Tuition not the deciding issue for many expats

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.