My Boarding School Blog

In an article from The Independent UK it was discussed that parents who send their children to boarding school may be doing them more harm than good. A psychotherapist, Nick Duffell, believes that the separation into boarding school may produce psychological damage in a child.

A support group called Boarding School Survivors (BSS) offers workshops for students who are experiencing the “boarding school syndrome” characterized as intimacy problems, work obsession and hatred of the opposite sex for most non-coed boarding schools.

The syndrome talks about the trauma that children undergo when they are separated from their families that they tend to keep their emotions to themselves making it difficult for them to form new and fulfilling relationships when they grow up. In the early days, boarding schools are associated in movies and literature with cold showers, strict teachers, creepy school halls and bland cafeteria food. But these are far from the real picture. Middlesex School in Massachusetts boasts of state of the art facilities that cater to a lifestyle for the rich and famous. They have dining services that serves delicious and enticing menus fresh everyday. Some boarding schools like the Concord Academy even have summer camp activities for their students to enjoy off campus. Boarding schools offer an environment wherein students feel independent at the same time the value of being responsible and accountable for own actions is observed. Boarding schools also has high tech facilities that enable the students to be in constant communication with their parents, families and loved ones through the Internet and advanced telecommunication. These are just among the good things that boarding school students enjoy.

Although some doesn’t share the enthusiasm of boarding schools especially those who were reported to be abused and those who suffered from traumatic experiences such as bullying and sexual abuse. Some will argue that this is an isolated case and does not prove that boarding schools directly harms an individual psychologically.

According to Dick Davison, a spokesman for the Independent Schools Council said that efforts have been made to improve the relationship between students and adults in boarding schools. Strict implementation of school rules and regulations are observed and selection of schools staff, teachers and administrators are carefully screened to avoid such untoward incidents of child abuse. Boarding schools have dramatically changed from way back then and most of these changes reflect a better and improved system.

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Boarding schools are depicted as highly acclaimed institutions where children from prominent families get the privilege to study. It is indeed a privilege to study in such a school where academic excellence is a priority. Back then boarding schools are characterized as private schools where problematic students are sent to impose discipline on them. It is a picture of dark dormitories, cold showers, tasteless cafeteria food and strict mentors. But all that has gradually changed over time. Boarding schools now boasts of the finest amenities like Jacuzzis, modernized gyms, heated swimming pools, suite like bedrooms and spacious elegant common rooms. Along with a superior academic curriculum the finest boarding schools are really made for royalty.

To paint a picture of how elite boarding schools are here is a list of the most expensive boarding schools around the world. Let’s take a peek into their world.

At the top of the list is the Le Rosey, Château de Rosey in Rolle, Switzerland. It is known as the “school of kings” because of the many royalties who have attended there. Le Rosey costs at around 50,000 euros or $73,000 a year. It is also the world’s most expensive international school. It boasts of facilities like tennis courts, Jacuzzis, sauna and steam rooms, and a sailing center. Their curriculum is made available in two languages – English and French. Each student may study up to four languages. With a student ratio of 1 teacher is to 5 students, supervision and high quality teaching is implemented. They move to another campus in Gstaad in the winter. To maintain its quality of education they have strict admission policies including a nationality quota system, of which only 10% from each country may be admitted.

College Alpin Beau Soleil in Switzerland comes next to the list at 48,000 euros, around $70,200. It is situated near the Geneva Mountains with a breathtaking view of the Rhone valley. The school features extra curricular activities like cross country skiing to expeditions of mountain climbing. Imagine skiing on the mountain slopes with your classmates and buddies as a past time.

Another on the list at number 10 is Eton College in Britain. Tuition fee ranges from 37,000 to 38,000 euros ($55,000). It is an exclusive school for boys with famous politicians and royalties such Prince Harry and Prince William as their graduates. Eton ranks first in Britain’s list of prestigious schools.

Following Eton College is the Charter House School in Surrey. The Charter House School is founded with a strong religious foundation. The school is run by a pastoral care team that directly reports to the Headmaster. The school offers 80 extra curricular activities with Clubs and Societies that ranges from Music, Drama, Ballroom Dancing and Wine selection.

Most of the boarding schools on the list are situated in Switzerland and Britain. These countries are home to international students going in their prestigious schools for a one of a kind educational experience to the privileged few who can afford it. A student can rub elbows with children of royalties, politicians and wealthy businessmen all over the world.

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We often hear a lot about exchange students, you can see them in a small number in your schools usually coming from the Asia Pacific regions. A student who participates in this program is given the opportunity to study abroad either in secondary schools or in colleges and universities. Most students enrolled in the program are set to study culture, arts and languages. The program does not only require a real exchange of students between two countries or a trade off to happen, a student may be sent to another country to study without a counterpart.

An exchange student lives with host family usually volunteer families who don’t have children. Host families work closely with the organization in the care and supervision of the exchange student. The program for exchange students became popular after World War II to supplement the need to bring various cultures together and learn from each other. Exchange students only participates in the program for a short duration of 6-8 months, unlike international students and those participating in study abroad programs where they offer a full 4 year course or more.

