Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Suncheon
Summary: If you're moving to Suncheon with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Suncheon
Suncheon, a smaller city in South Korea, may not have the same abundance of international or bilingual schools as found in larger metropolitan areas like Seoul or Busan. However, expats and digital nomads with families can still find quality education options for their children. While there may be fewer international schools directly within Suncheon, neighboring towns within a 40-minute drive offer reputable institutions. Two of the most popular options in the region include Kwangju Foreign School and Busan International Foreign School, both of which cater to the international community and provide a global curriculum.
Kwangju Foreign School (KFS)
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 12
Location(s): Gwangju, Jeollanam-do
Website: www.kfschool.org
Kwangju Foreign School, located in the nearby city of Gwangju, is an accessible option for families in Suncheon. Offering the American curriculum along with the Advanced Placement (AP) program, KFS serves the educational needs of the international community. The school boasts modern facilities, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a diverse student body representing various nationalities. Enrollment is open to students of all backgrounds, and the school is committed to fostering a multicultural learning environment.
Busan International Foreign School (BIFS)
Grades: Nursery through Grade 12
Location(s): Busan, Gyeongsangnam-do
Website: www.bifskorea.org
Busan International Foreign School is another excellent choice for expat families, albeit a bit further away. BIFS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for all three divisions: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The school's state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs provide a well-rounded education. BIFS prides itself on its diverse student body and its commitment to international-mindedness and academic excellence.
Yeosu International School
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 9
Location(s): Yeosu, Jeollanam-do
Yeosu International School, situated in Yeosu, is within reach for Suncheon residents seeking an international education for their children. The school follows an international curriculum and emphasizes English language acquisition. With a focus on creating a supportive learning environment, Yeosu International School offers small class sizes and personalized attention to cater to the needs of its international student population.
Mokpo International Christian School (MICS)
Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Mokpo, Jeollanam-do
Website: www.micskorea.org
Mokpo International Christian School provides an American-style education with a Christian worldview. MICS is dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual growth, offering a variety of courses including AP classes. The school's facilities support a range of extracurricular activities, and the tight-knit community atmosphere is ideal for families looking for a smaller school setting.
Please note that the availability of international or bilingual schools can change, and it is always best to contact the schools directly for the most up-to-date information regarding admissions and programs.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.