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- What is an education relocation specialist?
An education relocation specialist is a professional who helps families find the best educational options for their children when relocating domestically or internationally. At Cardinal Education, the process begins with evaluating your child’s academic abilities through diagnostic tests and reviewing grades. Then, we help them identify their academic goals, passions, and interests. Once we have a better understanding of your child, we will have a conversation with you to align your goals with your child’s and begin the school selection process. When choosing schools, we consider your family’s preferences while evaluating the academic and cultural differences your child might face when moving for school admissions, ultimately finding the best-fit schools in the area where your child will be happy and successful.
We offer personalized admissions strategies and guide you through applications and the entire admissions process. We assist with tours, admissions events, interviews, recommendation letters, test prep, and essays. Our invaluable advice will help you make informed decisions that will make you feel more confident and greatly reduce the stress of relocating to a new city or country. No matter where you are or where you want to go, our relocation consultants can help you avoid common pitfalls in choosing the right school for your child in an unfamiliar environment.
- When should I start working with a school relocation consultant?
It is best to start working with a school relocation consultant as early as possible. When you learn of your move, and you have school-aged children, start looking for a relocation consultant right away. Ideally, it should be several months to a year, if possible. This gives you and the education relocation specialist time to gather documents from your child’s current school, research target schools, and go through the admissions process without rushing or adding pressure. Depending on where you’re coming from and the place you’re relocating to, schools have different application deadlines, entrance exams, essays, or interviews, which require careful planning and an ample amount of time to prepare. If you’re moving internationally, it’s important to spend some time understanding the new educational system and consider factors such as language barriers, curriculum differences, and the overall culture of a place. By starting early, you can be confident that your child will have a better chance of getting into a school that suits their needs. Additionally, if your child has specific educational requirements, a longer timeline allows for a more thorough understanding of the different schools.
- How do I choose an education relocation consultant?
When choosing an education relocation consultant, look for someone with extensive experience in school relocation. They should have a proven track record of helping families navigate the complex process of relocating, whether locally or internationally. The relocation consultant should have local knowledge of the area you’re moving to. This includes understanding the neighborhood’s culture, safety, population diversity, and educational landscape, including curriculum and school rankings. Another key factor you should look into is the consultant’s network and school connections. They should have strong relationships and inside information in the education sector to be able to provide valuable insights. A good relocation specialist who knows the ins and outs of top private schools will tailor their advice to your family’s unique needs and be able to match your child with the right school. Ask for recommendations and referrals to get firsthand information and real-life testimonials.
Cardinal Education has almost two decades of experience helping local and international families relocating to the U.S. and students wanting to study abroad. We have worked with families in Indonesia, Singapore, China, Oman, UAE, India, the UK, Brazil, Russia, Nigeria, South Korea, Ghana, Egypt, and other countries across the globe.
- What is the difference between international schools and local schools?
International schools offer globally recognized curriculums, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, or American systems. These schools are ideal for families who frequently relocate because they provide consistency across different cities and countries, making it easier to transfer. International schools also have diverse student populations and a multicultural environment that makes it easier for children to adjust and make friends. Local schools, on the other hand, offer a more immersive experience in terms of education system, culture, and language. This is easier for families moving from one state or city, but it is much more challenging for international families as children have to adapt to the new norms. However, families who are considering staying long-term find local schools advantageous because they allow their children to learn a new language, build relationships with diverse individuals, and experience a different culture.
Ultimately, the decision between sending your child to an international or local school should be based on your child’s needs and your family’s goals. A relocation admissions consultant should be able to help you find the school that best fits your child and make sure they thrive, grow, and become successful.
