My Boarding School Blog

European Boarding Schools

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.