Quote:
Originally Posted by Sullux
Um...well, I have to say that I'm a little horrified. So many people are talking about international schools and worrying about their kids' well-being in a new country, but you are not taking any pertinent facts into account. There is some solid information out there which is much more dependable than gut instinct!
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I think that you will find, when you take the trouble to find out a little more about the posters who are regular contributors here, that some are speaking from considerable personal experience, and many years in France raising bilingual kids. Certain posters were not, I am sure, just relying on "gut instinct".
One just doesn't - or shouldn't - pigeon-hole all kids into a 'let'em have it tough, it'll do them good in the end' box, and hope for the best. Thoughtful parents take account of a number of factors - personality, age, ability, and the child's personal wishes and fears being just a few.
One of mine went to a lycée international (French state version), and had bilingual lessons there (so the French immersion comment you made is not accurate). Two others, with more outgoing personalities, went to state schools. All ended up equally bilingual.
Certain international schools have plenty of French students, so there is ample opportunity to mix with locals. In some respects exchanging views within an international community is a beneficial experience, teaching tolerance and a broader outlook on the world than one might find in a local French school with more parochial attitudes and understandings.
It's not a matter of just bunging them in the deep end with a sink or swim attitude. That will work with some, but can do considerable harm to others. It is an important decision for the children concerned, a touch more complex than proclaiming
"immerse your children!", and very different at say 14 years old to the personal experience that you mention, aged 18.