High School Preparation

Around the world, international enrolment numbers at high schools and secondary schools are on the rise. While data shows that they are not quite back to pre-pandemic levels, it is certain that families are beginning to feel more comfortable and confident in sending their children overseas to receive an international education once more.

One thing that can bolster this confidence and ensure a greater chance of success for students attending high school abroad, is putting emphasis on preparation. Being prepared can mean different things for different students, but without a combination of language training, cultural assimilation, and forming the first building blocks of a new community, high school abroad can certainly feel more daunting.

It is for this reason that schools around the world offer high school preparation courses, be that in the form of summer camps, intensive language training, or subject-specific foundation courses. After years of education disrupted by the pandemic, these courses hold more importance than ever both for local and international students. Anna Matthews-Stroud, Director at Kings Colleges, which offers summer preparation programs in the UK, explains that “many [students] have been home-schooled since Covid, or are still having issues with anxiety about being in the classroom, and so they want to have that extra preparation ahead of starting their main course”.

“Realizing the ramifications that Covid has had on our youth, globally, is a sure way to really understand the changes we are seeing both in students and recruitment,” agrees Johanna Ziegler, Director of Admissions at Merrick Preparatory School , which offers English immersion programs to improve students’ English language skills in preparation for grades nine, 10, 11 and 12 in Ontario, Canada. She continues, “Students coming in for grade nine may not be as emotionally and mentally prepared for the rigorous academics, new cultures, and change in studying abroad when compared to four years ago and more.”

In addition to combatting post-pandemic anxiety, students are also attending preparation courses to improve their English language skills before jumping into their high school program. Mark Baczynski, Director of Resident Admissions at Chaminade College Preparatory School in the USA, where international students are offered a 10-day orientation and preparation course prior to the start of the Fall semester, notes that language training is still a major challenge for many students wishing to attend high school abroad. He says, “Depending on their country of origin, English language still tends to be the biggest challenge for our international students. This is still true of students coming from international schools, or that have scored high on standardized English assessments.”

Anna adds, “English is the baseline for any further studies for a student: If they can’t understand the teacher, they aren’t going to succeed in their school studies.”

However, despite the importance of language learning, educators emphasize that high school preparation courses are about more than just grasping the language. Michael Bartlett at All Saints Anglican School in Australia notes, “It must be much more than an English language course and genuinely prepare students for high school entry, by being closely related in content and pedagogy to actual high school curriculum and learning.”

This sentiment is echoed by Anna, who says that despite the importance of the language element, high school preparation courses are about more than simply preparing English for a test – for example a focus on IELTS. She continues, “Instead, it is important that students learn academic English, and get a sense of what studying overseas will be like: the expectation for them to join in class debates, to raise questions, and to challenge fellow students and teachers. This is often quite different to their home school.”

Finding a sense of community abroad is another key part of high school preparation courses. Mark explains, “I believe that the most important element of our orientation and preparation course is to create a sense of familiarity with our school community. Knowing what will be required of you as a student at your new school is very important. Also, getting to know students academically and socially during this period helps our counsellors to create the best class schedule for them to be successful right from the start.”

Bridging the gap between a student’s home country and new environment is one of the most important elements of high school preparation courses, agrees Johanna: “Some of the most important elements of high school preparation courses for international students is knowing what lies ahead, to be prepared to the best of their ability. Looking into transition for international students, seeing what support the school has for international students, and prep for the big changes; meeting new people, leaving friends and family behind, getting to know new teachers, building good study habits and the confidence to ask questions. Overall, finding that healthy balance once you are on campus, settled and feeling more comfortable in a new environment, let alone a new country.”

Advice about high school prep

The most important bit of advice offered by educators across different countries is that the importance of preparation for international students can’t be understated. “The better prepared you are, the more likely you will be to improve your long-term success,” says Michael Bartlett from All Saints Anglican School in Australia.

Anna Matthews-Stroud, from Kings Colleges agrees. “The longer they are able to be in their new country building their English, study skills, and therefore confidence, the better outcomes they will achieve in either GCSE or A-level exams,” she says. “If students aren’t able to have a complete extra year, then an academic summer camp will give excellent insights into studying high school internationally, and give them a chance to try out a variety of subjects which can help in their high school plans.”