Private/Boarding Schools
by Barbara Bellesi
Private/Boarding Schools Offer Outstanding Options
If you are looking for an academic experience abroad that offers small class size and a wide range of options both in and out of the classroom, then a private university education might be a good choice for you. While the tuition for private schools tend to be much higher than those that operate in the public sector, many students and their families believe that it is money well spent given the opportunities available to students after graduation.
"Private school" is a term that is used throughout the world, usually referring to schools that enroll young children up through students of secondary school age -- private boarding schools are available as well. At the higher education level, private colleges and private universities offer quality educations throughout the world. There are many differences between private schools and public schools, but one of the major ones is that the budgets for private schools are derived from the tuition paid by enrolled students and any private endowments received, while public schools operate on funds from the government, including paid taxes and grants.
There are many private schools that have boarding options, allowing students from different regions and even different countries to attend. Students who opt for private boarding schools abroad believe that studying in a different culture is a necessary extension of their education. Private boarding schools offer an eclectic environment because of the mix of cultures in the classrooms and the dormitories.
Is a private school the right choice for you?
You might wonder, "Why should I attend an expensive private school when I can easily go to a public school or public college that is either free or has a much lower tuition cost?" Indeed, when it comes down to money, public schools, particularly public elementary and secondary schools, seem the obvious choice, as they are free or cost very little to attend. But there are many reasons that students and their families believe that private schools and/or private universities are the better choice despite the cost.
Private schools enjoy a reputation for having small class sizes, which allow for increased interaction with the teacher or professor and fellow students. When studying abroad, this individualized attention can help international students feel more at ease.
Another reason is that unlike most public schools, private schools are allowed to openly teach courses in a particular religion or faith that is native to that area of the world, such as Catholicism or Judaism. It is the mixture of faiths and cultures that make private schools in any part of the world interesting places to learn.
Also, since private schools do not report to any local, state, or federal governments, they are not bound by the restrictions that public schools have in regard to budget spending or hiring regulations. This is particularly helpful if you are an adult, particularly a college graduate, looking to gain employment in a private school. For example, in the United States, teachers who are employed in private schools are usually not required to be certified as educators by the state in which they teach, though they often have considerable education, ability, and/or classroom and industry experience instead. Regulations for educators do vary throughout the world, but a bachelor's degree is a good start towards a job as a teacher in any part of the world.
Private schools want their students to be happy and successful, so if you are thinking of applying to a private school, request the opportunity for a campus visit - perhaps even an overnight one, particularly if it is located outside of your own home region - so that you can get a good idea of what it is to be a student at that school. And since there are private schools in every corner of the world, your options are wide open when it comes to determining whether or not a private school, private boarding school, or private university is the right choice for your study abroad experience.
