Study Abroad in Malaysia

Many parents are discovering the delights of an international school in malaysia as more and more expats seek to enjoy the benefits of a culturally diverse environment. As the UK prepares to leave the EU, there is a real wealth of opportunities for parents who may be considering an International School in Malaysia for their children.

Malaysia is a country which prides itself on its diversity and international community. As the name would suggest, the nation is made up of people from all over the world and it's a melting pot of cultures. Due to this rich mix, children attending international schools in Malaysia can enjoy a diverse range of opportunities which appeal to just about any parent. From French to German, and British to Indonesian, children can learn alongside children of other nationalities and enjoy a common language which unites rather than separates them.

This is a place which values education and helps young minds to develop skills which they can take with them into the workplace. According to UNESCO, Malaysia is a country which provides universal access to education and encourages international cooperation. Furthermore, the nation has committed to producing a skilled and tech-empowered workforce to address its ever-growing needs.

The benefits of an international education are numerous. Children will have the opportunity to learn from teachers who come from all over the world, enhancing and expanding their cultural understanding. Furthermore, it provides a greater variety of opportunities for extracurricular activities and travel which many children may not otherwise experience.

One of the great things about Malaysia is that it is such a safe place to send your kids to school. In addition to this, several reputable international schools have a genuinely welcoming vibe and make a real effort to establish strong local communities. This is beneficial for the children who attend and their parents too, giving them a real stake in the local community.

There are a variety of reasons why parents from the UK may choose to study their children in Malaysia. One of the main draws is undoubtedly the climate which is made up of shifting sand dunes and tropical rainforest, offering a pleasant contrast to the grey skies and damp weather of home. The British Council's 2019 ‘What Will Your Future Be?’ report placed Malaysia as the 6th most popular country for studying abroad with over 100,000 applications from around the world.

The diverse population and rich culture of Malaysia make it an attractive prospect for expats considering a new challenge. Whether you are looking for a new challenge after graduation or want to dive in head first and master a new language, the opportunities are endless. From business and investment to teaching and tourism, Malaysia has everything you could want or need.

It should be pointed out that the cost of living in Malaysia is high, which is likely to pose a problem for many families. The report ‘Key Facts About Malaysia' from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) states that the cost of living in Malaysia is 17% higher than the UK average. This makes buying school supplies and sending your children to private schools a real challenge.

If you are considering an International School in Malaysia, you will inevitably have to decide on which city to base yourself. Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and is incredibly diverse with a population which is made up of a combination of Chinese, Indian, and Western influences. In addition, the teaching and learning environment is world-class and there is a large expatriate community.

The cost of living in Kuala Lumpur is high, with prices rising due to the city's popularity as a hub for business and leisure travel. The cost of a car rental is also extremely high, which can put a real strain on your travel budget if you are bringing your own vehicle. The city also has a notorious humid climate which can exacerbate existing health conditions.

The port city of Singapore is also immensely popular with expats and makes for an ideal location for an International School. The country's government has done a remarkable job in making sure that all citizens are well-rounded and well-educated individuals, with several universities which rank among the best in the world.

The primary language in Singapore is English, however, the curriculum is broad enough to include French and German alongside English. This provides a real opportunity to learn a language which will be useful for future travel and study abroad. As Singapore is such a wealthy country, it has a low cost of living which is sure to make a difference to your finances.

If you are looking for a traditional British boarding establishment with the emphasis on academic excellence and tradition, then look no further. The English Speaking International School (ESI) in Malaysia provides a traditional British education with a fully-fledged international twist. The curriculum is broad, with students encouraged to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school's location near to Kuala Lumpur makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.

A fully-fledged English Language Centre, housed in a purpose-built building, forms a central part of the school's curriculum. The facility caters for both regular classroom teaching and also offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, such as sports days, quizzes, and mock trials. In fact, the school's founder, Trevor Lock, has claimed that the focus on academic achievement and the importance attributed to the English language is what draws many British families to ESI. It should be pointed out, however, that the school is expensive, with fees ranging from £31,000 to £41,000 per year.

Malaysia is close to several key Southeast Asian countries which provide visa-free entry for individuals travelling from Europe. This has made the country a popular choice for European families seeking to explore the region. Kuala Lumpur lies just to the east of Indonesia and is a popular stop-off point for travellers heading to the island. The city has a fascinating fusion of cultures and offers a real variety of cuisine, art, and festivals to experience. It should be noted that Malaysia is located within the ‘Tropical Rainforest' ecoregion, making it a real hotspot for flora and fauna. Several iconic Malaysian species, such as the orangutan and the giant panda bear, are endangered creatures whose survival depends on human intervention. You can help by being a responsible traveller and ensuring that your visit benefits the local population and the environment.

You may be keen to immerse yourself in Malaysian culture and try out its delicious cuisine, but you should also be mindful of the fact that the country can be relatively conservative. Several ‘Western’ movies have been banned from being shown in cinemas in Malaysia because of their allegedly ‘unsuitable' content. Certain behaviors, including the ‘touching' of spouses and ‘revealing' clothing, are still widely frowned upon. It's a country which prizes its traditions and sees education and respect for others as the key to future progress. It will be important to keep this in mind if you are visiting or living in Malaysia.

One of the great things about Malaysia is that it is such a safe place to send your children to school. In addition to this, several reputable international schools have a genuinely welcoming vibe and make a real effort to establish strong local communities. This is beneficial for the children who attend and their parents too, giving them a real stake in the local community.