Parent's Review of MEF International School Izmir in Izmir, Turkey

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

MEF International School Izmir

In what town or city is this school located?

Izmir

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

K -12

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Most students get an organised bus from their home to school, this is organised by the school but included in the fees.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

This is a very small school, which I liked from when I was told about the school however for the amount of money that is paid it is VERY under resourced with limited sports facitilities, limited play grounds and for the art department like art, music i.e it is very limited and I dont feel it encourages these areas to be developed in the students because of how limited the school is. I would expect alot more from a international school specially with the price per children

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

The students studt the Cambridge system which is a good system but very different from Spain however I did not have a problem with this, unfortunatly very few teachers seems compitent to teach this system and seem to be learning themselves as they teach, the exam results have been terrible over the last 3 years that my children have been there and I was very upset wih my childrens results, the teachers dont seem very supportive to help the children learn this new system which is more difficult if they are learnign English also. Lots of the staff have a bad attitude and almost bully the students, my 2 children were sometimes too scared to talk to teachers about problems especially science and sport.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There is a good Parent council who try their best to organize activities in the school which are usually a success but from what Im told this seems to be agianst the wishes of the higher managment and principal.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

I would advise any parent to queiry the qualifications of several teachers, particularly the sport, esl teacher, and turkish and if possible discuss the behavour policy as some higher teachers and male teachers like to bully like the science and maths and I think computer. Definatly ask about resources as I know people who were told there is a big amount of money spent on books i.e but actually very limited in books which is main thing for learning nr=ew topics. if possible go to Isakent, its turkish but teaches in English and is half price for the same level of education and this year are teaching cambridge so is the same and I believe the mef esl teacher has left and gone there too.

William Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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