Settling In: International Schools

By ACS International Schools

Summary: Find some great advice from parents and children of ACS International School on how to best settle your kids into their new school in a foreign land.

Leaving friends behind, not making new friends, and finding a school that they like, were young students' (aged ten to eighteen years) top three concerns when told they were relocating to England. But for their parents, the top three initial concerns were will my children be happy, finding a good school, and leaving their extended family behind.

But, by the time they actually relocated, students and their parents recall having different priorities, students being most concerned about making new friends, 40 percent; leaving friends behind, 18 percent; and not being able to speak English, ten per cent. For their parents the biggest concern was adapting to a new lifestyle or culture, 18 per cent, finding a good school for their children, 15 percent; and, somewhat differently, driving on the left-hand side of the road, eight percent.

Relocation concerns, factors which help movers settle, plus hints and tips for others are unveiled today (30 April) by ACS International Schools in its latest report entitled International Relocation - Exploring the experiences of students and parents. The report presents the findings of new research conducted amongst 800 ACS International School students, aged between ten and 18, and their parents. All had relocated within the past two years.

Commenting on the findings of the research, Fergus Rose of ACS International Schools said:

"This survey emphasises that the success of an international relocation is very much a family affair: the benefits to the sponsoring organisation are closely linked to the happiness of the employees it assigns overseas, who as parents rely greatly on the happiness of their children."

Despite initial concerns, the study reveals that fears about friendships and adjusting to a new life were largely the easiest concerns to address post-relocation to the UK.

Over a third of student respondents, 34 percent, said that 'not making new friends' was the single easiest issue to deal with, while parents cited 'finding a new school' as their most easily addressed concern. For students however, 'leaving friends behind' was cited by 45 per cent as being the most difficult issue to deal with, followed by 'difficulty with school work', nine per cent. The most difficult issues for parents were 'worries over their children's happiness', 13 percent; and 'leaving their extended family', 12 percent. 'Driving', incidentally, was not mentioned post-relocation.

Factors that helped students find their feet were 'making new friends' cited by 95 percent, 'going to a good school', 89 percent, and 'keeping in touch with old friends and family', 82 percent. Bottom of the list was 'support learning the new language', 32 percent; and 'support from a brother or sister', 48 percent.

For parents, the most helpful factor was 'knowing the children are happy and settled' which was cited by 82 percent. This was followed by 'contact with old friends and family', 76 percent; and 'new friends from the home country or nationality', 73 percent. Bottom of the list of factors which helped parents settle in was, as for their children 'learning the language', nine percent; and 'working in the UK', 23 percent. Surprisingly, assistance from relocation companies did not score particularly highly: 23 percent claimed they helped a little while only 11 per cent claimed they 'helped a lot'.

Despite the obvious stress and concerns associated with relocating for many it is a positive experience: when asked what they most enjoyed about relocating 'new friends made' topped the students' list, with 81 percent.

This was followed by 'opportunity to travel', 44 percent; and 'my new school', 38 percent. For parents, the top-rated factor was 'experience of a new culture', 34 percent; followed by 'new friends', 21 percent; and new lifestyle', 13 percent.

Nearly all respondents were keen to share their relocation experiences and relay some tips to others considering relocating. From around a quarter of students came the overriding message 'don't worry, don't be scared - there's nothing to be scared about', while 23 percent said 'you should make friends quickly; and 15 percent advised 'be positive, have confidence'.

Advice from parents, however was more practical urging newcomers to 'get involved with or join groups', 'be open to new things and don't make it like home', 'enjoy the country and culture', 'do your homework in advance', and 'be positive and confident'.

Karen Lawrie, a parent who relocated to the UK with her husband and three children in August 2007, comments on her family's experience:

"My husband works in the military and we have to move around quite frequently, so the relocation services offered by a school are particularly important to us.

"All three of our children have made friends and settled quickly and their school has also been supportive of me as a parent, providing me with good friendship networks to meet new people when we first moved to England."

Fergus Rose adds:

"There is no doubt that an international move brings with it many challenges, but for most families it is a life-affirming experience where new friends are made, fresh skills acquired and rich cultural experiences enjoyed."

ACS's research will be shared with relocation industry professionals and organisations involved in relocation support, including schools, to share insights into the factors and services that enable families to make a successful transition.

The research was conducted in November / December 2008 and undertaken for ACS International Schools by research company, IDA, and according to the MRS Code of Conduct.

The 800 respondents represented a range nationalities and experiences of moving overseas:

Forty percent of parents had made two or more overseas moves > Forty-seven percent had made only one relocation > Nearly half of the respondents were from North America > Fifty-two other nationalities were represented, including Japanese, Dutch, Spanish, Indian and Kiwi.

About the Author ACS International Schools was founded in 1967 to serve international and local communities. The three schools are non-sectarian and co-educational (day and boarding), enrolling approximately 2,600 students aged 2 to 18 years. Each school offers a fully international curriculum including the International Baccalaureate. All schools have state-of-the-art facilities and an on-going programme of building investment with impressive grounds. The strong core academic programme and extensive arts, sports and cultural activities support the schools' student-centred philosophy.

Summary:

Find some great advice from parents and children of ACS International School on how to best settle your kids into their new school in a foreign land.

First Published: May 15, 2009