Parents Sending Their Children Abroad

• What is the best age to send a child to a school abroad?
  • The ideal age is 13–16. At this age, children are already fairly independent but still adapt well to a new linguistic and cultural environment. Many experts recommend sending your child on a summer course abroad before a full‑time move — it helps assess whether they're ready for boarding school life.
• How much does tuition cost at a private boarding school?
  • In Switzerland — one of the most expensive options — tuition and accommodation for upper grades in the 2025/2026 academic year range from 108,500 to 159,000 Swiss francs per year. In the UK, boarding school fees vary from £30,000 to £70,000 per year. In Europe, costs can be more affordable: international schools in France start from €6,000 to €12,000 per year.
• What documents are needed to enrol a child in a foreign school?
  • The standard requirements are: a translated and notarised academic transcript for the last 2–3 years, teacher recommendations, a language certificate (if the school doesn't offer language support), a motivation letter from the parents, a medical certificate, and a copy of the passport. In some countries, such as Switzerland, schools may also conduct entrance tests or interviews.
• How do I choose a country and school without making a mistake?
  • Look at three key factors: safety (is there 24/7 security and medical support?), accreditation (is the diploma recognised in other countries?), and the composition of the student body (if too many children come from one country, there won't be real language immersion). Also consider climate and cultural proximity — these can be just as important for a child as academic rankings.
• Does my child need a visa, and how do we arrange it?
  • Yes, for long‑term study, a study or student visa is almost always required. The process can take 2 to 4 months, so start early. The school usually sends a Letter of Acceptance, which is the key document for the visa application. Parents planning to accompany the child need a separate visa — each country has its own rules.
• How can I ensure my child's safety far from home?
  • Choose schools with 24/7 campus security, a medical centre on site, and resident houseparents who supervise students. Find out how the school handles emergencies, whether the insurance covers medical treatment, and how often parents receive progress reports on their child. These factors are no less important than academic rankings.
• What if my child doesn't adapt and wants to come back?
  • This is quite common — especially in the first weeks. Adaptation usually takes about 3–7 days. Schools with experience with international students recognise this and offer psychological support. If the problem persists, you can consider transferring to another school or returning home to enrol in a local school — this is possible in most countries, although it involves some bureaucratic complications.
• Can parents visit their child, and how often?
  • Boarding schools generally allow parent visits on certain weekends and holidays. Many schools publish a calendar of "parent weekends" in advance. For frequent trips, parents will need a multiple‑entry visa. If you plan to move with your child, check the visa rules for accompanying family members.
• What hidden costs might arise?
  • On top of the main tuition and boarding fees, be prepared for: an admission fee (e.g., CHF 1,500 in Switzerland), a refundable deposit (CHF 5,000), insurance, textbooks, uniforms, excursions, language support, pocket money, and transport costs. These extras can account for 15–20% of the base cost.
• How do I know a school is genuinely good and not just expensive?
  • Look not only at rankings but also at accreditations (e.g., CIS, NEASC, ECIS), the student‑teacher ratio (the smaller, the better), programmes to support international students (are there ESL classes, English tutors?), and reviews from real parents — not just the ones featured on the school's website.