Relocating can be exciting, but also challenging. Especially when you move along with your family and have school-age children. When you move to China, one of the hardest aspects can be finding the right education solution for your child.

China has a diverse range of schooling options that expat families may choose. They range from purely international schools that offer curricula comparable to schools in Western countries to bilingual schools that merge local and global educational approaches. Navigating this complex landscape can feel overwhelming without the right guidance, though. Therefore, this article provides an overview of available schooling options, what factors one should consider before choosing a school, and tips to overcome common challenges. Meaning you can make an informed choice that best fits you and your child(ren).

Types of Education Available for Expat Children in China

When your child or children accompany you on your China expat assignment, there are various types of education you may choose for them: international or bilingual schools, local schools, or even homeschooling options. Let’s have a look at their pros and cons below.

International Schools

International schools generally offer curricula such as International Baccalaureate (IB), British, or American standards.

The IB curriculum was developed in Switzerland in the 1960s and offers one of the most recognized credentials worldwide. British and American curricula are also popular and taught in many countries all over the world. Each curriculum has a slightly different emphasis when it comes to evaluations, the amount of project work, importance of hierarchies, etc.

International schools are designed for globally mobile families and make it easy to transition to the students’ home country or yet another country for a follow-up assignment. International schools are most popular with diplomat families or other “serial expats”.

Pros

• English-speaking environment

• Globally recognized credentials and therefore

• Easier transition between countries

• Usually a great number of extracurricular activities promoting holistic development

Cons

• Fees may range up to USD 50,000 per year, so not exactly a budget option

• Popular schools in big cities like Shanghai or Beijing may have waitlists

One option for searching for international schools in China is to check John Catt’s International School Search. While not complete, it can be a good starting point in your decision-making process.

Bilingual or Internationalized Schools

These schools combine Chinese educational values with international curricula and offer bilingual instruction. They are often favored by multilingual families where one parent is Chinese and/or families that plan on staying in China for the foreseeable future and want their children to have access to the Chinese higher education system.

Pros

• Exposes children to both Chinese and global cultures

• Tend to be more affordable than international schools

Cons

• Quality of bilingual programs can vary

• Intense academic pressure at many schools

Local Chinese Schools

Local Chinese schools follow the national curriculum and teach in Mandarin (except for language classes). The Chinese education system is one of the most rigorous ones in the world. Because of government measures that aim to ensure parents can pick up their children from school right after work, the school days are very long. And because of the great number of students, the system relies heavily on standardized testing as assessments rather than continuous assessment and project work that gauges the students’ individual results.

Pros

• Complete immersion into Chinese language and culture

• Significantly lower costs than international options

Cons

• Language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers

• Big class sizes, rigid teaching methods, high academic demands

Homeschooling or Online Schooling

Teaching your children at home or through an online schooling program may be an option if your child has special needs or you prefer a flexible schedule for their education.

Pros

• Perfect for children with unique needs or special interests

• Consistency even through frequent relocations

Cons

• Limits your child’s interactions

• May bring you in conflict with local regulations

Factors to Consider When Choosing a School

Between all of these options, finding the best solution for your family may be challenging. What factors should you consider before making a decision?

Location

The bigger the city, the more numerous high-quality education options there are for expat children. Urban centers like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Shenzhen will leave you spoilt for choice.

In smaller cities, international schools may be less in number. They may require a longer commute or mean the family chooses an alternative solution for their kids’ education.

Curriculum and Language

When it comes to curriculum, choose an option that aligns with your child’s future education goals. An IB curriculum, for instance, is the best preparation for acceptance at worldwide top universities.

If English is not your family’s first language, consider schools with English as a Second Language (ESL) support programs. If you plan on enrolling your child in a school form that has mandatory Mandarin lessons or where part of the curriculum is in Chinese by default, also ask about help given to non-native Chinese speakers and factor the answer you receive into your decision-making process.

Cost

From the VIP option of expat children education in China (i.e. international school) to any of the other options discussed above, each choice comes with a price tag. Tuition fees can range widely though, depending on the school type and location. Even a local or bilingual school in Shanghai or Beijing may be more expensive than some international school options in a tier-2 or tier-3 city.

Also budget for additional costs such as uniforms, meals, transportation, and possible extracurricular activities.

While employers paying for all of their expats’ children’s schooling have become rare, check whether a schooling allowance or other financial support is provided. Or discuss openly with HR wich options you consider and see whether an agreement can be reached on splitting costs.

Cultural Fit

Not all schools integrate Chinese culture into their curriculum and student life. Think about to what degree you would like your child to become familiar with their host country culture when making your school choice. Some schools will maintain a fully international focus, while others blend cultural exposure with teaching styles more familiar to their non-Chinese students.

Child’s Needs

Arguably the most important factor when choosing the right school for your child is their individual needs. Make sure to assess their academic strengths, their interests, and also potential learning challenges and look for schools (or online programs) offering special education or individualized curricula if required.

Admission Process and Timelines

Latest once your family has made its choice, you should look into the admission process and timelines of the school or schools in the running. Consider the following steps to ensure timely and successful admission of your child:

Understanding Admission Requirements

Each school has its own admission process, which should either be outlined on their website, or which can be inquired about at the admissions office. But commonly, the following documents will be needed:

• Copies of passport, residence permit, entry stamp

• Previous school transcripts

• Immunization records

• Possibly admission essays or student (or even parent!) interviews

Application Deadlines

If you are opting for an international school, be aware that those often have fixed application deadlines, and that spaces can fill quickly. Therefore, researching schools 12-18 months before your relocation is recommended.

Waitlists and Transfers

A good strategy for landing a spot at a school that corresponds to your criteria is to apply to multiple schools (if possible and available) and joining waitlists. Having a back-up plan of online schooling or homeschooling may also be prudent. Mid-year transfers should only be a last resort.

Common Challenges of Expat Children Starting School in China

Language, culture, and costs are typical challenges in Expat kids’ education in China.

Language Barriers

It is recommended to enroll children in Mandarin language classes before their arrival. Even if you end up choosing an international school, learning Chinese before they set foot on Chinese soil will equip your kids with confidence and help them adjust.

Another tip is to choose schools offering robust Mandarin as a Second Language (MSL) programs. This will support the childrens’ integration and mean they can soon start interacting with the world around them.

Cultural Adjustment

Depending on where in the world you hail from, Chinese culture may be a big adjustment for your child. Support them by maintaining open communication and encouraging them to integrate, make local friends, choose leisure activities where they mix with Chinese kids, etc.

Participate in parent communities or events organized by the school or your company to mix more with local culture.

Cost Management

Always explore options for financial assistance or employer sponsorship when it comes to financing your child’s education in China. Balance quality and affordability by comparing school features, always keeping in mind additional costs such as transport and extracurriculars. Possibly also consider a mix of local and online school options

Overall, choosing a school in China will require you to carefully consider curriculum, costs, location, and of course your child’s unique needs. Just like the right school can significantly enhance your family’s expat experience, so making the wrong choice can lead to family-wide discontent and even premature termination of the expat assignment.

So - do your research, visit prospective schools if possible, and connect to parents with expat children at the schools on your shortlist.

If you do not know how to connect with foreigners in your future location, consider joining the China Expat Spouse network. Add julie_marx on WeChat to get put in touch with expats (many of them parents) all over China.

Need Help?

Thinking about taking the plunge but unsure where to start? Need help setting or sustaining your language-learning goals? Consider working with a coach. If you’re curious about coaching, check out our article, “What is Coaching,” and book a free needs assessment call.