Choosing the right international school for your child in Thailand is no easy task. If you’re not careful, you might fall into some common traps! Let’s uncover the common misconceptions about selecting international schools in Thailand today.

Misconception 1: Is Studying at a Thai International School Really Cost-Effective?

When many parents see the tuition fees of international schools in Thailand, their first reaction is often, “What great value for money!” They think they can get by with just 30,000–40,000 RMB per year. But don’t be deceived by the surface price! The tuition fees for international schools in Thailand are not set in stone.

In Bangkok, tuition at top-tier international schools can easily reach 120,000–200,000 RMB per year, and the higher the grade level, the more expensive it gets. Even mid-range schools charge around 100,000–150,000 RMB per year, while slightly lower-tier schools start at 50,000–100,000 RMB. Schools with annual fees of just 30,000–40,000 RMB are likely to fall short in areas such as faculty strength, curriculum offerings, and campus facilities.

So, if you want your child to receive a high-quality international education, you need to have a more substantial budget. Don’t focus solely on the price and neglect the quality of education.

Misconception 2: More Western Students = Higher Internationalization?

Many parents believe that schools with a large number of Western students must offer better education and language environment. But this is not necessarily the case.

Take international schools in Phuket and Pattaya as examples. Although there are many foreign faces, a large number of them are Russian students whose English proficiency may not even be as good as that of students in our country. In Bangkok, despite the fact that Thai students make up 50%–80% of the population, most of these Thai students come from local affluent families and have been speaking English since childhood. The language environment is by no means inferior.

So, don’t just look at the nationalities of the students. Pay more attention to the school’s educational philosophy, curriculum offerings, and faculty strength. After all, the quality of education is the key.

Misconception 3: Only Focus on Top-Ranked Schools?

When it comes to international schools, many parents only focus on the top-ranked ones, thinking that only these schools are good. But the reality is that getting into these top-ranked international schools is a tough battle for both children and parents.

Parents need to have fluent English, preferably an international educational background, and even a business background to boost their chances. Moreover, if a child has no experience in international schools and applies directly to these top-ranked institutions, the difficulty is imaginable.

Instead of blindly pursuing rankings, it’s better to start with a suitable school, accumulate experience in the international school environment, and then apply to prestigious schools after two years. The chances of success will be much higher.

Misconception 4: Waiting Until After Junior High School Graduation?

If you plan to send your child to an international school in Thailand after they graduate from junior high school in China, it’s already too late. Ninety-nine percent of Chinese students who graduate from junior high school will be required to repeat a grade when they arrive in Thailand.

This is because British and American schools have a four-year high school system. If a child has not attended an international school in China, they will be required to start from Grade 9 (equivalent to the third year of junior high school in China), effectively wasting a year of study in China.

So, if you’re considering the international school route, it’s better to make the decision early. The sooner you decide, the more options you have for choosing a school. The later you decide, the more likely it is that the school will be choosing you.

In summary, when choosing an international school in Thailand, parents should consider the child’s actual situation and the family’s financial conditions, and weigh factors such as the quality of education, curriculum system, and faculty strength to select the most suitable school for their child.

We hope this article helps parents avoid common pitfalls and make the school selection process easier. You can also contact us privately, and we’ll help you solve the challenges on your school selection journey!