Raising children abroad often means adapting to an unfamiliar education system. For parents enrolling their children in local schools, the cultural shift can be both challenging and eye-opening. What are the key differences between educational systems? And how can you prepare your child for the transition?
School systems that prioritize child well-being
Northern Europe is often cited as a benchmark for child-centered education. In Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway, schools place the child at the core of the learning process. Grounded in positive education principles, these systems promote autonomy in academic and personal development.
Finland's 2007 education reform marked a turning point, transforming its system into one of the most respected globally. Denmark's approach also draws international recognition for its emphasis on student well-being and balanced learning.
Finland: kindness and empathy in education
Finland's school system is built on two core principles: raising socially aware citizens through the development of empathy and elevating the status of the teaching profession with competitive salaries and high professional regard.
Classroom culture is grounded in strong values鈥攅quality, respect, solidarity, and kindness. Every student is treated equally, and respect extends to others, shared spaces, and community rules. This values-driven approach creates a positive environment that supports healthy development and effective learning.
Children are encouraged to progress at their own pace, guided closely by teachers. One striking feature for expat parents is the absence of grades in primary school. In many countries, grades are seen as a necessary benchmark for tracking progress. In Finland, their absence is intentional. The system aims to reduce pressure and foster internal motivation鈥攔eassurance comes not from scores but from a supportive, individualized learning journey.
Canada: Inclusivity for all
In 2021, the Canadian government committed $30 billion over five years to develop a 鈥渉igh-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive early learning and child care system鈥� nationwide. While education in Canada is managed at the provincial and territorial levels, shared values consistently emerge鈥攑articularly around inclusion, diversity, and equity.
Each region articulates its approach differently. Ontario focuses on equity and representation, aiming to ensure every student feels seen and supported. Yukon describes its system as 鈥渟tudent-centered,鈥� while Alberta encourages a mindset of universal acceptance and belonging. Nunavut and Nova Scotia emphasize that access to quality education is a fundamental right.
Support for children with special needs is a key part of this inclusive model. Canadian policies promote integration rather than segregation, ensuring that students with disabilities are part of mainstream classrooms. The definition of disability is broad and flexible, encompassing learning disorders, sensory processing issues, and emotional or behavioral challenges.
Quebec stands out for its holistic approach: it adapts to all students' needs without labeling or isolating those requiring additional support. Across the country, curricula and learning materials are regularly revised to better reflect diverse experiences and foster a more inclusive learning environment.
Education systems that value art and sport
In many countries, academic achievement takes precedence鈥攂ut this isn't universal. While some systems tend to prioritize core academic subjects, others give equal weight to the arts and physical education. In these systems, talent in music, visual arts, drama, or sports is not only encouraged but can also lead to admission into prestigious institutions.
United States: Team spirit and personal fulfillment
The U.S. education system is decentralized, with each state setting its own curriculum, school calendar, and operating guidelines. This autonomy is an essential consideration for expat families, especially given that a state's political orientation can shape educational content. In more conservative states, for instance, topics labeled as 鈥減rogressive鈥� may be limited under the banner of child protection.
Yet, across the country, a shared cultural foundation persists. The arts and sports are viewed as essential components of a child's education鈥攐n par with academic performance. Excellence in music, theater, or athletics can lead to admission into competitive schools, reflecting a broader definition of achievement.
These values鈥攖eam spirit, self-confidence, and personal growth鈥攁re embedded in daily school life. For many expat parents, the American tendency to offer generous praise, even for small efforts, can be surprising. A teacher might enthusiastically commend a student for stringing together just a few words in English. But this practice is intentional. Encouragement is a key tool in the American educational philosophy. It builds confidence, supports participation, and helps students鈥攅specially newcomers鈥攊ntegrate into the school community.
Japan: Group spirit and individual responsibility
In Japan, education extends well beyond the classroom. The Japanese school system places equal value on academic, artistic, cultural, and athletic subjects. From elementary school onward, students are encouraged to participate in club activities鈥攔anging from basketball, soccer, dance, and gymnastics to tea ceremonies, literature, computer science, music, and even unicycling.
This extracurricular involvement is not optional. Club membership is a core part of student life, promoting discipline, social responsibility, and a deep sense of belonging. Students can join existing clubs or establish their own by middle and high school, provided they gain approval and enough participants. School schedules often reflect this dual focus, with academic instruction in the morning and club activities in the afternoon.
These activities do more than build skills鈥攖hey foster community cohesion and emphasize the balance between personal commitment and group spirit. Baseball, Japan's unofficial national sport, embodies these values. High school baseball enjoys widespread attention, culminating each year in the prestigious summer K艒shien tournament, broadcast nationally. For many, this event symbolizes the dedication, teamwork, and resilience that define Japanese student life.
A focus on student responsibility
Students in Japan are taught responsibility from a young age. In elementary school, they learn to clean their classrooms and help distribute lunch. There are no school cafeterias; instead, students rotate duties such as cleaning classrooms, washing dishes, and maintaining school entrances.
Expat parents may be surprised to learn their children will be responsible for cleaning tasks. However, this practice is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and promotes cooperation, respect for shared spaces, teamwork, and cleanliness.
The same sense of responsibility extends to club activities. Students manage schedules and prepare for events and competitions on their own.
School systems that still need improvement
Even education systems often refered to as models have their shortcomings. The Japanese approach, for example, is highly elitist鈥攎uch like those in France and Singapore. In these countries, academic rankings and exam results dominate school life. South Korea follows a similar path. The intense pressure to perform, combined with rigid standards and strong peer competition, contributes to widespread school bullying. While bullying is a global issue, data suggests it occurs less frequently in systems where kindness and well-being are prioritized, such as in Finland and Denmark.
In the United States, children's personal development is often limited by systemic obstacles. Public schools suffer from overcrowding and aging infrastructure, while private education remains financially out of reach for many families. The United Kingdom faces similar challenges. In August 2024, the Starmer government announced plans to eliminate tax breaks for private schools, aiming to reallocate funds to the public sector. The policy came into effect on January 1, 2025.
The limits of positive education?
The Northern European model, while widely praised, is not flawless either. Some expat parents point to a perceived lack of discipline, and the absence of structure, correction, or space for frustration. While many value the emphasis on learning through play, those accustomed to more traditional systems often express concern over the lack of grading, which they view as essential for tracking a child's progress. Positive education, however, is designed to reduce this kind of academic pressure.
Researchers have observed a gradual decline in Finland's education outcomes, attributing it to broader societal shifts鈥攑articularly the rising influence of social media on children. Still, Finland is widely seen as a bridge between traditional and alternative education models. Its strength lies in diversity and flexibility rather than strict standardization. When grades are used, they serve to support skill development鈥攏ot to define a student's identity.
Helping your children settle into school in a new country
Children will feel more at ease if they sense their parents are confident. Ideally, research your host country's education system before the move. Consider the type of school structure you prefer: local or international. Both have pros and cons, including differences in tuition costs. Reach out to other expat parents鈥攈ow did their children adjust?
Before the school year begins, visit the school with your child. Talk to the teachers. Does the school offer support for new students? In any case, keep things in perspective. Stories on the internet can be alarming or overly idealized. Form your own opinion鈥攂ut also trust your child.
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