--- title: What Is an International School? | Guide for Expat Families | doris description: New to the world of international schools? Learn what makes a school ‘international’, how it differs from local options, and how doris helps you compare. image: https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/lesson-geography.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.doris.school/what-is-an-international-school-2025#main-content) [![doris-logo-dark (1)](https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/doris-logo-dark%20(1).svg)](https://tips.doris.school/) - [Ask doris](https://tips.doris.school/chat) - [Explore events](https://tips.doris.school/schools/events) - [My shortlist](https://tips.doris.school/parent/dashboard/compare) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Ask doris](https://tips.doris.school/chat) - [Explore events](https://tips.doris.school/schools/events) - [My shortlist](https://tips.doris.school/parent/dashboard/compare) - [Find schools](https://tips.doris.school/schools) [Find schools](https://tips.doris.school/schools) [All posts](https://www.doris.school/international-school-guide) September 12, 2025 # What Does ‘International School’ Actually Mean? A Guide for New Expat Parents ![Picture of Ellie Dickinson](https://blog.doris.school/hs-fs/hubfs/unnamed.png?width=50&name=unnamed.png) By  Ellie Dickinson  ·  2 minute read If you’ve recently relocated — or are planning to — you’ve probably heard the term “international school” used frequently. But what actually makes a school international? This guide explains the key features of international schools, how they differ from local or national systems, and what expat parents should consider when comparing options. doris is a free, impartial school comparison tool that helps families explore international schools worldwide based on what really matters — curriculum, values, language support, and more. > [Search international schools worldwide](https://www.doris.school/find-international-schools) --- ### What Makes a School ‘International’? There’s no single global definition, but international schools generally share these traits: | Feature | What It Means | | --- | --- | | International Curriculum | Most offer IB, British, American, or hybrid programmes instead of the local national curriculum. | | English-Medium Instruction | Classes are usually taught in English or bilingual formats. | | Diverse Student Body | Schools welcome students from a wide range of nationalities. | | Global Accreditation | Many are recognised by bodies like IB, CIS, WASC, or Cambridge. | | Cultural Sensitivity | Emphasis on global citizenship, inclusion, and transition support. |   --- ### ![lesson-geography](https://blog.doris.school/hs-fs/hubfs/lesson-geography.jpg?width=5760&height=3840&name=lesson-geography.jpg) ### International vs. Local Schools: What’s the Difference? | Factor | International School | Local/National School | | --- | --- | --- | | Curriculum | IB, British, American, bilingual | National system (MOE, Thai Ministry, etc.) | | Language | English or bilingual | Local language (e.g. Bahasa, Thai, Mandarin) | | Class Size | Often smaller | May be larger | | Expat Community | High proportion of international families | Primarily local students | | Entry Requirements | Flexible for mobile families | May require residency or test scores |   Some international schools accept local students. Others may have citizenship or visa-related restrictions based on country. --- ### When Do Families Choose International Schools? International schools are typically preferred when: - The family is on a short- or mid-term relocation - Children will eventually return to home-country schooling or attend university abroad - Parents want English-medium education - Support for transitions, SEN, or language is needed - The curriculum needs to align with global mobility > Compare international schools by curriculum --- ### How doris Helps Families Navigate School Types doris helps families filter and compare international schools worldwide without needing to research every site manually. You can: - Filter by curriculum, class size, SEN support, fees, and location - Get a personalised shortlist of schools based on your family’s needs - Compare school profiles side by side - Message admissions teams directly > [Use doris to start your school search](https://www.doris.school/find-international-schools) --- ### FAQs **Are all English-medium schools international?** Not always. Some local schools offer English streams or bilingual programmes but still follow the national curriculum. **Are international schools only for expats?** Most welcome both expat and local students, though some countries restrict local enrolment in international schools. **Do international schools follow the same teaching style?** No. While they often share common values, the teaching style varies depending on the curriculum and school philosophy. --- ### Final Thoughts Understanding what makes a school “international” can help you make a more informed decision as a parent. With doris, you can compare international school options clearly — and find the one that fits your child’s needs best. > [Explore international schools near you with doris](https://www.doris.school/find-international-schools) Share [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.doris.school/what-is-an-international-school-2025) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.doris.school/what-is-an-international-school-2025) [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.doris.school/what-is-an-international-school-2025) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://blog.doris.school/what-is-an-international-school-2025) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.doris.school/what-is-an-international-school-2025) [![doris-logo-dark (1)](https://blog.doris.school/hubfs/doris-logo-dark%20(1).svg "doris-logo-dark (1)")](http://doris.school) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/doris.school/) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/91639588/admin/dashboard/) [youtube icon](https://youtube.com/@dorisschool?si=i-IRKerbVnHd0vLi) [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/doris.school/) **Learn more** [About doris](https://tips.doris.school/about) [Parent Guide](https://tips.doris.school/international-school-guide) [Transparency Charter](https://tips.doris.school/transparency-charter) © 2026 doris Worldwide Ltd. 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