Carole Hallett Mobbs’ Post

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 Are International schools the best option for expats? Education is one of the most important considerations when relocating with children. For those who want their children to mix with a diverse group and attain a more internationally recognised set of qualifications, international schools are the best option. However, there are many things to consider, as with any aspect of relocating to a new country. Here are some of the main features of international schools and what to expect. International schools are often hailed as the best education option for expats, as they equip children with a comprehensive education as well as opportunities they would not have found at local schools. In the majority of cases, lessons in international schools are taught in one language (predominantly English). For children from English-speaking countries, this can be less of a culture shock. #globalmobility #expat #internationaleducation #education

Australia may seem very far away when students consider studying abroad. However, with its stunning landscapes, high-quality education, and vibrant cities, the country has become a popular destination. Among Australia's vibrant cities, the Gold Coast stands out. In terms of cost of living, for example, the Gold Coast is around 30% cheaper to live in than Sydney. Check out our new blog post to learn what is it like to study English in Australia with Pacific English Study! 📚 #PacificExperience #PacificFamily #EnglishSchool #StudyGoldCoast

💡 Did you know that the EU advocates that by the end of upper secondary education, young people should acquire #proficiency in two languages in addition to their own? A study based on evidence regarding foreign language needs in European enterprises found that approximately 20 to 25% of jobs required an advanced level of foreign language skills. Thus, they argue that not only do those who speak a foreign language find themselves in a favourable position on the job market and with access to more job opportunities, but they also receive higher pay because of it. As they put it, “The lack of language competences is considered one of the biggest obstacles to transnational mobility in Europe in general … evidence indicates that, in combination with other relevant skills, foreign language skills can facilitate career progression. As knowing English is increasingly regarded as a basic skill in international exchanges” This is exactly what we are working towards in Theia Learn – to provide students with a higher skill set for better job opportunities and pay. The importance of quality language education is evident, but accessibility remains an impediment. However, we believe the future can be much, much brighter. Join us! Try out and share our courses, where #language learning is made simple, effective, and accessible. #careerprogression #englishlearning #accesstoeducation #betterpay #englishproficiency #englishcourses #english

This insightful article on bilingual education in Australia sheds light on its increasing accessibility and the advantages it offers to students. The focus is on enhancing cognitive development and fostering cultural understanding. Embracing multilingualism is crucial to enrich Australia's diversity and strengthen its global competitiveness. It is important for educators and school leaders to continue championing these programs to cultivate a vibrant, diverse, and multilingual Australia!

🌍 Latin America’s English Proficiency: An Opportunity for Language Schools Worldwide 🇧🇷 🇨🇱 🇦🇷 The latest EF English Proficiency Index 2023 reveals that most Latin American countries are significantly behind in English proficiency, with only Argentina reaching a “High” level. Major markets like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia remain in the “Low” and “Very Low” bands. (📊 See Image 1 for a detailed breakdown of proficiency levels in Latin America.) For English language schools around the world, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Latin American students often seek immersive learning environments abroad due to limited exposure to native speakers in their home countries. Why the Immersion Experience Matters: Lack of Native Exposure: Many Latin American countries have almost no native English-speaking population, making it difficult to practice in real-life settings. Accelerated Learning: Immersive environments abroad, such as in Ireland, the UK, or the US, offer faster language acquisition and greater confidence. Career Advancement: Proficiency in English opens doors to international roles and educational opportunities that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. Personal Insight: As a Chilean who studied English in Canada and Ireland, I’ve seen how English proficiency can open doors and allow people to work across diverse countries and settings. That’s why I’m committed to supporting the development of English in Latin America — because I know it’s more than just a skill; it’s a transformative tool. Conclusion: For language schools abroad, focusing on Latin American students can be a strategic move. Highlight the value of the immersion experience and tailor your programs to meet the region’s needs. 📢 What strategies do you use to support Latin American students? Share your thoughts below! #EFIndex #EducationFirst #LanguageSchools #LatinAmerica #ELT #EnglishProficiency #LanguageLearning

Every student comes across hurdles, but for many international students, these obstacles can feel particularly challenging. Imagine arriving in a new country, passionate and determined to succeed, only to be faced with the complexities of visa requirements, documentation, and cultural differences. It's no wonder that for many, these barriers stir doubt and anxiety. For instance, one student I spoke with faced serious language barriers that led to feelings of isolation in their new classroom. They struggled to understand their professors and felt disconnected from their peers. This struggle affected not only their studies but also their overall well-being. Realizing that they couldn’t tackle this alone, they sought out English language courses and participated in student groups designed for international students. By reaching out for support and actively working to improve their communication skills, they began to bridge the gap. Over time, they made new friends, gained confidence, and even formed study groups that created a supportive learning environment. The transformation was remarkable – not only did they excel academically, but their experience in Australia became genuinely fulfilling. This journey taught them some invaluable lessons: don’t be afraid to ask for help, utilize the resources available to you, and embrace the diverse community around you. If you’re an international student facing similar challenges, remember, you are not alone. Seek out support from your peers, instructors, and institutions. Engage in cultural experiences, and take advantage of language programs. You have what it takes to overcome these challenges – just stay determined, and you’ll find your way.

