Take a tour of Global Education Explorer^TM

First . . .the "Backpack"

The Backpack is your personal organizer for choosing and applying to the best schools for your child.  Some of the items included in the backpack are:

• Definitions from around the world 
• Your checklist for researching schools
• Differences between traditional & progressive education
• Expert tips for finding the right school for your children
• Interviewing tips and preparation
• Questions you may be asked at private schools
• Sample questions for you to ask nursery schools
• Suggested questions for visiting schools
• Checklist for completing applications
• How do I make the right choice?
• Criteria for researching schools (see example below)

Criteria for Researching Schools

In order to research schools, it is essential that you know what you want to find.  In the words of Alice in Wonderland, "if you don't know what you are looking for, it doesn't matter how you get there."  So, before you begin looking, it is important that you list some attributes about your child that have an impact on the school you would select for him or her.  For example, you might say that he is an extrovert, learns by doing rather than by listening, is sporty, and is a risk taker.  These qualities point to a progressive type school.  An experiential learning program would be ideal for his learning style, and the interaction during the school day with other children would support his extroverted personality.  Risk-taking is encouraged, to a greater degree, in progressive schools than those that are teacher directed. (Text continues)

Also . . .

Ask the Expert - Your opportunity to post or read questions on educational relocation issues, answered by our educational consultants.

Liz Perelstein, President School Choice International

Articles/White Papers - Read relevant, topical information on issues that are important to transitioning families.

Fact of the Week- Enjoy fun educational facts from around the world.

Next . . .Countries

Everything you need to know, or should know about education in a particular country. 

In addition to a snapshot of Educational Options, there is a section on the Educational System which includes an Overview, the Educational Structure, and information on Curriculum, Assessments and the School Year for that country. Then there is a Questions and Answers section on topics under Admissions, School Life, Academic Life, Customs & Routines and finally Special Needs. The next topic covered is Selecting the School. This section walks the user through an excercise for Knowing Their Child and then a Road Map to Schools in this country.

And Finally . . . the "School Choice Planner"

The planner is the ultimate on-line tool for relocating families. You will be asked to enter your child's birthday and the date of your move with the option to select up to three countries for comparisons. A customized chart will enable you to compare curricula and school requirements in those locations.

A cutomized chart will be created for your child -

Below are the results for a family moving to Australia in September with a 15 year old. It shows the Year Group and Educational Phase the child will enter with information on such things as the structure, access, national standards, etc. with the abilty to drill down for further information on the type of assessments and the currriculum the student will encounter.