Education - Expat Magazine
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Montgomery International School
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Beyond academic results, many parents today are looking for an education that prepares their children to think independently, to adapt to change and to succeed in a complex and globalised world. This is where the International Baccalaureate (IB) education stands out. Widely recognised by universities and schools worldwide, the IB is known for developing critical thinking skills, curiosity, and intellectual independence from the very first grade.
Master's degrees, MBAs, PhDs… These qualifications are often seen as a fast track to an international career. But as career paths become less linear, the real value of a degree is increasingly questioned. Is an advanced academic route still the best option, or do employers abroad care more about hands-on experience and job-ready skills, especially intercultural ones? For anyone aiming to work internationally, these questions are now shaping what it takes to build a truly borderless career.
England
The UK is going to rejoin Erasmus+ in January 2027, the flagship education and training scheme it left following Brexit. Young people from all backgrounds will once again be able to spend a year studying abroad as part of their UK degree without paying extra fees. European students will also be able to study in the UK as part of their programs.
If you want to save time and money, choose shorter programs — or at least that's what the most vocal AI enthusiasts argue. To them, the digital revolution has pushed long university degrees to the brink of irrelevance. We spend plenty of time comparing study destinations and universities, yet we rarely question the length of the program itself. Has AI truly made extended degrees unnecessary? And how might this shift reshape international student mobility in the years ahead?
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is assuming an increasingly significant role, including in education, expat parents are facing a new challenge: how to support their children in an international schooling system that's rapidly evolving. From personalized learning tools to AI-generated content, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we learn. So, how can parents help their children make the most of this educational revolution?
6.9 million. That's the number of students currently studying abroad, according to the latest figures from the OECD, in cooperation with UNESCO and Eurostat. Student mobility is growing steadily again after the slowdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Universities and colleges have taken notice, and many now have a dedicated office to guide students in planning a study abroad experience. But with so many exchange programs available, how do you find the one that truly fits your goals? Here are some essential guidelines.
The cost of higher education is one of the biggest obstacles to student mobility. Between tighter immigration rules and economic uncertainty, the most popular countries with international students are also the least accessible. Still, it's very possible to study abroad by opting for more competitive destinations. Here's the breakdown.
There's no age limit on learning or chasing your dreams. But let's be real: packing your bags and heading abroad to study later in life comes with its own set of challenges. When you're over 25 or 30, you're bringing a different level of life experience and maturity to the classroom, but your age can also make it more difficult to secure scholarships and post-study work visas. Although student visas generally don't have an age cap, mature applicants also tend to face higher rejection rates. So, what should mature students keep in mind before making the leap?
For some parents, online education still raises concerns about social isolation. However, in recent years, homeschooling and distance learning have steadily gained popularity. A study from the U.S.-based National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) confirms this upward trend. Many expat families are choosing online schooling not only out of necessity, but also for the flexibility and consistency it provides while living abroad. But what other benefits does it offer?
USA
For thousands of international students, the end of the visa freeze offers only a partial win. Application reviews have resumed, but under far stricter conditions. The Trump administration remains resolute, even if it means putting more pressure on its relationship with the US academic community. Meanwhile, other countries are seizing the moment to attract international students. Could this mark the beginning of a shift in student mobility trends? And what lies ahead for exchange programs and global student mobility?
Like millions of locals, international students often work to support their studies. While working can offer cultural insight and a chance to engage with the host country, finances are usually the main motivation. So, how can students strike a balance between work and study? And what boundaries can help them make the most of their student life?
Raising children abroad often means adapting to an unfamiliar education system. For parents enrolling their children in local schools, the cultural shift can be both challenging and eye-opening. What are the key differences between educational systems? And how can you prepare your child for the transition?
Selecting the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll face when living overseas. For many families, English-language education is a top priority—it can open access to leading universities around the world. In this context, the International Baccalaureate (IB) has become an increasingly popular option. Here's what makes it stand out.
Studying abroad opens doors to more than just academic credentials—it shapes a global outlook. But how do you turn that into a career advantage? Beyond classic international fields like diplomacy, development, and tourism, new opportunities are emerging in innovation, design, tech, and entrepreneurship. These fast-evolving sectors value fresh ideas, cross-cultural thinking, and adaptability—traits that international graduates often bring to the table. Today, standing out in the global job market means not just having foreign experience but knowing how to frame it as a competitive edge.
Sponsored
The British School of Brussels
The British School of Brussels (BSB) is thrilled to invite prospective families to an open morning event showcasing its exceptional Primary programme. On 9 May 2025, parents will have the opportunity to explore the school's innovative approach to education through presentations, guided tours, and interactions with BSB's passionate staff and leadership team. This event is a unique chance for families to witness the school's dedication to inspiring young minds and hear directly from educators who nurture and guide students at every stage of their learning journey.
Including students with disabilities is a significant challenge for education systems everywhere. What conditions help these students feel welcome? How can teaching adapt to better support them? Different countries take very different approaches depending on their beliefs, resources, and cultures. Here's a quick look at how it varies around the world.
Studying abroad isn't just about earning a degree or enjoying campus life. You will be immersed in a new culture, your ability to work or even travel will be curtailed by immigration laws, and you will be paying for groceries in another currency. These non-academic factors can shape your study-abroad experience, for better or worse. What important questions should you ask yourself before accepting an offer to study abroad?
More people are opting to study abroad, regardless of their intentions to pursue an international career. Although the opportunity to study in another country is currently accessible, starting a career there can present challenges due to restrictions in several key destinations. Earning a master's degree abroad can be an effective strategy for achieving long-term integration into the local job market. Here is a detailed analysis.
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