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T. F.

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T. F., 703d ago

May 21, 2023

The best Korean international school

I researched various sources, including articles from 10mag, bemariekorea, internationalschoolsinkorea, ischooladvisor, and a Reddit discussion. There seemed to be a consensus on the top international schools in South Korea, particularly those in Seoul. The sources were directly related to the query and provided valuable information on the schools, curriculums, tuition fees, and overall reputations of these institutions. While I've gathered a comprehensive overview, there might still be some differences in individual experiences and preferences.

Have an opinion? Send us proposed edits/additions and we may incorporate them into this article with credit.

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Korea International School

Korea International School

Korea International School (KIS) is a co-educational international school for students from kindergarten to grade 12, with a campus in Seoul and another in Pangyo. The school follows the North American curriculum and is known for its challenging academic programs. The tuition fees for KIS range between $25,000 and $35,000 per year.
Dulwich College Seoul

Dulwich College Seoul

Dulwich College Seoul is a British international school in Seoul, offering an exemplary British-style education to over 700 students aged 4 to 18 from more than 40 different countries. It is affiliated with London's Dulwich College, founded in 1619. The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and the English National Curriculum, as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Some Reddit users recommend Dulwich College for its small size, top-notch facilities, and convenient location.
Yongsan International School of Seoul

Yongsan International School of Seoul

Yongsan International School of Seoul (YISS) is an accredited international Christian school for students from kindergarten to grade 12, located in Itaewon. The school follows the U.S. educational model and offers excellent facilities, such as indoor and outdoor sports facilities, aqua centers, music rooms, and a performance hall. Some Reddit users consider YISS as one of the top two international schools in Seoul, along with Seoul Foreign School.
Seoul Foreign School

Seoul Foreign School

Seoul Foreign School (SFS) is an international school in Seoul offering a diverse and complete educational experience from pre-K to grade 12. It provides both the English National Curriculum and an American curriculum, making it the only international school in Seoul to offer such diversity in its academic programs. SFS is regarded as one of the top international schools in the city.

Additional Schools

Other notable international schools in South Korea include Chadwick International, Seoul International School, and Dwight School Seoul, which were mentioned by Reddit users in a discussion about the best international high schools in the country. Additionally, Korea International School Jeju Campus, Branksome Hall Asia, and North London Collegiate School Jeju are well-regarded international boarding schools.

Tuition and Enrollment

Tuition fees for international schools in Seoul can range between $15,000 and $35,000 per year, depending on the school's location and reputation. For the enrollment process, schools typically require copies of the student's passport, transcript, birth certificate, and standardized test scores, though each school may have slightly different requirements.

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"https://10mag.com/every-international-boarding-school-in-south-korea/"

  • Korea International School Jeju Campus (KIS Jeju) is the first international boarding school to have opened in South Korea in 2010.
  • KIS Jeju is the sister school to the main KIS campus in Seoul and teaches a challenging American style education curriculum.
  • KIS Jeju is recognized for its AP program and capstone program by the College Board, accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools and the South Korean Ministry of Education.
  • KIS Jeju has affiliations and memberships with the East Asia Regional Council of Schools, the World Leading Schools Association, the Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference, Association of International Schools in Asia.
  • Branksome Hall Asia (BHA) is South Korea’s only international girls’ school and girls’ boarding school, founded in Jeju Island in 2012.
  • BHA is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and offers IB programs to students in grades from JK Prep-12.
  • BHA is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools, the Western Association for Schools and Colleges, and was awarded the International School Award for supporting students as future thinking innovators.
  • BHA also works in partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to celebrate young people’s achievements outside of their academic duties.
  • BHA accepts boys from JK Prep-3rd grade, and accepts girls for boarding in grades 6-12 only. Day students are welcome from grades JK Prep-12.
  • North London Collegiate School Jeju (NLCS Jeju) is the sister school to NLCS UK, founded in England in 1850.
  • NLCS Jeju is an IB World School known for its prestigious British education curriculum and is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools.
  • NLCS Jeju carries affiliation and membership with the Boarding Schools Association, the Federation of British International Schools in Asia and is in partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
  • NLCS Jeju offers day and boarding school within the heart of the Jeju Global Education City to students aged 4-18.
  • The NLCS Jeju learning objectives revolve around six principles related to NLCS student outcomes: academic excellence, broad experiences, global citizenship, school values, future success, and character.
  • Students in the boarding system are divided into different “houses” where they will also be encouraged to become a part of a community and participate in house competitions.
  • St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju (SJA Jeju) follows

