Thanks so much for any advice!
Hi! We are soon moving to Basel w/ 3 kids (10, 8 and 6 yrs old) for an expected stay for 2 years. Do most short-term expats just attend the ISB? I would like for my children to keep up w/ their English but it seems a shame for them not to learn a new language while we are living there. Also, need plan for language instruction in case we end up staying longer. I've looked at the SIS but starting in 3rd grade, the kids also start learning French. Is that even possible to learn 2 languages at the same time (French and German)? Would love to hear about other people's experiences w/ schooling for their kids. Sorry if this sounds naive but there has been so many things to think about in prepping for an international move.
The question is more whether you can afford to put 3 kids into an international school here. You’re talking around CHF30,000 per child per year.
Frankly I’d go with the local schools; your kids are at the right age to pick up the language quite quickly and the schools here seem to be very supportive regarding extra lessons to help get them up to speed. Even if you stay for only two years I think they’ll acquire a good working knowledge of the language/s and in these days of global travel should stand them in good stead for the future.
I am not 100% with you on that - judging by what some of the other parents have said, the 10yr old may have some troubles in local schools, so would probably benefit the most from going to one of the international schools.
However, the 6yo probably would slide in fine, and 8yo probably okay as well.
I was just turning 8 when we moved to Japan and lived off base, but my siblings and I were bussed to the DoD school on base. Since we went to the base school though, we didn't learn as much as we could have - but since we lived off base, playing with the local kids, we learned a fair amount just through play.
This also brings back to socialization too though - if your kids go to the international schools, a lot of times the other students live far enough away that play with school friends require some planning.
It isn't unusual to see kids on public transport on their own here (even as young as 6), so it may not be a big deal. Local schools for younger two for this reason also may be a bit more in tune too, I'd be less nervous myself of a 10yo on tram alone than 6 or 8.
I think your kids are all young enough to learn German fine. I came at 14 and picked up French fine, so I imagine that it should be even easier for your kids.
I think it might be difficult for the older child but the young ones might be okay. Expense is a high consideration as someone pointed out. If the company is paying for it and you know you will likely only be here for 2 years, I think if I was in your place I'd go with the International school for all of them. If you think you might be here longer I'd opt for local for the younger ones. It's a tough decision - either way, will you be able to visit all of the schools you are considering before making the decision? That might help you.
As far as learning 2 languages at once it's possible. My son is learning Spanish and German at school and is doing well in both. He's always been really good with language though so maybe he's an exception.
Good luck!
Thanks for all the replies! Not sure if I am any more clear on which way I should decide in regards to schooling since there is so much differences in opinions. We are fortunate enough to have that option (luxury) of sending each child to private school but doesn't mean that we should do it automatically without full consideration.....
I'd send the older one to the ISB or SIS, and the younger ones to Swiss school.
Be aware that the only Swiss qualification generally accept by UK universities is the Gymnasium Matura or equivalent. It is very difficult for kids without at least one fluent German speaking parent to get to Gym, at least around Basel (this is born out by the numbers). Also, a Gym matura requires considerably more work and stress than A-levels. Think of it as taking 6 (or more) A levels at one time, and you won't go far wrong.
Our son made it (and he started at 10, which is practically unheard of), but our two daughters who started at 4 and 6 did not. The older is now studying for a degree through the OU. The younger was in Gymnasium, but will be doing an apprenticeship now.
This gymnasium thing is not an issue if you're planning to stay long term as the Swiss system isn't designed for high level of university access.
My neighbours (Italian brought up in Basel/Argentinian) send their kids to SIS; these kids are fluent in
English
German
Dialect
Spanish
Italian.
So, yes, I think it's possible to learn more than one additional language at a time.
From a purely educative point of view (forget money for a moment), I would remind of my only advice valid in my opinion for the whole world: Better do to high school in the country you want to study further.
Educational systems have their own logic. Transfer is always a trouble. Small or big is another topic. Staying in the Swiss system means to accept that students can be prevented from following the gymnasium line because of grades. This is culturally more or less difficult depending on people's background. My experience is that this is by far an underestimated aspect by some cultures.
Because they perceive the system here as their own, with slight differences. Not the fact it is entirely different. I totally agree. Especially with the cultural aspect.
I was thinking this too, particularly after the post from NotAllThere which included such (baffling to Americans) things as references to "A levels" as well as "Gymnasium Matura" ... to me, possibly, given current location as "USA" the OP as well, we don't just automatically know what these things are.
So... help me understand right in case American friends ask me too. What are "A levels" compared to the Swiss system as well as ISB / SIS?
Also, if I understand right, Gymnasium Matura is the separate school (which in US would be mainstreamed to some extent as "advanced placement" classes within a regular school) with curriculum geared toward folks who are definitely (as defined by grades and teacher assessment) headed toward University studies. Is that right?
Further, if I remember from posts from other parents and / or teachers, the assessment for whether someone is headed for gymnasium (again, being system of study to prepare for uni, NOT a building designed for athletics ) begins around 12yrs, with the "decision" made at around 15, so this is part of why it would be especially tough for someone who is 10 transferring to the Swiss system rather than that student going through the international schools. Do I understand that right too?
Well PegA, literature teacher here so to me, the main aspect is language. It is just impossible to succeed in any country without the ability to articulate one's thoughts at an abstract level so that we can put grades on them that allow students to stay in a gymnasium. The system is quite forgiving for short "weaknesses" but not for lasting ones.
I don't know A levels at all. I find IB and Matura quite close even if they look different. From my experience, I'd say that Matura seems easy but the grading is strict as things must be done throughly. The IB seems more difficult on exam papers sometimes but the grading is definitely the nicest around in the country. My point: One must practice from inside to know what is what because the equation expectations/papers/grading is totally mysterious to non-teachers and to teachers of different backgrounds. To me, the differences are cultural and administrative, not purely academic.
Hi,
I wondered whether anyone could recommend some international schools in Zurich?
Thanks
We looked at several for my son and chose ZIS (Zürich International School). Campus location depends on age if your child. We have been very happy so far.
Have you talked to your kids to understand what they might like? Faced with a similar choice years ago, my son aged 11 at the time was strongly in favor of local schools because it was important to him to make friends in the neighborhood. The younger one, aged 7, also went to the local school instead of the international school, but actually ended up taking a longer time to adapt.
My sons are both very happy at Zis. I have also heard good things about ISZL, a little further away in Baar but not impossible.
Thanks for the helpful comments.
Have you looked at Obersee Bilingual School in Pfäffikon, SZ? Here the children are taught in both DE and Eng, reaching comparable or higher levels in other international schools.
There is also a high level of parent satisfaction with the school and teaching and all the children love going.
Please let me know if you require any more information.
Best wishes