WHAT TO ASK DURING THE SCHOOL VISIT

If you decide to send your child to school abroad you have to approach this decision very seriously. You need to start with calling all the industry professionals and listen to their advice, learn the reviews of friends whose children are already studying abroad, ask Google. After that, you should choose the country and make a list of schools that suit you on the infrastructure, cost and results of graduates. But what to do next, how not to make a mistake with your choice, and to find the school that maximizes the talents of your child and will allow you not to worry about him tomorrow.
For a final decision, I recommend arranging a visit to all the selected schools in person to meet with the administration, teachers, all the important people that will surround your child every day and will have the greatest impact on his development.

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO ASK WHEN VISITING SCHOOLS.

Before visiting the schools carefully read their websites and brochures, make all necessary notes, not to ask questions, answers to which you could find in advance. For example, you can always find information on programs, subjects, accreditation, where do the students go. And this is the knowledge that you might show when visiting the school.
Over the years I made a list of questions to help uncover the most boring conversationalist and feel the atmosphere of each school deeper. You can make another list, but if you ask the same questions in all the schools you visit - the result will surprise you.

So, my favorite questions when meeting a new partner.

1. What sets you apart from other schools?
The question seems very trivial but it makes people to tell you all the unique features. The answer can be very short, but it's only if they really have nothing to say. Usually, you might hear something unexpected that will add a lot of leading questions and this answer to be remembered.
2. What are interesting traditions your school keeps?
Boarding school, especially British, is known for their traditions some of which may seem strange and even unacceptable for your child.
3. What core values do you educate your students and how do you do it?
Usually, answers to this question are very vast and all you told is likely to be very attractive. But still, allow distinguishing between education in different schools. In addition, the religious aspect may become an obstacle when deciding in favor of one or another school. For example, if a school practices the Church service, find out how it will be comfortable for your child and do international students have to participate.
4. How do you handle different abilities of children in the classroom, whether in one class group of variety?
Even if your child is very smart and talented, he can't be the same in all required subjects. In addition, the first year in a new school and learning another language will adversely affect academic performance, which may understate children's self-esteem and affect the interest in learning. A good school is one that will give the opportunity in the realization of most talented children as well as those pupils who have difficulties in understanding certain subjects. So good when a school has sub-groups in each class according to the difficulty level, and your child will not be one who falls behind the class, and will always work in a group that stimulates the motivation to learn.5. Does the school have a designated area for homework?
In many schools, the younger students are not allowed to do homework in the room. This is because for better socialization at a younger age there are several children leaving in the room and they can distract each other from homework. In addition, complex tasks are better to do in the designated rooms under the supervision of the teacher on duty. Seniors usually are able to work independently as they have the motivation to finish school and go to the desired University. But even they prefer to do challenging homework in the library, which not only gives more access to educational articles and materials but helps with the learning atmosphere. If the level of academic performance falls, some schools, for example, the canadian Columbia International College do not permit independent homework in a room until the student reaches the desired results.
6. How many students live on a 7-day boarding and how the school organizes leisure for weekends?
This is a very important question because school works 5 or 6 days a week and on the weekends all local students are leaving to their families. How the school keeps kids busy on weekends will influence child's interest in learning and achieving success. Of course, any child needs some time to himself and do what he wants, even if nothing is done at all. But the school should organize children at least for a half-day on Saturday and for a few hours on Sunday.
7. How many graduates you had last year and where did they go?
Normally, any school can boast of graduates who entered top universities in the world. But a specific question, in which University and what specialty entered the graduates of last year will help you to understand what results you can expect from your child.
8. What extracurricular activities do you offer and what are the most popular at your school?
Participation in clubs helps to develop many even unexpected talents of your child. If child has a strong passion then most likely you will look for schools where he can continue to develop it. In addition, children should try something new. Finding the boarding school that provides comprehensive development of all talents would be beneficial so choose a school that can offer more than others.
9. What are the rules at school for boarding pupils for the use of personal telephone, Internet, social networks?
Like it or not, but the child will be able to leave the school grounds, meet with friends and relatives and even call you only when permitted by the school. Some schools don't even allow children to use social networks because they believe that children need to socialize with their peers in person. So choose what is comfortable for your family before you place the child in a certain school.

And finally, ask to see the school dormitory and meet house parents because this place and people will create comfort and coziness for your child away from home.