Top 10 countries for education around the world
One of the primary advantages to moving abroad with school age children is that they are given a unique opportunity to experience a new culture, a new language, and a different way of life
There are a number of different options for educating children abroad, including home schooling, public schools, and international schools that follow the same curriculum, language, and calendar across the globe.
However, many parents opt to enroll their kids in local schools precisely to immerse them in an authentic environment. Even if the local language of instruction is not English, local schooling is not prohibitively difficult for children and is, in fact, desirable to the family.
According to the recent Expat Explorer Survey, conducted by HSBC, when considering schools, nearly 40% of expatriate parents choose to send their children to national schools. Not surprisingly, HSBC reports, “This trend is particularly common among expats living in English-speaking countries with established local curriculums such as New Zealand (80%), Canada (79%), Ireland (78%), and the United Kingdom (72%). The quality of education offered in these countries likely contributes to parents’ willingness to state-educate their children.”
The following are some of the top countries in the world for child welfare and education:
Europe
Switzerland
Expats seem to love Switzerland for its terrific employment opportunities, high standard of living, and beautiful outdoor activities. The education standards for expatriate families are also above par, thus making it extra appealing to those who have children.
Germany
One of the most highly populated countries in Europe, Germany is an affordable expat destination, and families with children really appreciate the above par education and healthcare systems. An estimated 250,000 expatriates reside in Germany, and their numbers are increasing, annually.
The Americas
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is widely known for having one of the best educational systems in all of Latin America, with free public education and relatively affordable private schools widely available. The nation is host to a number of private schools from various cultural backgrounds, including France, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel, most of which have bi-lingual curriculums.
Canada
Access to high-quality education and healthcare make moving to Canada a popular choice for families that are eager to experience a new country and environment. Ranking as a top performer, Canada is the highest OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) country in spending per student on public post-secondary education.
South Pacific
Australia
Australia is a great place to move to if you have children because of its wide range of schooling possibilities and recreational outdoor activities. In 2013, Australia was ranked #13 in the world by the private education group, Pearson.
New Zealand
This nature haven ranks as the best place to raise children. According to HSBC’s 2014 Expat Explorer Survey, many expats put this country at the top of their list because of the improved safety for their families and healthy outdoor lifestyle. Called “effective” and “not overly competitive” by surveyed parents, 60% said their kids had a more “well-rounded upbringing” in New Zealand. Private schools tend to be expensive at upwards of $30,000 a year for tuition; fortunately, public schools are a great option for expats, despite strict zoning requirements.
Asia
Singapore
Despite the high cost of education, Singapore is rated one of the best places for raising children abroad because of its quality education system and its broad selection of schools. In fact, Michael Gove, minister of education in Great Britain, was so impressed that he suggested Britain adopt a similar system.
South Korea
South Korea offers an excellent education system that is provided by both public and private schools, which are all subsidized by the government, though less so for private schools than public; higher education is an important, fundamental value in South Korea, and this is well perceived in the schools and curriculum. Expats also love the low cost of living, quality, affordable healthcare, abundance of well-paying jobs, and thriving expatriate community.
Japan
Regularly listed as one of the safest countries in the world for children, Japan was listed as the 4th best place to raise a family by those who were surveyed by HSBC. Likewise, according to a report by Business Insider, Japan also ranks highly for expat families with children because of the high quality, affordable education. With compulsory schooling for primary and lower secondary levels, most kids in Japan go to public school first and then transfer to private schools for their secondary education.
India
India is fast becoming an economic superpower, attracting many expatriates who are looking for new business opportunities. Those with families are especially appreciative of the low cost child care, health care, and cost of living, but India ranks #6 in raising families abroad because of its high quality and affordable education.
Education is a primary concern for most expat parents; choosing a new home that is conducive to providing a good education can make all the difference between successful expatriation and imminent repatriation for the kid’s sake.