Preparing Your Child for a Globalised World: The Role of International Education
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Are you having a second thought about enrolling your child in a school that follows an international curriculum?
If so, you need to get away with second thoughts quickly and understand the value of international education in the present times.
The entire world is now interconnected. All thanks to globalisation! Therefore, it is the need of the hour that every child understands cultural diversity from a very young age. Schools with a multicultural setup are the best places where children learn to accept different ideologies, customs, and beliefs from a very young age.
This blog calls out to all parents and every individual who is still looking for the answer to the question: “Should I send my child to a school that follows an international syllabus?”
Read on to clear your doubts now.
How can International Education benefit students?
Before talking about benefits, let’s get to know a bit more about international schools. These schools have students who come from all four corners of the world. They rely on experiential learning that gives your child a life-changing experience during their growing-up years.
When your child sits in a classroom with friends who speak different languages and follow different customs, they learn to accept cross-cultural differences that help in their holistic development. That is the reason the best preschools in Bangalore focus on providing international education to young individuals from a very tender age.
Now, let’s find out the reasons why international education is becoming a blessing for young minds.
Exposure to different cultures and languages
Think of a scenario where your child comes from school and tells you stories of different cultures or refers to some other foreign languages that are not spoken at home.
Yes, this is how international education will benefit your child. The young ones will have friends who speak different languages. They will learn about different cultures, customs, and ideologies as they interact with their friends. The school premises will become the first place where they learn the importance of acceptance and adaptability. It will prepare them for global citizenship in the future.
Global Networks
Have you ever thought, “Oh! If I had connections in Japan, I might have had a chance to expand my business in that country.”
We are sure you don’t want your child to feel the same. In international schools, your little one will make bonds that might last beyond the classroom. Over time, the social circle will grow, and networking will increase. Hence, it might be helpful for your child to gain valuable support from their international friends and thrive professionally.
Awareness of international issues
Do you know what exact changes a preschool in the USA has made in the ongoing session? The answer is “No”. Until the news is huge, most people staying in India will not have any idea about it.
However, if your child’s friends originally belong to the USA, they are most likely to be aware of issues that are taking place in their hometown. They might share thought-provoking news with your child. They will start developing a deeper understanding of international issues. It makes your child aware of current affairs. It will expand your child’s knowledge base and help them turn into compassionate individuals full of love, empathy, and brotherhood.
Adaptability
When a school follows an international syllabus, the teaching-learning method needs to be adjusted as per the understanding of the multicultural classroom.
While growing up and studying with students coming from different environments, your child will eventually learn to adapt to cultural diversity and appreciate the ideologies and views of others. Schools in Byrathi that focus on experiential learning teach every child to break social barriers and develop mutual respect and understanding for one another.
Technological integrations
Being technologically sound is a necessity of the modern era. If your child gets accustomed to technology from school, it will be beneficial for their future growth.
The international curriculum is designed in such a way that the students become equipped with technologies as their education progresses. Also, teaching methodologies use technological features that make the teaching-learning process smooth and fruitful.
Language proficiency
As a parent, won’t you love to hear your child speak proficiently in foreign languages?
Of course, you will. Schools like Ekya Schools, which impart an internationally equivalent education, have different language classes that help in developing language proficiency in children. Mastering foreign languages will help your child to communicate fluently. Hence, it will open new doors of opportunities for them and help them to excel in life.
Career opportunities
Do you want your child to grow academically and pursue their dream of studying abroad?
If yes, international schools are the right choice for your little one. These schools provide vast career opportunities that hone their capability and ensure their professional growth. The adaptability, mutual respect, and understanding that they have imbibed during their schooling periods help them to have successful careers in foreign countries
Develops problem-solving skills
Having problem-solving skills is very essential to grow in professional and personal life.
In a culturally diverse classroom, children learn to accept others’ viewpoints, learn creativity, and solve complex problems in a dynamic social environment. The cross-cultural exposure given in schools in ITPL helps students develop leadership skills, making them torchbearers of the nation. The training provided in international schools will ensure that your child grows up to become a responsible citizen who will work for the betterment of society in the long run.
Conclusion
Education has a different meaning in today’s world. Earlier parents expected that their children would go to school, learn different subjects, and secure good marks in their examinations. However, education now refers to holistic development that would help children to excel in all spheres of life.
International schools are a perfect place that seamlessly blend cultural diversity with education, preparing students for their promising future. Ekya Schools is also committed to providing international exposure to their students, nurturing their creative abilities, and fostering their overall development in all possible ways. Let’s understand the importance of multicultural classrooms and international education and help young minds grow and develop a positive perspective toward individuals and society as a whole.
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Ekya / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
Ekya / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
Ekya / April 02, 2024
The Eye of the Storm
In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.
And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy
Grade 8C
Art of Journaling
Do you ever have the feeling that sometimes your thoughts are racing inside your head so fast that it is hard to keep up and calm yourself?
Now, I have heard people talk about different things that they pursue to calm their minds - meditation, taking a nap, being creative, cooking, baking, fixing something, going out for a walk, journaling and even talking to someone. Each one to their own, but two things that work wonders for me while I’m stressed are Art and Journaling.
Having said that, art, while an effective tool to calm your thoughts, may not help in expressing your feelings in their entirety. Some feelings may remain unsaid or unaddressed. After all, colours cannot convey what words can express.
On the other hand, journaling is hard when you haven’t had time to understand and break down your feelings and thoughts. Writing at the same pace as your perturbed mind is truly an uphill task. I guess that’s why most of us stop journaling after a while.
For the past few years, I have been trying a different method of expressing my inner turmoil - through art and journaling on the same piece of paper or, in short, Art-Journaling. When I’m stressed I turn to art for comfort. Add a little music, and a cup of tea and the scene is set for some deep retrospection. While the pencil does its magic, my mind can untangle and dissect the problem at hand. Soon, solutions are found or the whole stress trigger becomes a non-issue. Either way, I get time to contemplate and jot down an abridged version of the tornado happening in my mind. The musings are written right next to the artwork to serve as a memory. I can revisit this art journal later too. Sometimes, just browsing through my art journal is enough to give me perspective as well.
In addition to addressing my sanity, this form of creativity helps me build memories of things that bring me joy! For instance, I have drawings of the cute things that my little one has said over the years and going through them, I can relive and cherish those moments to date.
It is not just me: Wildlife enthusiasts often keep a notebook handy to sketch and pen down their findings and thoughts they have on leaves, trees, birds, animals etc. These are nature journals.
Artists travel with their colours to capture memories in the form of art instead of just photos. During the pandemic, a lot of people got a chance to observe and art-journal the mannerisms of their loved ones.
People have their version of journals like scrapbooks, food journals, travel journals, book review journals (I would love to do that too!) and so on. One of my favourite recipe books is by a friend who has shared in her book the memories associated with each of her recipes.
From serious thoughts to hilarious memories, I owe whatever clarity I have in life to art journaling and of course to music and chai! So, which form of journaling would you like to take up to enhance your experience of life?
Anjana Krishnamurthy English Educator - Primary School
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