The Impact of Cross-Cultural Education on Family Dynamics

When parents are choosing a school for their child, there are many factors they may consider. Is the location convenient? Is the cost affordable? What is the school’s reputation? How are the academic standards? Do students there go on to good universities?

When families cross borders, these same factors are in play, but other concerns begin to appear. Do they teach in a language my child can speak confidently? If not, is adequate language support available? Will there be issues with continuation of curriculum? Are the same extra-curricular activities be available?

All of these differences between schools, and school systems add up - especially in families who move several times. This can be frustrating for both parents and children. Many times they have little to no control over the moves they must make, and the impact this has on their education experience.

One thing that often isn’t considered until the impact is already being felt within a family is the impact of school culture. Every school system has a cultural outlook – a set of values regarding the role of a school and the goal of education. Schools do not exist merely to teach information; schools also shape citizens.

Every student is shaped by the cultural values of the school they attend. Sending your child to a school with a different cultural outlook to your own means these different cultural values will become part of your child’s life – and therefore, part of your family’s future.

Over and over in my 16 years of experience working with Cross Cultural Kids and intercultural families, I have seen the ways that cross-cultural education impacts family dynamics. Preparing for this ahead of time, or understanding what is at the root of the difficulties you’re already experiencing, provides parents with the tools to better connect with their children.

This is why I created a workshop for parents to explore the ways in which cross-cultural education can impact - and has impacted - the dynamics within their family. The differences between home and classroom may include language, accent, teaching style, behaviour expectations, values - or all of the above. Whatever the case, a cross-cultural education changes the way a child thinks - and that changes the way a family operates.

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I run a workshop on The Impact of Cross-Cultural Education on Family Dynamics and you can book a private session anytime.