The experiences of host country nationals in international schools: A case-study from Malaysia

Abstract

Although there has been considerable research into expatriate children attending international schools, there has been little investigation into children who attend international schools within their own nation. Seeking to redress this imbalance, this article analyses interview data from a small-scale study of host country nationals attending an international school in Malaysia, in order to examine the significance attached by them to international schooling, and contrasts these accounts with interviews conducted with their expatriate teachers.

Instructional Leadership Practices in International Schools in Malaysia: A Case Study

“…Being a multi-racial nation, this country has been continuously attracting people all over the world; thus, the demand for international schools in Malaysia has been on the rise in the past years (Bailey, 2015). The number of international schools has increased from 66 in 2010 to 126 with more than 60,000 students in 2017 from 30,000 in 2013 (Nasa & Pilay, 2017;PEMANDU, 2013).…”

“…As a result of the free movement of people worldwide and the desire to provide education that best suits the needs of foreign students, the international school system keeps itself distinct from national schools and even from other private schools (Bailey, 2015;Hayden & Thompson, 2008). What makes an international school different from their national school counterpart starts with the influx of expat and local parents seeking for a more flexible international curriculum accepted in any school or university anywhere in the world (Hill, 2015).…”

“…International schools started on the premise of serving the families of diplomats, army personnel, and entrepreneurs in host countries (Bailey, 2015;Hayden & Thompson, 2008). Currently, admissions to international schools are not only exclusive to the children of expatriate workers or diplomats, but to anyone who has access, resources, and eligibility to study in such schools (Hayden & Thompson, 2008).…”

“…The demand for international school education is brought about by the desire to study overseas, and the need to improve English language skills (Lee et al, 2012;Bailey, 2015). The diversity of Malaysia's population, together with the dynamics of international education in a Muslim majority country (Bailey, 2015;Tamatea, 2008), makes this host country an ideal setting for this study.…”

“…The diversity of Malaysia's population, together with the dynamics of international education in a Muslim majority country (Bailey, 2015;Tamatea, 2008), makes this host country an ideal setting for this study.…”