"https://www.ischooladvisor.com/blog/view/the-top-15-best-international-schools-seoul-south-korea"

  • There are 27 international schools in Seoul: 11 American, 10 International Baccalaureate (IB), 5 British, 2 French, and 1 German school.
  • The website provides a ranking of the top 15 international schools in Seoul, based on parent, pupil, and teacher reviews.
  • International schooling in South Korea has two types: international school and foreign school.
  • There are no restrictions for non-Korean students to attend either type of school, but there are limits on how many South Korean students can attend foreign schools.
  • Tuition fees for international schools in Seoul can range from $15,000 to $35,000 per year, depending on location and reputation.
  • South Koreans are some of the best-educated people on the planet, regularly having one of the highest literacy rates in annual surveys.
  • Dulwich College Seoul is a British-style international school in Seoul with 700 students aged 4 to 18 from over 40 countries, which follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and English National Curriculum. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
  • Dulwich College Seoul offers students the IGCSE program and is an International Baccalaureate World School, which allows students to proceed thereafter with the IB Diploma program.
  • Seoul Central International is regarded as one of the leading international academic institutions in Seoul offering K-12 academic programs just outside of the heart of Seoul.
  • The Global Christian Foreign School (GCFS) aims to raise every student as a global Christian leader. It has been providing Christian education for approximately 40 different nations in the last 20 years.
  • German School Seoul International (GSSI) serves German expatriate families, other foreigners, and Koreans living in Seoul. It is approved by the Federal Republic of Germany as a private foreign school and is one of 140 German international schools certified as an “excellent German international school” by the Federal Office of Administration.
  • Seoul Academy offers a safe and supportive learning environment for elementary school students and has a heavy emphasis on preparing students to meet the challenges of high school abroad in countries like America. They strive to provide a well-rounded program enabling proficiency in all areas.
  • The Korea International School Seoul (KIS) values its Western tradition in education and has low student-teacher ratios that are ideally suited to give all learners the special care and attention they require in their formative years.
  • Seoul International School (SIS) develops inquisitive

"https://bemariekorea.com/best-international-schools-in-seoul-korea/"

  • There is a wide range of international or foreign schools in Seoul and other major cities in South Korea.
  • Most international schools offer a multicultural environment, with students from various countries.
  • Visiting the different schools is the best way to make a final decision based on the needs of children.
  • International schools have a higher tuition fee compared to local private schools. The tuition fee can go up to $20,000 - $35,000 per year, excluding trips and other activities.
  • Korea International School (KIS) opened its doors in 2000 and is one of the leading international schools in Seoul. It has two campuses in Seoul and Pangyo and hosts Pre-K to Grade 12 students following the North American curriculum. The tuition fees of KIS is similar to other schools, between $25,000 – $35,000.
  • Dulwich College Seoul is a British International School established in 2010, linked to London’s Dulwich College, which was founded in 1619. The school is for children aged 3-18 and has sport facilities like basketball, low ropes course, and an indoor swimming pool.
  • Dwight School Seoul offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum to students from 3 to 18 years old. The school is the only one in Seoul selected by the Seoul Municipal Government to open an IB World School. Dwight offers excellent facilities, including a maker space, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, music rooms, performance space, and a library.
  • Yongsan International School Of Seoul located in Itaewon, is accredited by WASC and ACSI and houses kids from 3 to 18 years old. The school follows the U.S. educational model and has excellent facilities, including indoor and outdoor sports facilities, aqua centers, music rooms, and a performance hall, among others.
  • British Education Korea has 4 sites in Seoul and houses kids from 18 months up to the age of 14 years old. It is registered as a hagwon and follows a curriculum based on the National Curriculum in England. The school opened in 2013 and has kids of diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Seoul Foreign School was established in 1913, houses pre-kindergarten to grade 12 students and offers 2 different British style curricula, the International Baccalaureate Continuum of Programmes and the English National Curriculum. The school has top facilities like the library, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, performance hall and music rooms, bouldering climbing wall, art class rooms,

