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For expat families, one of the big questions when choosing an international school is: Should my child study in a bilingual program?
Whether you’re in Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand, many international schools now offer bilingual pathways. Here’s what parents should know.
1. Why Bilingual Education Matters for Expats
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Smooth relocation: Helps children adapt to a new culture while keeping their home language.
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Future opportunities: Bilingualism is an asset for universities and careers.
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Confidence & integration: Children can make friends more easily across cultures.
2. Bilingual Education in Singapore
Singapore is home to several international schools with well-developed bilingual pathways.
| School | Bilingual Languages | Curriculum | Annual Tuition (SGD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus International School Singapore | English-Mandarin | IB, British | 30,000 – 45,000 |
| The Grange Institution | English-Mandarin | IB PYP | 20,000 – 25,000 |
| International French School (IFS) | French-English | French National + IB | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| German European School Singapore (GESS) | German-English | IB + German curriculum | 20,000 – 40,000 |
| Canadian International School | English-Chinese | IB all-through | 25,000 – 40,000 |
👉 Explore: All Singapore international schools
3. Bilingual Education in Malaysia
Malaysia’s international schools tend to focus on English, but some premium schools offer strong second-language programs.
| School | Location | Bilingual Languages | Curriculum | Annual Tuition (MYR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlborough College Malaysia | Iskandar Puteri, Johor | English + additional languages | British | 90,000 – 130,000 |
| The Alice Smith School | Kuala Lumpur | English + second-language tracks | British | 30,000 – 80,000 |
👉 Explore: All Malaysia international schools
4. Bilingual Education in Thailand
Thailand has a growing number of bilingual international schools, especially in Bangkok.
| School | Location | Bilingual Languages | Curriculum | Annual Tuition (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells International School | Bangkok | English-Thai + English-Mandarin options | American + IB | 300,000 – 600,000 |
| Bangkok Patana School | Bangkok | English + second language tracks | British + IB | 600,000 – 900,000 |
👉 Explore: All Thailand international schools
5. Questions Parents Should Ask
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What is the balance between English and the second language?
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Is the bilingual program available across all grades or only in primary?
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What support exists for children who are not fluent in either language?
FAQs
Is bilingual education common in international schools?
Yes, especially in Singapore and Bangkok where English + Mandarin, French-English, or German-English programs are common.
Does bilingual education mean less English?
No, most programs maintain strong English alongside the second language.
Which curricula support bilingual streams best?
IB, French, and German curricula integrate bilingual programs well, while British schools may offer bilingual tracks at certain levels.