Malaysia is one of South East Asia’s most dynamic economies known for its fantastic tourist destinations. It is also one of the most expat-friendly countries in the world with its capital, Kuala Lumpur in particular being among the most cosmopolitan cities in the region. It affords its residents both locals and expats a good quality of life, comparable with the best anywhere. It has fairly good infrastructure too, including some of the best schools anywhere, which makes living there quite easy and convenient for families with small children. If one were to do an international vs local kindergarten school comparison, one would find that both categories of schools are excellent in Kuala Lumpur.
If we talk about International Kindergartens,Kuala Lumpur and local Kindergartens in Kuala Lumpur, one will find that they both have their unique attributes. While the former are known to be quite bold and experimental in empowering their students to take an exploratory approach to learning making them independent in their thinking from an early age, the latter category of schools focus on providing the students with a rock-solid academic foundation that makes them ready for the educational journey that lies ahead.
International kindergartens catering primarily to the educational requirements of expat children living in Kuala Lumpur lay special emphasis on making their students culturally sensitive, even as they are made aware of the fact that they are part of a globalised world. This helps them grow into well-adjusted global citizens. Local kindergartens on their part are very good at imparting a sense of the national identity as well as inculcating a sense of pride in one’s culture and the community that one belongs to.
Which schools are better?
Both categories of schools have their plus points and where a child’s parents would want to send their children depends on the kind of future they have planned for them. Those who would prefer their children to excel academically would perhaps choose a local Kindergarten and those wanting their children to be comfortable in a global setting may prefer sending them to an international Kindergarten. Similarly, parents concerned about imparting a sense of national identity in their children would prefer a local Kindergarten school. An expat parent on the other hand may prefer an international Kindergarten where their child is more likely to acquire language proficiency
Conclusion
Malaysia, in particular, Kuala Lumpur is quite well endowed when it comes to some of the most outstanding schools that you would find anywhere. As regards the international vs local kindergarten school debate, that boils down to what the parents think is best for their children. The local Malaysian parents would perhaps be more inclined to choose a local Montessori for their child, but if they want him or her to develop an international outlook, they may choose an international one.
Likewise, while one would expect expat parents in Malaysia to put their child in an international Montessori, it could also be the case that they want their child to experience the local culture and ethos, and put them in a local Montessori.
There are, of course, some important factors like affordability, the distance of the school from a child’s home, and the child’s unique needs in terms of his or her learning style and interests that need to be factored in before making a decision.
The final choice of a Kindergarten for one’s child has to be made after duly considering what is in the best interest of the child. If a parent is convinced that an international kindergarten would help the child better in his or her academic journey ahead then that is the choice one should make. If on the other hand, the parents feel that providing their child with a firm academic base as well as a good awareness of one’s roots are of prime importance, a local kindergarten school is the right choice for their little one.