"https://10mag.com/foreign-international-schools-in-south-korea-guide/"

  • The article explains the rising demand for international schools in South Korea due to Korea’s growing position in the world economy and increased exchange with foreign countries since the 80s.
  • The article discusses how domestic international schools provide a way for parents to deliver consistent education in a single language despite periodically moving abroad.
  • International schools are of four categories: Foreigner Schools, International Schools, Foreign Language Schools & Hagwons.
  • Under Korean Ministry of Education, Foreigner Schools are required to have 70% foreign students enrolled with the remaining 30% to accommodate eligible ethnic Koreans.
  • Foreigner schools do not offer a Korean high school diploma, so to apply for a Korean university, graduates will have to take a Korean high school equivalency exam.
  • International schools do not have the same limitations on the ratio of Korean to foreign students that foreigner schools have.
  • The license for an international school is normally granted because a regional Korean government seeks to provide English language education options to attract foreign residents. This is frequently the case for Korea’s many FEZ – Free Economic Zones.
  • Some international schools in Korea are affiliated with U.S. or British curricula. While others are private schools with no specific affiliation that recognize the national educational requirements of the countries where their students are from.
  • The article also discusses foreign language high schools and English language academy programs in Korean called hagwons.
  • Hagwon organizations in Korea are typically for-profit organizations although some are accredited by international accreditation institutions.
  • The article highlights that foreign parents who are paying for their children’s attendance at foreign schools can inquire about scholarship opportunities because these schools require 70% of the enrolled students to be foreign.
  • The article mentions Seoul Foreign School (SFS), founded in 1912 and affiliated with the Christian faith, which is one of the largest and oldest international schools in South Korea.
  • The number of English-language schools in an area is determined by three factors: foreign population, income, and government policy.
  • The largest foreign population outside of Seoul is actually in the South Eastern corner and includes the cities of Ulsan Busan and the island of Geoje.
  • The article describes that shipbuilding is a massive employer in the South Eastern corner of Korea and brings in a huge amount of well-paid foreign consultants.
  • Government policies such as the Jeju Free International City Development Center – or JDC have led to the establishment of foreign-licensed international boarding schools.
  • The article also highlights the various costs

"https://10mag.com/best-international-schools-in-seoul-korea/"

  • Foreigners can go to school in Korea, but Local Korean schools may not be plausible due to language barriers and curriculum differences between countries.
  • There are many reputable international schools in Seoul or anywhere in Korea with ties to renowned foreign institutions and offering curriculums available to expats.
  • Most international schools in Seoul are geared towards English speakers, offering American or British academic curriculums – though there are also schools that teach in and follow British, German, Chinese, and Japanese curriculums.
  • Education and proper schooling are held in the highest regard for Koreans, and this pressure to succeed academically might be difficult to adjust to for students who aren’t used to longer school hours and intense academic competition amongst students.
  • The difference between an “international” school and a “foreign” one lies in the ex-pats to foreigners ratio that the school is required to have in their student demographic at all given times.
  • Most foreign and international schools in Seoul or anywhere in Korea have an extremely high ethnically Korean population.
  • For the enrollment process, foreign and international schools in Seoul will require copies of the student’s passport, transcript, birth certificate, and standardized test scores.
  • Each school has slightly different requirements for documents and paperwork in the application process.
  • Waiting lists are common amongst well-established and more competitive schools.
  • The cost of international schools in Seoul differs depending on each school’s application fees, tuition fees, the option for transportation to and from the school, and what grade a student is in. The annual cost of attending an international school in Seoul can range anywhere from ₩17,000,000 to ₩30,000,000.
  • There are over 30 international schools with English-speaking curriculums in Seoul.
  • The top 9 foreign schools and international schools in Seoul, South Korea in 2021 are: Korea International School, Dulwich College Seoul, Yongsan International School Of Seoul, Seoul Foreign School, British Education Korea, Seoul Foreign British School, Dwight School Seoul, Seoul International School, and Chadwick International.
  • Korea International School is a co-educational international school for students K-12 and offers an American-based curriculum to its students.
  • Dulwich College Seoul offers an exemplary British-style international education for 700 expatriate students aged 4 years to 18 years from over 40 different countries.
  • Yongsan International School is an international Christian school for students K-12 and aims to instill in each student a passion for truth

