Guides

New here? 1→10

New to international schools? Read in this order

A step-by-step path from the basics, picked for families new to international schools. By the end you will know what to compare.

1
What exactly is an international school? The types explained
The name 'international school' covers different legal statuses and admission rules from country to country. This guide sorts the types using official notes from Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand and Canada, and lists what to check.
2
International, local and Korean schools: how they differ
For parents planning a move abroad or a return to Korea, this guide uses official notes to compare local schools, Korean schools abroad and foreign schools in Korea on enrolment and recognition of study. Rules differ by country, region and school, so confirm with the official body and the school.
3
IB, British and American curricula: the basics side by side
A short, source-based overview of how IB, British (the national curriculum and Cambridge) and American (AP) programmes are structured and assessed. Rules differ by country, school and university, so confirm the latest details with each.
4
What school accreditation (CIS, WASC, NEASC, Cognia, BSO) tells you
Accreditation means a school meets an outside body's standards and is reviewed regularly. Methods and cycles differ, so check both the status and the latest report.

More basic guides

57 guides

Glossary

Short explanations of terms you will meet, each with its official source and the date we checked it.

CIS International Accreditation: school evaluation focused on global citizenship
- Focus on global citizenship
- Recognised by ministries and universities
- CIS is accredited by ICAISA
Source: Council of International Schools — Global Recognition of CIS International Accreditation · checked 2026-10-29
ACS WASC: a US regional accreditor serving many Asian schools
- 5,500+ schools
- Self-study validated by a visiting committee
- Annual progress reports
Source: ACS WASC — WASC Overview · checked 2026-10-29
NEASC international accreditation: ACE Learning on a five-year cycle

Questions about your own child's situation? Ask Sam.

New to international schools? Read in this order

What exactly is an international school? The types explained

International, local and Korean schools: how they differ

IB, British and American curricula: the basics side by side

What school accreditation (CIS, WASC, NEASC, Cognia, BSO) tells you

57 guides

Glossary

Reading a Fee Schedule: Tuition, Levies, Debentures and Company Sponsorship

International School Admissions: Documents, Assessments and Waitlists

Not fluent in English yet? Understanding EAL support

Choosing a city: safety, the Korean community and school options, in order

Moving back to Korea: re-entering Korean schools and preparing documents

Boarding schools: welfare standards and guardians

Choosing a school: a checklist before the tour

Matching grades: UK Year, US Grade and Korean school year

IB or British (IGCSE/A Level): which suits your child?

Understanding American schools: GPA, AP, SAT and the diploma

The British pathway: from EYFS to IGCSE and A Level

Korea's foreign schools and unlicensed 'international schools': check recognition first

Admission documents: from English certificates to the apostille

Unlicensed 'International Schools' in Korea: What to Check

Re-entering Korean Schools: The MOE Simplified List, Apostille and Consular Confirmation

Exchange rates and paying tuition: reading reference rates and sending study funds

US L-1/L-2 assignments: what about the children's school?

Matching grades: UK Year, US Grade and Korean school year

The IB Diploma at a glance: subjects, TOK, EE, CAS and 45 points

Re-entering Korean Schools: The MOE Simplified List, Apostille and Consular Confirmation

Understanding American schools: GPA, AP, SAT and the diploma

Posted abroad by your company: getting the children's schooling ready

Joining mid-year: is it possible and what to prepare

UK Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility Visas: Children and School

Switching curriculum: good moments and pitfalls

Your Korean school record when you leave: off-roll management and re-entry

Schools in Canada at a glance: provincial systems and enrolling

Dubai schools: how to read KHDA ratings

Schools in Australia at a glance: structure, public-school fees and the ATAR

Schools in England at a glance: state, academies, independent and in-year entry

Admission documents: from English certificates to the apostille

Applying abroad with the IB Diploma: UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong

Exchange rates and paying tuition: reading reference rates and sending study funds

Admission tests MAP and CAT4: what they measure and how to prepare

Choosing a school: a checklist before the tour

International Schools in China: Schools for Foreign Children

International Schools in the Philippines at a Glance: Grade Levels, Legal Status, Accreditation and What to Check

International Schools in Thailand at a Glance: Curricula, Accreditation and Dependant Visa Basics

International Schools in Vietnam at a Glance: Rules, Accreditation and the Dependant Visa Page

International Schools in Japan at a Glance: Approval, Accreditation, University Entry and the Public-School Option

International schools in Indonesia: what SPK means

International Schools in Malaysia at a Glance: School Approval and the Student Pass

Assignment Family Visa Basics: Official Guidance for Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, China and the UAE

Australia 482 and New Zealand Work Visas: Families and School Fees

F-1 Students and US Public Schools: The Limits, Grade by Grade

How IB PYP and MYP Classrooms Work

Third culture kids: settling in and wellbeing

Singapore and Malaysia: Employment Pass, Dependant's Pass and Your Child's School

Canada work permits and families: how children attend school

Canada, Australia and New Zealand: Public Schools and International Student Programmes, and How to Read the Fee and Guardian Rules

French and German Schools and the Bac and Abitur: What to Know Before You Choose

Singapore: International Schools and Local Schools, What to Compare

Unlicensed 'International Schools' in Korea: What to Check

Understanding Montessori, IPC and Other Early-Years and Primary Options

IB or British (IGCSE/A Level): which suits your child?

Applying to UK universities via UCAS: predicted grades and timing

Korean Universities' Overseas Koreans Admissions: The Basics (and What to Confirm)

US University Applications: Grades, Tests and Activities

Keeping Korean and identity abroad: home, weekend schools and TCK research

When parents move home and the child stays: visas and guardians

US public schools: districts, attendance zones and state ratings

Korea's foreign schools and unlicensed 'international schools': check recognition first

The British pathway: from EYFS to IGCSE and A Level