Supporting Your Child’s Transition to an International School or a School with a Different Language
Tips for Parents Moving Their Child to a Different School Culture
By Les Huysmans
Transitioning a child from a local government school to an international school, or moving to a school in a different country, involves a unique set of challenges.
The transition to an international school means dealing with differences in language, curriculum, and teaching style. It may also mean being in a class where your child is not the best at English anymore, or where the other kids have different social habits.
While your child might have previously felt very smart or confident in class, moving to an international school could initially be a hit to that confidence — especially in speaking and listening. Socially, things may also change: classmates might group off differently, play differently, or expect different things.
Here are 4 important ways you can support your child during this transition:
1. Normalise That Feeling “Different” Is... Normal
Reassure your child that it’s perfectly okay to feel unsure or even overwhelmed at first. These feelings are not signs of failure, but part of adapting to a new environment.
In fact, research shows that students who are supported through cultural transitions develop stronger social-emotional skills and long-term adaptability — outcomes that are particularly valuable in today’s globalised world (Pizmony-Levy & Kosciw, 2020).
2. Encourage Small Steps and Celebrate Them
Maybe they managed to say “Hi” to a new classmate, or understood a joke, or finished a reading activity independently. Recognising small wins builds resilience and confidence.
3. Partner With the Teacher
Reach out early to the teacher, letting them know your child’s strengths, concerns, and what kind of support might help. You’re not asking for special treatment — just context and collaboration.
4. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
Social bonding and language learning go hand in hand. Help your child see the value of trying, participating, and connecting — even if their grammar isn’t perfect or they don’t understand everything yet.
A study on second language acquisition found that students who feel socially integrated are more motivated to use the new language and retain it more effectively (Dörnyei & Ushioda, 2021). Emotional connection, then, isn’t just “nice to have” — it directly impacts language development.
The journey into a new learning environment is rarely linear — but with your support, it can be meaningful, empowering, and even exciting.
If this sparked anything — questions, rants, good old curiosity — come say hi via the About Les page.
Related posts you might find helpful
- Embracing Special Educational Needs (SEN): A Guide for Parents of Primary Students
- Tailored Educational Support for International School Students
- Banish Constant Negative Thinking
References
Pizmony-Levy, O., & Kosciw, J. G. (2020). Global perspectives on education for democratic citizenship. Springer.
Dörnyei, Z., & Ushioda, E. (2021). Teaching and researching motivation (3rd ed.). Routledge.