Nowadays, an increasing number of parents have been finding employment abroad to support the needs of the family, as well as to find fulfilment in their professional lives. However, as they take on work overseas, their children are subjected to experience life in a foreign environment. They are expected to adapt well to a life as an expat, which can both be beneficial and challenging to them.
Since these children look different than the locals, they may have to deal with situations where they stand out from others because of the color of their skin, eyes, and their foreign accent. Thus, this can be somewhat of a new experience they have to deal with every single day of their life. This means, it is utterly important for expat parents to know how to prepare and take care of their children’s total well-being while abroad.
Factors that Every Expat Parent Should Take Note Of
Over time, there are several benefits that come along by being an expat child. Since your child is immersed in a foreign and unfamiliar environment, they may turn out to become bilingual that will help them mingle with other children whether locals or foreigners. This is one for your children to flourish and become culturally-enriched.
However, the path towards all of these benefits linked with expatriation can be tough. So, parents should be aware of different aspects that can enhance their children’s ability to adapt to their new surroundings.
Here are just a few of the different things you can do to help your child thrive in Singapore.
1. Be familiar with the education system in Singapore.
Naturally, you will need to send your child to school – and this means choosing the right institution can be quite crucial to his or her future. As an expat parent, you need to be fully aware of the education system in this country, as well as the right local or international school in Singapore where you can send your child.
In Singapore, primary education goes through a period of six years, and children aged 6 years are expected to begin schooling. The main focus in primary education is on the English language, mathematics, and the mother tongue of your child whether it is Malay, Chinese or other languages may be dropped (applicable to foreign children).
As for secondary education, students continue their studies based on a curricular group, which is determined by their PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) performance. These groups include special, express, normal academic and normal technical.
There are also the GCE N and GCE O Levels that are taken prior to the student’s entrance to junior college, which lasts for two years. They also have an option to take a centralized institute course for three years, and this equips them with knowledge and skill before entering college.
2. Select the best international school in Singapore for your child.
If you prefer to send your child to an international school, you may realize that the tuition and fees may cost more than what local schools offer. However, international schools will provide expat children a chance to be a part of a diverse community where they can see other foreign students just like them. This can also give them an opportunity to extend their network of friends from various parts of the world, which will give them a better understanding of other people’s culture.
For instance, the International School is one of the top-rated international schools in Singapore. The school aims to provide students a learning environment that is equipped with diverse curriculum and a wide selection of activities to help them grow and thrive. In addition, students can set their personal goals and be an active part of the learning process.
The school implements an inquiry-based program, and this enables children to have an actual discovery of their unique strengths and skills. These are all done in a supportive and wholesome environment where students are allowed to take risks, be who they are, and explore their abilities without fear of being criticized harshly.
3. Encourage your child to socialize with other kids.
Settling in another country may be somewhat stressful to children, particularly when they have left behind a few friends back home. Hence, you should strengthen their social skills by allowing them to interact with children in the neighborhood, in school, or even kids of your friends and co-workers. Aside from helping your child establish social skills, interacting with other people will prevent them from boredom that can often lead to feelings of sadness or anxiety.
4. Find a good rental home for the family.
It helps to consider the kind of home where you plan to have the family settle abroad. After all, the neighbourhood can have a huge impact to your child since he or she will be spending much time in such place. With this in mind, think carefully before you decide to move in to a specific environment. Analyze if the place is conducive to your child’s development and welfare, and it should offer a relaxing ambience that is apt to be considered as home.
5. Offer much love and encouragement to your child.
There may be instances when your child may feel homesick or sad about being away from his or her familiar environment. When this happens, your child’s education, emotional self and physical health may greatly suffer. Thus, you need to keep encouraging and supporting your child during this difficult time in his or her life. Before you relocate abroad, it is important to prepare your child about the possible kind of environment in another country. Read books or show films that feature the type of culture and sights in the place where you are planning to move in. If your child asks questions, be sure to provide accurate answers that will help him or her understand better what to expect about life abroad.
Bottom Line
Living in another country may be overwhelming for adults, but it can even be tougher for children. So, it helps to prepare your child before moving abroad and be sure to learn more about these factors that can have a positive impact to the life of every expat child’s future.