Language Schools - Pros and Cons

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International schools
Bilingual schools
Education with a focus on languages: a good idea?

Language skills are nowadays crucial for achieving professional success. Poland is a member state of the European Union and young people have unlimited possibilities for both education and employment in all the EU countries. But it’s necessary to know foreign languages, especially English.

You can choose, among others, from numerous international and bilingual schools at all stages of education, including preschool, primary school, and high school. What are the pros and cons of different types of schools which offer language instruction?

International schools

Advantages

International schools usually teach entirely in a foreign language, mainly in English. This is highly beneficial because language immersion (read about: language immersion schools) is an extremely effective way to learn a language.
Another plus is certainly the opportunity to learn about other cultures. In international schools, children from other countries often learn with those who may not even know the Polish language. This encourages the use of English or another language both in and outside of school and in one’s home.
In addition, passing on patterns of tolerance and curiosity about the world is an important aspect of education. International schools can significantly influence the acceptance and embracing of different cultures by your child.
Many international schools also offer the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB Diploma Programme). Obtaining an international diploma can open up extensive opportunities for studying and working abroad. Thus, if you want your child to have a wide range of choice for their future, it’s worth considering an international education. Also on the local job market this kind of education will definitely pay off, as more and more companies require advanced language skills.

Disadvantages

The downside of international education may be the effort required to learn new languages, cultures, etc. Especially at the beginning, this can cause some problems. If you want education to be easier for your child, make sure you help them through these adjustments. If you speak the foreign language taught in the school, try to use it at home to further enhance immersion in it.

Bilingual schools

Advantages

Bilingual schools, in some respects, are relatively similar to the international schools. In both, the level of language instruction is higher than in most schools.

These are institutions mostly for Polish students, so not all subjects are taught in a foreign language.

Bilingual education is a great option if you want to educate your child in a foreign language, but not exclusively.

Disadvantages

In a bilingual school, there’s usually not as much cultural diversity as in an international school, although there are exceptions.

It’s worth taking a close look at the school program you’re interested in, because it often happens that a bilingual school only conducts some subjects in a foreign language. It can be less burdensome, but also less immersive.

After bilingual school, many students will take the matura exam. This is a different exam than that of the International Baccalaureate and serves a more local market, although the language level is also high.

Education with a focus on languages: a good idea?

Language education is certainly a good idea, but before you decide on it, it’s worth carefully analyzing your situation, the characteristics of your child, as well as the goals you want to achieve by choosing a specific model of education. In some cases, it may be better to choose a regular private or public school and an additional English course. Make sure you consider all your options.

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Education with a focus on languages: ​​a good idea?

Education with a focus on languages: a good idea?