More and more families are asking themselves what the difference is between international education and bilingual education when choosing a school for their children. Both models include language learning and a global perspective. However, it is not always clear whether they offer the same educational scope.
The doubt is logical: parents want to ensure that a5> that the education they choose not only facilitates the mastery of English. It should also that prepares their children to successfully tackle university, the professional world professional world and a society that is increasingly interconnected every day.
WHEN A CHOICE LITTLE INFORMED LIMITS POSSIBILITIES
Confusing bilingual education with international education can lead to decisions based solely on the language of instruction. This leaves key aspects such as methodology, values, learning styles and future academic prospects in the background.
The risk is not in choosing an incorrect model, but in not really understanding what each one offers. In a global environment, where academic and professional mobility is increasing, the difference between each time is greater, the difference between both approaches can mark the educational journey of a student in the long term.
SOLUTION: UNDERSTAND WHAT REALLY DISTINGUISHES INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FROM BILINGUAL EDUCATION.
Bilingual education focuses on learning two languages, usually Spanish and English. Some subjects are taught in a foreign language, enabling pupils to acquire a good level of language proficiency and improve their communication skills.
However, the curriculum, assessment and educational objectives are often linked to the national education system. Language is the medium, but it does not necessarily transform the way students learn or their worldview.
International education, on the other hand, is a comprehensive educational model. It is not limited to the use of a foreign language, but incorporates a methodology, values and a global vision of learning.
MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND BILINGUAL EDUCATION BILINGUAL EDUCATION
EDUCATIONAL APPROACH
- Bilingual education: learning content in two languages.
- International education: comprehensive development of the pupil with a global perspective.
METHODOLOGY
- Bilingual: transmission of content in another language.
- International: learning through inquiry, critical thinking, project work and continuous reflection.
OBJECTIVE TRAINING
- Bilingual: linguistic competence.
- International: train students to be independent, critical, responsible and with an international mindset.
ACADEMIC PROJECTION
- Bilingual: mainly focused on the national education system.
- International: programmes with global recognition that facilitate accessuniversities such as the International Baccalaureate International.
In short, bilingual education addresses how a student learns in another language, while international education addresses why they learn and how they prepare for the world.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AT CASVI IN VILLAVICIOSA
At Casvi Villaviciosa, international education is the cornerstone of our educational project. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we offer a model that accompanies students from the early stages through to university entrance.
Our approach integrates languages, methodology IB and values. All of this within a coherent educational framework, where students learn to think, to communicate, to make decisions and to understand the world from a global perspective. And as a complement, a Programme of Language Exchanges own, with countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Germany…
In short, the international education at Casvi Villaviciosa does not replace bilingual education. a6> does not replace bilingual education. Rather, it transcends, turning the learning of languages into a tool for service of the development personal, academic and social of the student.
And not only that. It also benefits from an international student body and teaching staff, which are perfect tools for achieving that internationality in full.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AND A BILINGUAL SCHOOL
What advantages does international education offer in terms of global perspective compared to bilingual education?
It provides a deep understanding of the world, fosters cultural empathy and prepares the student for real-life international contexts.
How does bilingual education promote cultural inclusion in comparison with international education?
Bilingual education introduces cultural aspects associated with language, while international education integrates cultural diversity as part of everyday learning.
What is the relevance of international education in shaping global citizens?
It trains committed, critical and responsible individuals who are capable of acting in a global society.
What makes international education unique compared to bilingual education?
Its comprehensive approach, active methodology and international academic recognition.
What impact do student exchange programmes have?
In international education, they form part of a coherent global project; in bilingual education, they tend to be complementary experiences.