For many expats, tuition fee not really an issue

For many expats, tuition fee not really an issue

Joseph Kirschke
Contributor
Jakarta

Altogether, expatriates with children in Jakarta have 17
international schools to choose from. They range from British and
American schools to French, Pakistani and even Saudi Arabian
secondary schools.

Parents, when asked, seem to agree that quality is a major
concern, and that their children are exposed to a unique learning
experience in Jakarta where the rules governing how education is
administered is completely different from their home country --
almost universally in a positive way.

For many expatriates, especially those working for
multinational companies, cost is not much of an issue, as they
often receive generous education packages from their employers.
But for some, in particular those who are self-employed, cost can
be an issue.

Barbara Spiers, a co-owner of Indo Multi-Media Publishing Co.,
which publishes Java Kini Jakarta Kini and Garuda magazines among
others, cites cost as the principal disadvantage of sending her
sons, Edward and George, both in year 8, to the British
International School.

"Nonetheless, we are very, very happy with the education and
the experience that our sons are receiving. The methods (of
teaching) they use are really very good," Spiers said.

Marilyn August, an expat mother who lived 23 years in Paris
before moving to Jakarta more than three years ago, offers
similar praise for the French International School (Lycee
International Francais), while complimenting the very nature of
the educational component of expat life.

"In an expat environment you get to know the teachers much
better," she said, referring to the education of her daughter
Alexandra, a senior, and her son, Sam who is in year 10. "We find
we have a lot more input and much more output."

August cites the fact that teachers are much more motivated by
their foreign environment, allowing a unique window for parents
to become far more closely involved in things like extra-
curricular activities than they ever could in their home
countries.

Earlier this year, she noted, her husband, Bernard, had a
small speaking role in the French jazz show Al'ame while
Alexandra and Sam sang and danced the can-can.

"It was the most amazing experience," she said. "This would
never happen in a French school (in France)."

Since it is affiliated with the French public school system,
August said the cost of 6,000 Euros (US$7,200) per annum is not
such a heavy burden as it is subsidized by the French government.

The one disadvantage as August sees it, however, is that
sometimes the school can be too small. Although, she noted, this
is an undeniable benefit in terms of the attention the students
get in terms of class size, it can be a handicap socially.

"It can be a fishbowl environment," she said.

On the other hand, said August, the overall level of teacher
dedication is so extraordinary that what the students are
learning and how they are learning their subjects more than
compensates for any such drawbacks.

"(Teacher) absenteeism is very low because it's a very
different level of devotion -- we really appreciate that," he
said. "Overall it's been a very positive experience."

Likewise, Ross Tinney, has been more than happy with the
experience that his two children, James, 10, -- in year 5 -- and
Harrison, 7, -- in year 3 -- have had at the British
International School.

"The quality is sensational," said the New Zealander who has
been working here as a film director for two years. "I think
there's a real sense of enjoyment."

The extracurricular activities, he added, are excellent.

"Harrison participated in a sleepover -- they had games and
tents," he said. "It's really good; they like to keep parents
proactive."

From his home in Kemang to the school, which is located in
Bintaro the distance can take as long as 30 to 40 minutes from
door to door. However, Tinney noted, in traffic-clogged Jakarta,
distances are very relative, and the school bus offers great
convenience and security.

Security, since the devastating Bali bombings of October 12,
2002, has been heightened at just about every international
school in Jakarta.

After credible threats of violence against international
schools were received by foreign embassies in Jakarta, most
schools acted promptly by closing for several weeks while
measures -- from adding bomb-proof walls to recruiting extra
security guards and police -- were put in place.

Spiers, for one, is more than satisfied with the extra
security. "I have no concerns," she said. "There are police out
in front with guns and rifles."

"Of course," she added, "it's better to be safe than sorry."

Threats of terrorism aside, for more than a few expats the
international education experience is a positive one.

Said Tinney: "It's been well worthwhile ... with things like
math, science and geography; the kids come home with some
interesting projects," he said.

"That," he added, "goes a long way in helping them build
confidence and self-esteem."

Often there are other unique experiences that international
schools students are exposed to. In mid-2003 when German
Chancellor Gerhard Shroeder came to Indonesia on a state visit,
he blocked out one afternoon to visit -- along with President
Megawati -- the students, faculty and parents of the German
School (Deutsche Internationale Schule) in Bumi Serpong Damai.

After a tour of the lavish facilities and an open question
time by students to the two world leaders (marked by a very
insightful and pointed question to Schroeder about international
diplomacy), Megawati was said to be so impressed that she called
a meeting with her Cabinet to specifically discuss educational
improvement here.