International vs National School

International Schools and Regular Schools
Many international schools are teeming in metropolitan cities, such as Jakarta. These schools have been taken into account by all parents who wish to send their children abroad later in the future for higher education. This essay intends to dig deeper the actual pros and cons of having sent children to these schools compared to regular schools which gradually have their popularity fade away among people coming from middle class and above. The main aspects that will be discussed between these two formal educational institutions are curricula, teaching methods, and cost.
International schools apply international curricula, suitable for students who are planning to study abroad later on. Since international curricula adopt foreign educational systems and methods, students from international schools will not be shocked when they become foreign students in the future. In addition to this, these schools are generally acknowledged worldwide.
“An international curriculum has to take into account to some degree the differing viewpoints from which it will be looked at, explored, and implemented. This leads to a curriculum that, rightly, gets contextualized for local delivery” (“More than just A Different Language”, 2011)
Furthermore, a foreign language, usually English, is applied in any subjects and under any circumstances. Therefore, students’ mastering another language besides their native tongue is one obvious advantage. In contrast, regular schools do not apply a foreign language or at the very minimum, they are bilingual.
The teaching methods of these two types of schools are not even remotely similar. International schools, commonly adapting western methods, train students to be critical and logical independent thinkers. On the other hand, regular schools in Jakarta adapt a method that focuses on centralization in which students deem the teachers’ notes and explanation flawless. Moreover, the eastern method used emphasizes on memorization on subjects instead of originality.
“The textbook is not the only source of information. It creates a greater ability to adapt. It is more flexible learning and it engenders skills into the process of learning.” (“More than just A Different Language”, 2011)
“… in addressing the concepts that lie behind such words, students need to be guided to be thinkers not just memorizers.” (“More than just A Different Language”, 2011)
Lastly, there is a huge gap in terms of cost-difference. Regular schools are relatively affordable. However, international schools, targeting more elite market, tend to be overpriced. Jakarta, though mostly dominated by people from middle to low class, seems to be a beneficial target for the investment of international schools. Consequently, this trend creates a privileged class.
In conclusion, having international schools around the city definitely gives more options for those who are capable financially. Furthermore, with all the advantages mentioned above, it is no wonder that parents who can afford will definitely send their children to those schools. However, it also creates a bigger gap between the poor and the rich in the society. The poor will feel more secluded and deprived of all the benefits that they could have if they were richer. There are quite plenty of notable regular schools, known for their exceptional quality. If money is an issue, then why not go to regular schools then? Someone’s success is not determined by which type of school he or she goes to, but it is determined by how hard they study in spite of their school preference.