What does it mean to say a school offers an "international private English education"? I have come full circle to this question over the last week. I think it is fair to say that there are a variety of answers based on the orientation of the private school one chooses. So, I will answer it from where I stand as the principal of a private day school, as a former professor at a community college in the US, as a person thinking about education for the last 15 years, and as a person who has puzzled out the individual words publicly over the last few days. An international private English education is an education that values diversity but also specializes in a student that comes from an international background. Typically these students are children of a mobile international workforce: for example parents who are diplomats, who work at NGOs, for sports teams, and for international companies. They are children who are in a temporary cultural context, and ultimately will be returning to a home country where English is the dominant language. Some students are from the local culture as well, and their families are looking for a place that curates an international and intercultural environment, and they are looking for a challenging education. Many students come to their school on a fluid timeline because of the nature of their parents' work, and together create a space that is international by the fact of their diversity. But not all schools that are international, are intercultural. The intercultural element is a product of the school's own mindful efforts to that end. It is how the teachers and administration value the varied cultures and also how they provide a context in which people from different cultures can find trust and belonging. This is not just about singing kumbaya, it is about actually facing differences and understanding the impact differences can have on finding belonging. It is about developing a perspective that invites questions and curiosity and sharing. And it is also about identifying where there are commonalities. You need both to be present in an intercultural environment. An international English private education isn't for everyone. It is for a specific set of families and their children. In Switzerland, because of cantonal oversight, the schooling is often as rigorous as Swiss schooling, and in some cases more so only because private schooling can mean smaller classroom sizes as well as a more curated classroom because of the self-selecting nature of the student population. International schools in Switzerland are sometimes locally owned, as in the case of The British School Bern, and in some cases owned by external companies, like in the case if ISBerne which is owned by an American corporation. But both are international based on who they serve. Private international education is needed where there are mobile international workforces. #internationaleducation #britishcurriculum #intercultural

Explore ten reasons to choose an English camp abroad in our latest blog post. Learn how combining travel with language education can enrich your learning experience and provide valuable cultural insights. Discover the benefits and consider an English camp for your next educational adventure. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eGpwhNVE #languagelearning #Englishsummercamps #studyabroad Garry Littman David Creber

EnglishUSA shared its Annual Report, developed in collaboration with BONARD and sponsored by Pearson. This report sheds light on the state of English Language Programs (ELPs) in the USA, providing valuable data and international perspectives. 🔍 Key Insights: Recovery: According to the data, 1.1M students took one English course in one of the 8 major destinations. The global English language travel sector recovered 77% of its 2019 levels by the end of 2023. Popularity: The USA is the 3rd most popular destination globally for English learning. Economic Impact: It’s estimated that the total direct contribution of English language students to the US economy exceeded $1.7 billion These findings highlight the resilience of the ELP sector in the US and its vital role in supporting learners' personal and professional growth. The role of ELPs and other key stakeholders is crucial to helping learners improve their English proficiency: It is essential to implement student support services to help them navigate the challenges of studying abroad by enhancing cultural integration, academic preparation, flexible English learning options, the use of technology and offering guidance and assistance with visa applications and immigration processes to ease their transition. Learn more. https://lnkd.in/eekkFC6M #PearsonLanguages #EnglishLanguageLearning #ELP #InternationalEducation #USA #EnglishUSA #LanguageLearning #StudyInUS #StudentVisa

This is a serious concern over the accountability of an education consultant! Should a student be set for success or struggle? NDTV Education recently covered a report published by UK higher education think-tank HEPI (Higher Education Policy Institute), which laid open a can of worms we were already somewhat aware of - tons of students who head over to the UK do not have the requisite grasp on English to cope academically at the universities they attend. Questions are being raised on the validity of the language proficiency tests students tend to take (IELTS, in this case), and professors cannot figure out how these students even managed to complete their degrees and most particularly, managed to study in the UK. This is nothing new, but we must talk about it. Universities in the UK and the rest of Europe rely a lot on foreign student enrollments because they tend to pay much higher fees compared to native students. Hence, they work with foreign consultants to get them as many students as possible and since they view students as a mere business opportunity, they do not care much for how prepared the student really is for life in a foreign land. The result? A student who ends up in a terrible situation. Even if the aim is to facilitate emigration, there are some fundamentals you just cannot do without. No two ways about it - if you cannot speak English, you have some serious work to do. At Edugo Abroad, as partners of 450+ universities spread across 18 European nations, our values compel us to always look out for any student that comes through the doors. While we offer "NO IELTS REQUIRED" options, we emphasize that this doesn't mean compromising on language proficiency. We counsel students, provide language coaching, and set clear expectations to ensure they're prepared. Let's prioritize meaningful education and immigration experiences. Language skills are crucial for navigating everyday life abroad. Let's set students up for success, not struggle. #StudyAbroad #LanguageMatters #EthicalConsulting #EdugoAbroad