Choosing a school for your child is an important decision and in Thailand, deciding between an international school and a Thai school in Bangkok is a decision that many parents have to consider. To help you make an informed decision, in this article we will compare various aspects of both types of schools to make it easier for you to decide.
1. Curriculum and language used
- International schools in Bangkok often use international curricula such as the IB (International Baccalaureate), A-level or American Curriculum, British Schools which emphasize the development of analytical thinking skills, problem solving and independent learning. The language used for teaching is mostly English, allowing students who attend international schools to listen, speak, read and write English fluently.
- Thai schools use the Ministry of Education's curriculum, emphasizing learning general subjects and using Thai as the main language.
2. Cost of attending school
- International schools in Bangkok will have a much higher overall cost than Thai schools because there are various expenses such as foreign teacher fees, textbook fees, activity fees and complete facilities.
- Thai schools have lower overall costs than international schools but there are additional expenses such as school uniform fees, activity fees, but generally not very high.
3. Facilities
- International schools in Bangkok have modern facilities such as libraries, science laboratories, sports fields, swimming pools and art centers.
- Thai schools have different facilities but generally have sufficient facilities for teaching and learning which may not be as complete as international schools due to different budgets.
4. Learning atmosphere
- International schools in Bangkok emphasize a friendly learning atmosphere, encouraging students to be creative and participate in learning. Surrounded by international friends from many nationalities, students can experience a learning atmosphere like being abroad and learn about the cultures and languages of other nations.
- Thai schools have a rather formal learning atmosphere, focusing on learning according to the curriculum. In the classroom, there are only Thai people, so students only learn about Thai culture.
Choosing a school for your child is something that requires careful consideration. There is no best school, but there are schools that are most suitable for each child. Parents should study information, compare and talk to their children to find the school that best meets the needs of both parents and children.