Admissions to international schools involve more than just academic ability. They also focus on the communication skills, values, and compatibility of both the child and parents with the school. This article provides key points and practical strategies for preparing for international school interviews.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding the Interview Format
It’s important to understand the specific interview format of the school you are applying to. Common formats include:
Parent-Child Interviews (Kindergarten to Elementary School)：Parents and children are interviewed together, focusing on the interaction between them and the family atmosphere.
Individual Interviews (Middle School and Above): Parents and children are interviewed separately, often with a deeper focus on the child’s individuality and thoughts.
Group Interviews: Multiple families or students participate together, with an emphasis on assessing communication skills and teamwork.
Gather information through the school’s website or open days to prepare effectively for the interview format.
2. Aligning with the School’s Philosophy
A successful application often hinges on how well your family’s values align with the school’s mission. Consider these points during preparation:
Research the school’s philosophy and curriculum.
Identify shared values between your family’s educational goals and the school’s mission.
Prepare specific examples to demonstrate this alignment.
Example: Schools Offering the IB Curriculum
School’s Values: Global perspective, critical thinking, and collaboration How to Align:
Share examples of family discussions about global news and problem-solving.
Highlight your child’s leadership in a school project.
3. Common Interview Questions and Model Answers
3.1 For Children
Self-Introduction
Q: What is your name and how old are you?
A: "My name is Emma, and I am 7 years old."
Q: Can you tell us about your family?
A: "I live with my mom, dad, and little brother. We like to play board games together on weekends."
Hobbies and Interests
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: "I like to draw pictures and play soccer with my friends. Drawing helps me express my ideas, and soccer is exciting because I can work with my team."
Q: What is your favorite book and why?
A: "I love 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' because the pictures are colorful, and I enjoy counting the food the caterpillar eats."
School Life
Q: What do you enjoy most about school?
A: "I enjoy science experiments because I can learn how things work, like making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar."
Q: How do you feel about working in a group?
A: "I enjoy working in a group because we can share ideas and help each other. It’s fun to learn from my friends."
Handling Challenges
Q: What do you do when something is difficult for you?
A: "I try to solve it on my own first, and if I can’t, I ask my teacher or parents for help. They give me advice, and I try again."
Q: Can you tell us about a time when you helped a friend?
A: "One day, my friend forgot their lunchbox, so I shared my sandwich with them. It made them happy, and I felt good, too."
3.2 For Parents
Why an International School?
Q: Why did you choose an international school for your child?
A: "We believe that an international school provides a global perspective and helps our child develop critical thinking skills. We also value the diversity of the community and the opportunity for our child to learn in a multicultural environment."
Why This School?
Q: Why did you choose our school?
A: "We chose your school because of its emphasis on inquiry-based learning and the focus on building a strong sense of community. We also appreciate the excellent facilities and the wide range of extracurricular activities available."
About Your Child
Q: Can you describe your child’s strengths and areas for improvement?
A: "Our child is very creative and enjoys solving problems in unique ways. However, they can be a bit shy when meeting new people, so we are working on building their confidence in social situations."
Q: What are your child’s interests and hobbies?
A: "Our child loves reading and exploring nature. They enjoy learning about different animals and often spend time drawing and painting what they observe."
Family’s Educational Philosophy
Q: What is your approach to discipline at home?
A: "We believe in teaching our child to understand the consequences of their actions. When they do something wrong, we discuss what happened and guide them to think about how they can make better choices next time."
Q: How do you support your child’s education at home?
A: "We encourage our child to ask questions and explore their interests. We set aside time each day for reading and help them with school projects when needed."
4. Tips for a Successful Parent-Child Interview
Stay Relaxed and Natural Avoid over-preparation and focus on showing your family’s natural dynamic.
Let the Child Take the Lead Allow your child to answer questions directed to them without stepping in unnecessarily.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: Smile, exude confidence, and enjoy the interaction with the interviewers.
Final Thoughts
Admissions to an international school are a valuable opportunity for growth for both children and parents. Use the guidance in this article to prepare effectively for the interview. The key to success is thorough preparation and genuine, natural communication. Take this first step toward achieving your dreams!
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