3 Benefits of Attending an International Online High School
As the world discovers the distinct advantages of online education, more families are choosing online schools for their children.
When the benefits of an online education are combined with the benefits of an international school, students come out on top.
Read on for specific advantages of attending an international online high school, and hear from families who have selected them.
Provides an Edge in College and University Admissions
Studying online has become a legitimate pathway for high school students to gain acceptance into world-renowned colleges and universities.
Students who choose to attend an international online high school like the accredited, highly ranked Dwight Global Online School, earn academic qualifications that are recognized and respected around the world by admissions representatives and leaders in higher education.
Dwight Global Online School is part of the Dwight Schools Global Network, a pioneer in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum in the Americas. Dwight Global, for students in grades 6-12, offers the well respected Advanced Placement track, as well as the International Baccalaureate program, a leading global education program that develops inquiring, knowledgeable and caring students.
IB learners in particular often outperform students studying other curricula. In the IB, the whole student is developed through academic, social and emotional skills.
IB students are:
- encouraged to think critically and solve complex problems
- become more culturally aware through the study of world languages and cultures
- able to engage with people in an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world
- able to take charge of their own learning
Read key findings from IB research to learn more about how the IB impacts students and schools.
Additionally, admissions officers recognize that students who thrive in a virtual learning environment will also thrive in college.
The student who excels in online classes typically:
- Self-initiates
- Communicates effectively
- Works well independently
- Works well collaboratively
- Understands good time management
- Self-advocates
- Is willing to take advantage of resources and faculty availability
- Is organized and prepared
- Develops high level technology and virtual skills
“Dwight Global students demonstrate a rare initiative in terms of guiding their own education and identifying, exploring and guiding their passions” said Megan Miller, senior associate director of college counseling at Dwight Global. “Their depth of inquiry often sets them apart within the applicant pool,” she said.
Provides Flexibility that Enhances School and Life
Having the flexibility to learn and study from home opens up hours in the day to pursue outside interests, travel, spend more time with family, and delve more deeply into academics.
Dwight Global provides students a customized program that allows students to pursue academic passions through a rigorous curriculum.That personalized online learning program also means students are more likely to discover their spark or passion, and gain a zest for learning in the areas that interest them most.
Enrolling in an international online school broadens a student’s educational possibilities far beyond what they might be able to encounter in their surrounding area. For example, students who are nordic ski competitors like 10th grader Gabriele Badino and his 8th grade sister Beatrice, need to live and train in the mountains, an area where top schools are not readily available. Gabriele and Beatrice’s father Marco Badino noticed his children thrive when they enrolled in Dwight Global Online School.
“I strongly recommend online learning to anyone who has a passion and ambition for something outside school and at the same time doesn’t want to give up an outstanding academic curriculum,” Marco said. “Gabriele and Beatrice appreciate the global network of schoolmates they are building around them, and we hope in the future they can leverage this network to be world citizens ready to face global challenges.”
“The advantages to online learning are many, and the best is flexibility,” Marco continued. “We strongly believe that this path can lead to success in both academics and sports.”
Provides Cultural Connections and a Global Focus
At the best international online high schools, students spend the day with classmates from all over the world, discussing global issues and engaging with a comprehensive and globally-inclusive curriculum. Such interactions build intercultural understanding and respect.
The global perspective of an international online high school is an enormous benefit in the eyes of Anastasia Zaandam, mother to Dwight Global seniors Giselle, an archer, and Julian, a tennis player.
“The kids' multicultural background and travel has set them up well to take advantage of and contribute to Dwight Global's international perspective,” said Anastasia. “This is evident in their ease of understanding and learning from their fellow students from different parts of the world, the ease of managing different time zones, and bringing their background and perspective to class assignments and projects.”
Anastasia continued: “For example, in a history project, Giselle was able to make a connection between a town 5 km from our house called Breukelen, to Brooklyn in New York, which was named after Breukelen more than 400 years ago. This additional international perspective is a huge added benefit of a truly global education which DG provides.”
“Julian and Giselle have been able to relate and put into use what they learn in the classroom at DG during their travels, too; for example, seeing Roman and Greek historical sites first hand in Italy, France and Greece. My children’s enhanced and deeper understanding of all the challenges and the beauty of the different countries, people and cultures is a direct result from their background, further strengthened by Dwight Global's excellent academics and international approach,” she said.
In the fall, Giselle will attend Columbia College, and will compete as a member of the Columbia College archery team. Julian will attend the University of California Santa Barbara and will compete on the university’s tennis team.
Click here to learn more about Dwight Global Online School and its educational programs.