"https://internationalschoolsinkorea.com/blog/best-international-schools-korea/"

  • The webpage, internationalschoolsinkorea.com, offers information on international schools in Korea with resources for parents, teachers, students, and international school-related individuals.
  • Seoul, South Korea has many international schools with varying tuition fees.
  • International Schools in Korea offer a variety of curriculums including American, British, German, Canadian, International Baccalaureate (IB) world program, Advanced Placement credits, and more.
  • International schools in Seoul are certified and teach in English, useful for families whose stay in Korea is temporary or who are constantly moving back and forth.
  • Only Korean citizens who have lived overseas for more than three years or foreign nationals/Koreans with foreign passport parents are eligible to attend Foreign Schools, which cater to international families and Koreans who do not speak Korean or would feel uncomfortable in school due to a culture gap.
  • International Schools are made to improve the English language skills of Koreans and help develop students into global-minded citizens.
  • The webpage lists differences between foreign schools and international schools. The key difference is that international schools are only available in Korea Free Economic Zones and the Jeju Free International City, whereas foreign schools are all over South Korea.
  • Foreign schools are designed for those who do not speak Korean and cannot catch up to a Korean public school curriculum, who face a culture gap and would not feel comfortable in school, or require a more Western curriculum.
  • The distinctions between international schools and foreign schools are mainly legal, and the terms are typically used interchangeably.
  • The webpage lists 6 international schools that operate in Korea, with 4 in Jejudo, 1 in Incheon, and 1 in Daegu: Chadwick International School, Branksome Hall Asia, North London Collegiate School, Korea International School Jeju, Johnsbury International School, and Daegu International School.
  • International schools usually provide additional services for expat life, including weekday and full-time boarding for students who live far away from the school premises, art programs, athletics, clubs, language-learning, and community engagement.
  • Tuition and fees vary from school to school, ranging from $20,000 to $35,000, but scholarships and financial aid may be available.
  • When selecting an international school in Korea, parents should consider each school’s curriculum, proximity to their place of work, how much tuition costs, diversity of the student population, the school’s affiliations, special education support offered, and what types of universities previous students have been admitted to

"Best international high school"

  • User seeking advice on the best international high school in Korea for their daughter who speaks no Korean and plays an instrument; cost, location, and religious affiliations are not concerns
  • International schools mentioned by users include Chadwick International, Seoul Foreign School, Korea International School, Seoul International School, and Dwight School Seoul
  • Dulwich College recommended by some users for its small size, top-notch facilities, and convenient location
  • Some users caution against attending Korean high school without knowing Korean
  • Discussion among users on whether attending an international school or Korean high school would be more beneficial for American college applications
  • Some users report success in being accepted into American colleges after attending international schools in Korea
  • Users discuss the importance of taking the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in high school
  • List of international schools in Korea available on website https://www.expatschoolskorea.com/
  • Discussion among users on the teaching methods and standards in international schools in Korea
  • One user asks about a peculiar middle school that does not use textbooks or tests and grades are determined by homework scores alone
  • Discussion among users on grammar instruction in English classes
  • Some users mention the affordability of uncredited international schools in Korea
  • Some users express concern over low salaries for teachers in certain international schools
  • Discussion among users on the faith and belief requirements for some international schools in Korea

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