Universities exchange are programs where sister universities share and trade off students through the American Institute for Foreign Studies (AIFS) or with the International Student Exchange Programs. The application process takes about 6 months to 1 year. Applicants go through a series of interview and eligibility of travel documents and legal papers need to be finalized months before the scheduled departure.

Funding for exchange students are generally supported by the individual organizations behind the student exchange programs. Funding may come from private institutions or government who shares the vision of letting students experience different cultures and be exposed to different languages and people. Host families are usually volunteers that do not get paid to welcome and care for an exchange student. Families who are financially stable and can make room for another member in their homes are encourage to apply as hosting family in the student exchange programs.  Opening your homes to exchange students reaps personal rewards in understanding their culture, language and customs. The experience itself is worthwhile. For information on becoming host families click here.

Studying in a foreign land can be exciting and gratifying especially if you meet friends and family (host family) who will be a part of your life journey in  gaining new experiences, learning different cultures and languages.

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Attending a European Boarding School- Five Star Education for the American Student
A European boarding school is not something out of Harry Potter.  In fact, today’s American or Canadian student will be exposed to a 5 star lifestyle, filled with en suite bedrooms and high end gyms. That is, of course, if you attend some of the top rated boarding schools on the continent.  The schools have plenty to offer the average student, from excellent resources to small class sizes and intense studies, guaranteed to look impressive on a resume. What does it take the average North American student to enroll in one of these boarding schools?

Where You Board Matters

With the installation of the European Union, the process of visiting, studying and staying in European boarding schools is more uniform. Still, where you board is important. The cultural experience and educational opportunities are highest in the United Kingdom, France, Italy and other larger countries. However, boarding schools in other European countries is possible.

One of the most important considerations in selecting a Europe boarding school is accreditation. In the UK, for example, the BSA, or Boarding Schools’ Association (www.Boarding.org.uk) is an association of all accredited boarding schools in the country. Accreditation is the key to knowing the school’s curriculum is top of the line. Each country offers its own accreditation program. Students should attend universities and boarding schools that are accredited.

Visa Requirements

Entering any country in the European Union from the United States or Canada, for study purposes, will require a visa.  A visa is an official document proving you have just reason for being in the country, and detailing who you are for officials. Visas are obtained through the country’s consulate office. Consulate offices for most countries are available throughout the United States and Canada. Often, visiting the website of the official consulate for the country you plan to visit will provide you with contact information, applications and more information about specific requirements.

In order to apply for a visa for educational purposes, you will need to show documentation of acceptance at a school within that country.

Qualifications: Just Who Can Attend?

Entering a Europe boarding school will be a drastic change for most international students. The education system is quite different in Europe than in North America. More emphasis is placed on student abilities instead of on age.

Children can enter boarding school in Europe as young as seven years old, but age eight or nine is a commonly accepted age as well. At this age level, most boarding schools only require informal testing to determine if the student has decent English (or the appropriate foreign language.) In addition, basic mathematical requirements will need to be met, on a school-by-school basis.

The next level up is age 11 for girls and age 13 for boys, known as senior school (in the UK and most European countries.) Each school has an entrance exam, which will cover educational skills required to enroll. Most schools do require students to sit for an exam called the Common Entrance Examination. Those at the age of 11 will be tested on English (or the country’s language), Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Science subjects. Those at the age of 12 will be required to take tests for beginning French (in English speaking countries.)  At the age of 13, those enrolling in boarding school will be tested on all of these subjects, plus Religious Studies, Geography, and History.  Latin may also be required in some more advanced schools.

In the United Kingdom, there is no set standard for entrance scores. Each school is allowed to set their own guidelines and, hence, will enroll only those students that meet their academic requirements.

Enrollment into a European boarding school at the age of 16 will require a bit more of an advanced preparation. In addition to testing, reports from the school the student is currently enrolled in will be used to estimate acceptance qualifications.

Interviews and Application Process

Once you find a European boarding school that interests you, the next step in the process is contacting them for an informal phone interview. There, you can learn any specific requirements for enrollment of your student. This is a great time to ask about costs (many schools do offer financing throughout Europe.)

An in-person interview is often the second step of the application process. A formal application (paper) may be done ahead of time. This will give the school time to determine if the student meets the basic requirements. Testing will be done during the formal interview at the school, in most situations.  This interview should not be one sided.  Rather, use this interview to determine if the boarding school is right for your son or daughter.

Often times, acceptance at the European boarding school will be confirmed at this time; other times there is a significant wait. It is always advisable to contact schools well before you plan to enroll a child. In some situations you may need to be on a waiting list for a year or more. Prestigious, well-known schools are a great opportunity for children, but many of Europe’s boarding schools teach excellence at the same level.

Nevertheless, finding the most appropriate school for your child is an individual process. Factors for acceptance go beyond grades. Hobbies, interests, manners, and presentation also matter a great deal.  Most schools are seeking students who are well-rounded, respectable and hard working children.

European boarding schools are an opportunity for a strong education, cultural diversity and personal growth that may not be the same as some of today’s public or private US or Canadian schools.  Enrolling your child in European boarding schools will open many doors for success.

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