many expatriates find it does not quite meet their expectations. Even middle class and affluent Turkish citizens often find themselves seeking international school alternatives for their children for example.
For these reasons Brits living in Turkey usually opt for routes other than the public system for schooling and educating their children.
To ensure youngsters have a proper British standard and style education there are three main options available to you. The one that works best for you and your children will depend on personal preferences and finances…the three main choices are: -
• Home schooling. Many British expats in Turkey and abroad choose this route for ensuring their children are properly educated.
Home schooling is not an easy option to choose however, parents and children must both have the discipline to make this work. To ensure children meet British educational standards a lot of effort will be required - if you don’t have the patience to teach demanding topics, do not consider this route, it really isn’t easy.
• Tutoring. Some Britons are able to hire in tutors that can effectively home school their children for them. Keep in mind however that both of these home school options do limit children from meeting others within their newly adopted country which can stifle their social development.
• International schools. In areas where expats are prevalent a host of international schools are always available. These schools tend to teach by British, American or European standards.
The British International School Istanbul, for example teaches more than 500 children in pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade and up to A levels standard. Expect to pay a fair amount for this type of education though - tuition can run up a bill of more than USD 20,000 a year in the higher grades for example.
There are a number of other international schools within Turkey catering to British expatriate children. This option does enable children to get out and socialise and it also helps ensure that some Turkish is learned along the way so children can more readily fit in within their new communities.
Living in Turkey is a choice many more Britons are choosing to make of late. Picking up and relocating with children however does come with a host of considerations - before making the final plunge, do take the time review educational options and their related costs closely. Ensuring that youngsters have the proper education to succeed wherever their lives take them in the future should be your top priority.'
Source: Offshore Savings, Investment & Health Insurance Advice For Expatriate Professionals
Here is a directory of the main schools in Turkey that offer an education in English.
C
The following gives a short insight into some choices you may have to face with regard to moving to Turkey with children of school age.
'The attraction of Turkey as a nation for international expatriates has been growing as the world has awoken to the delights of this nation – from its climate and history to its up and coming economy, there is much to be said for going to live in Turkey.
Let’s imagine you have a job in Turkey so your income’s set, you’ve found a beautiful new property in Turkey in Istanbul that puts you right in the heart of all the hustle, bustle and history of this fascinating city. Your visa’s in order as well so in short you’re ready to pick up and move to Turkey. Or, are you? What about if you have a family? This is a serious article about living in Turkey and schooling British children that parents considering relocation really need to heed.
If you have children and intend living in Turkey you have a few more considerations that demand immediate attention other than those detailed above. Turkish schools are not British schools! Education in Turkey is only compulsory for eight years and although there is a full high school system, many expatriates find it does not quite meet their expectations. Even middle class and affluent Turkish citizens often find themselves seeking international school alternatives for their children for example.
For these reasons Brits living in Turkey usually opt for routes other than the public system for schooling and educating their children.
To ensure youngsters have a proper British standard and style education there are three main options available to you. The one that works best for you and your children will depend on personal preferences and finances…the three main choices are: -
• Home schooling. Many British expats in Turkey and abroad choose this route for ensuring their children are properly educated.
Home schooling is not an easy option to choose however, parents and children must both have the discipline to make this work. To ensure children meet British educational standards a lot of effort will be required - if you don’t have the patience to teach demanding topics, do not consider this route, it really isn’t easy.
• Tutoring. Some Britons are able to hire in tutors that can effectively home school their children for them. Keep in mind however that both of these home school options do limit children from meeting others within their newly adopted country which can stifle their social development.
• International schools. In areas where expats are prevalent a host of international schools are always available. These schools tend to teach by British, American or European standards.
The British International School Istanbul, for example teaches more than 500 children in pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade and up to A levels standard. Expect to pay a fair amount for this type of education though - tuition can run up a bill of more than USD 20,000 a year in the higher grades for example.
There are a number of other international schools within Turkey catering to British expatriate children. This option does enable children to get out and socialise and it also helps ensure that some Turkish is learned along the way so children can more readily fit in within their new communities.
Living in Turkey is a choice many more Britons are choosing to make of late. Picking up and relocating with children however does come with a host of considerations - before making the final plunge, do take the time review educational options and their related costs closely. Ensuring that youngsters have the proper education to succeed wherever their lives take them in the future should be your top priority.'
Source: Offshore Savings, Investment & Health Insurance Advice For Expatriate Professionals
Here is a directory of the main schools in Turkey that offer an education in English.
C