New School, New Language, New Life

Choosing a school is hard enough for English-speaking expats who have lived in Singapore for years before having children. But what about new arrivals from countries where English isn’t the children’s mother tongue?

Danish couple SUNE and HEIDI OTTESEN arrived in Singapore in April of last year with three children in tow. This is their story.

How did you go about finding a school for your children?

We first checked out websites for most of the international schools in Singapore. Then we visited five of them before choosing Overseas Family School.

What was it about OFS that tipped the decision in its favour?

We liked the opportunity for our kids to have their mother tongue integrated into the school day. We were also impressed by the Study Preparation Program. The school offered the best integration programme for our kids, since English isn’t their primary language. We had a good first impression when we visited the school; we were shown around and introduced to principals and teachers – we felt very welcome.

It’s been a year. How’s everything going?

From day one, we felt our kids were in good hands. We got the support we needed, especially in the beginning when we had just arrived. Our youngest needed a little extra care and attention to make things work, and she received it.

We find the learning environment at OFS very positive and giving. The balance between discipline and care-giving is very good. The academic level is high, but the kids are being taught in an inspiring and active way so it’s not just rote learning.

Also, the responsiveness from teachers and administration is impressive, as are the concerts, musicals and exhibitions. The kids are given the opportunity to perform and achieve success where they feel acknowledged and recognised for their hard work.

How is the transition from Denmark to an English-speaking school in Asia?

It’s hard for children and families to start a new life in another country a long way from home, especially when they don’t understand or speak the language. Our children had to find new friends in a new culture with many cultures inside. It can be exhausting but the teachers are working hard both academically and with social skills in the classrooms.