International vs European Curriculum: Which is Better?

It’s time to make decisions for your child’s education, and as parents, you want nothing less than the best for them. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, but with so much information out there, it can quickly become overwhelming.

Whether your child is just starting primary school or heading into secondary school, the choice you make now can help shape their future opportunities.

There’s no-one solution that fits all students, but understanding the key differences between an international curriculum and a European curriculum, or local European schools can help your family make the right decisions.

Things like international recognition, the subjects offered, and future university options can all play an important role in finding the right school.

Understanding International Schools

International schools are popular with expat families, but they’re also becoming increasingly chosen by locals who want a more globally oriented education for their children.

These schools typically follow well-known international curricula such as A-Levels, Advanced Placement (AP), or the International Baccalaureate (IB). In Europe alone, there are 3,400 international schools, each offering an education that’s intended to prepare students for university anywhere in the world.

Why Do Families Choose International Schools?

There are many reasons families opt for international schools. Here's why:

1. High Quality of Teaching

One of the biggest draws is the quality of teaching. International schools generally recruit experienced, passionate educators from around the world.

At Crimson Global Academy (CGA), we recruit teachers with an average of more than 20 years of experience in leading schools across the world, with little to no turnover. This kind of expertise helps ensure that your child’s education is rigorous, personalised, and consistent.

2. Flexibility in Curriculum Options

International schools, especially online schools, outperform in their flexible learning approach. They allow students to choose from a range of different curricula options - whether that’s A-Levels, Advanced Placement courses, or even the US High School Diploma, based on where they want to go for university.

This means students can tailor their education to match their future goals. For instance, if they’re eyeing universities in the US, AP courses make them competitive, while A-Levels are ideal for entry into UK universities. 

3. Freedom in Subject Selection

One reason students choose international schools, especially CGA, is the flexibility to change subjects.

Unlike European Schools, where students often have to decide around Grade 9 which subjects they want to take for the remainder of their high school years, international schools offer much more freedom.

Once students at European Schools choose a specific stream, like sciences or humanities, they are typically committed to those subjects through to graduation.

In contrast, CGA allows students to change subjects based on their evolving interests or career aspirations, meaning they can adapt their learning experience based on their interests and future goals.

4. English as the Primary Language

International schools generally teach all subjects in English. This is a huge advantage if you want your child to attend an English-speaking university, but it’s also helpful to give your child more opportunities in the work-force.

Unlike European Schools, where lessons are held in the language of that country, having English as the language of instruction provides consistency, especially for families who move frequently.

5. A Global Network of Peers

International schools are known for their diverse student bodies. At CGA, we have students from over 65 countries, providing a rich environment for children to understand and appreciate different cultures from an early age.

This exposure to diverse perspectives helps children grow into adaptable and culturally aware individuals - an asset in our interconnected world.

How Do European Schools Differentiate?

European Schools are run jointly by the European Union and its member states. Their primary purpose is to educate children of EU officials, but they’re open to other families as well. These schools follow the European Baccalaureate, a curriculum that is academically challenging and places strong emphasis on multilingual education.

Multilingual Education Focus

A key feature of the European Baccalaureate is its focus on multilingual education. Students are typically taught in their native language and must also learn one or two additional languages. However, students do not have the freedom to choose which languages they study, which can limit their interest and engagement with the languages they are required to learn.

This approach is ideal for families who see value in their children becoming fluent in several languages and having a deep understanding of European cultures.

Comprehensive Subject Coverage

The European Baccalaureate covers an extensive range of subjects, from sciences to maths and languages. The idea is to create well-rounded individuals who can navigate different areas of knowledge with ease.

Limited Flexibility in Career Pathways

One notable limitation of the European Baccalaureate is the requirement for students to decide on their career pathway at around age 14. At this stage, students must choose a stream, such as sciences or humanities, that will shape their remaining years of education.

If a student decides to change subjects later on, they often need to repeat the academic year, making flexibility more challenging and potentially discouraging students from exploring new areas of interest.

European-Centric Education

While the European Baccalaureate prepares students well for higher education, it is heavily rooted in the European cultural and linguistic context.

This makes it ideal for students who plan to continue their studies in Europe but could be limiting for those aiming for universities outside of Europe, where an English-medium education might be more advantageous.

Which Students Should Consider Studying an International Curriculum?

An international curriculum is well-suited for students with different needs and aspirations.

If your child is aiming for the world’s top Ivy League universities, managing demanding schedules as an athlete, or moving frequently due to family relocations, then a international education offers the flexibility and support necessary for success.

Below, we break down why an international curriculum is ideal for various student types.

Students Aiming for Top Universities

For students with ambitious academic goals, international schools provide a rigorous, globally recognised curriculum that prepares them exceptionally well for competitive university admissions.

Offering pathways like A-Levels, and AP’s these schools provide qualifications that are highly regarded by top universities worldwide.

The flexibility in subject choices also allows students to tailor their education towards their interests and strengths, making them strong candidates for prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities.

See how CGA student Mayoora got accepted into 7 of the world’s best universities.

For high-achieving students, the international curriculum’s flexibility allows them to accelerate their learning in areas where they excel.

Unlike traditional systems, where progression is age-based, international schools like CGA let students advance at their own pace. This means they can take on more advanced subjects sooner without being held back by standard age restrictions.

Travelling Families or Those Who Relocate Frequently

For families that move frequently, either for work or lifestyle reasons, an international curriculum is the perfect solution. It offers consistency in education, irrespective of geographic location, and is recognised worldwide.

International schools provide an easy transition for students who may have to change schools mid-year or relocate to a new country entirely.

The use of English as the primary language of instruction in most international schools adds to this continuity, allowing students to avoid the challenges of constantly adjusting to new languages or local curriculums. The ability to keep the same qualifications, such as A-Levels or APs, helps students stay on track academically, regardless of where they are in the world.

Student-Athletes Balancing Academics and Sports

An International curriculum is the preferred choice for student-athletes or performers who need to balance rigorous training schedules with their education.

At CGA, we offer part-time study options, flexible online classes, and recorded lessons, all of which allow athletes to continue learning without compromising their athletic commitments.

This adaptability ensures that student-athletes receive a high-quality education alongside pursuing their sports careers.

International vs European Curriculum: Which Curriculum is Better?

Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to which curriculum is better, it all depends on the individual needs of the student and the goals of the family.

The international curriculum is an ideal fit for students who value flexibility, global university opportunities, and a learning environment that adapts to their needs. It’s particularly well-suited for high achievers, student-athletes, and families who move frequently.

On the other hand, the European Baccalaureate may be the right choice for those who are more rooted in Europe and looking to attend a local university.

If you’re interested in exploring how an international curriculum can benefit your child through CGA, reach out to an Academic Advisor today for more information.