The Globally Mobile Family's Guide to Educating Children Overseas

Book excerpt: Moving overseas—whether as a missionary, diplomat, military member, or an international businessperson—can be enriching professionally and personally. Those with dependent children, however, need to carefully consider the opportunities and options for their children’s education. The Globally Mobile Family’s Guide to Educating Children Overseas is the tool parents and the organizations who send them need to make informed and intentional decisions about children’s education internationally. After an introductory chapter that overviews some benefits and challenges of global living, the second chapter focuses on intentional planning based on the individual family’s educational goals and values. Identifying aspirations and values can guide parents in making educational choices in the global setting. Other chapters describe various options that may be available in locations where expatriates live and work, and discuss advantages, potential limitations, and factors to consider for each. The book also includes thoughts on special educational needs, transitions between options, and other issues that are crucial to the success of an international assignment. The Globally Mobile Family’s Guide to Education Children Overseas is research-based but accessibly written for parents who are not education experts. Those who want to explore more deeply will find references and recommendations for further information.