One big worry of parents at international schools is whether or not their child will be able to keep up with the rest of their kids in a school, particularly if their first language is not English. While this may seem to pose a challenge, many international schools can and do offer a wide variety of programs to help your child feel at home in an environment that can help them grow.

Some students may enter a school where the main language is not their first language. The younger your child starts at an international school, the less a parent typically has to worry. In the early years, it is much easier for students to catch up to the level of their peers. As students get older, and course material becomes more challenging, this is when it can pose a problem. Many schools around Bangkok, such as Niva American International School, work around this issue by offering differing language programs to help students feel both welcome at school and successful in their studies.

Immersive English Programs

Some schools will do an immersive-style program—that is, students enter mainstream classes with additional support. Some of this support is in the form of differentiated worksheets and extra teacher help. At times, an English-specialist teacher may enter the classroom to help the student, or the student may at times leave the mainstream classes for extra help. This is a great style for younger students, who are able to adapt more easily to a new language. These programs aim to keep students learning the same material as their peers at the same time.

English Language Support or Development Programs

These programs are generally for students with a lower level of English that may not be able to keep up with the level of content in mainstream courses. While these students will take similar subjects, they will also spend time on English acquisition—learning vocabulary, simple commands and phrases, and common sentence starters. All of this is to help build confidence so that these children can soon move into their mainstream classes and participate in grade-level work with their classmates.

No matter the program, many international schools design their curriculum to help meet the growing need within a school. Some schools will even offer after-hours tutoring for students looking for support after school. These international schools show their dedication to a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures and do their best to help every student feel at home.