Navigating Specific Learning Difficulties as an Expat Family: Building a Supportive Network and Seeking Help in International Education

Are you part of an expat family facing the challenges of specific learning difficulties while navigating international education systems? Being an expatriate comes with a multitude of unique experiences and hurdles, and when it comes to addressing learning challenges in a foreign environment, the journey can become even more complex. Let's delve into the intricacies of dealing with specific learning difficulties as an expat family, especially in international education settings, host country public schools, and amidst the language barriers.

Rich cities with significant international populations, like Singapore, tend to offer more choices and options for learning support for expat families but accessing private support services can be expensive.

Specific Learning Difficulties in International Education

One of the major hurdles faced by expat families is ensuring that their children receive the necessary support and resources to address specific learning difficulties within an international education framework. Understanding the varied educational systems across different countries can be overwhelming, especially when seeking tailored assistance for children with learning challenges. Balancing the educational needs of your child with the unfamiliarity of a new educational system can be daunting.

Dr. Christina Limbird, an international school psychologist and director of Linden Global Learning Support writes, "Inclusive international schools can be costly. Also, most international schools do not offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other special services like dyslexia training programs or 1:1 educational aides," so she recommends considering your budget and talking to your employer about what might be covered in your relocation package before making your move abroad.

Carrie Lupoli an experienced special educator and school administrator, writing for Expathealth.org points out that, whilst many international schools with have local experts they can recommend, in some host countries such options are limited, "Talk to the school about experts they work with regularly. Depending on where you live, your best option may be to have your child evaluated in your home country as practices there may be more up-to-date."

Navigating Host Country Public School Systems

Enrolling your child in a host country's public school system can present additional challenges, particularly when addressing specific learning difficulties. These systems may have different approaches to special education services and resources compared to what you are accustomed to in your home country. Building effective communication channels with school administrators, teachers, and support staff becomes paramount to ensure that your child's learning needs are met adequately. Consider how well you are able to communicate with local school administrators as an advocate for your child and research the educational culture and inclusion policies of any perspective placement before you take the leap.

Learning in a Foreign Language

For expat families residing in a country where the primary language is different from their native language, dealing with specific learning difficulties can pose a considerable challenge. Language barriers can exacerbate the learning process for children already facing educational obstacles. Finding ways to bridge this communication gap and provide the necessary assistance to help your child overcome learning challenges within a foreign language environment is crucial. If you decide to use a language tutor outside of school, ask about their experience working with learner's with learning difficulties. Some large agencies and websites, such as Preply, allow you to search for tutors by specialties, including their experience teaching students with different neurodiverse needs.

The right tutor will have buckets of patience, ethusiasm and lots of ideas for visual, multisensory and structured learning.

The Importance of Building a Support Network

When you find yourself grappling with the complexities of specific learning difficulties as an expat family, building a strong support network can make a significant difference. Connecting with other expat families, educational professionals, and local support groups can provide you with valuable insights, resources, and emotional support. Sharing experiences and learning from others who have navigated similar challenges can be incredibly empowering.

Of course, when it comes to support networks for International families, some host countries are better served than others. Countries with particularly large international communities tend to also be best served in terms of the choice and quality of special needs providers. The website, Expat Living Singapore recently posted an extensive article reviewing no less than 13 service providers catering to International families with learning needs on the island.

Seeking Professional Help – Learning Skills Coach and Educational Therapist

Sometimes, the support of a learning skills coach or an educational therapist can be instrumental in helping your child overcome specific learning difficulties. These professionals are trained to assess learning challenges, create tailored intervention strategies, and work closely with both you and your child to enhance learning outcomes whilst building confidence and positive attitudes to learning. Seeking expert guidance can provide a structured approach to addressing learning difficulties and contribute to your child's academic success.

Expatriate life comes with its fair share of obstacles, but when it comes to supporting your child through specific learning difficulties in an international setting, remember that you are not alone. By proactively building a supportive network, seeking professional help from a learning skills coach or an educational therapist, and advocating for your child's educational needs, you can navigate these challenges effectively and ensure that your child thrives academically. You might want to look for a local professional, or you might prefer to find someone with experience in international families and third culture kids, who offers sessions online or specializes in second language learning and learning difficulties in bilingual learners. These are some of the services offered by Rachel Dudley Educational Services.

The rapid growth of online services mean finding specialist support for your child's learning needs is easier than ever before.

As an expat family, facing specific learning difficulties may seem overwhelming, but with the right resources and support system in place, you can empower your child to conquer educational obstacles and succeed in their academic journey.

Remember, you are on a unique path, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a testament to your commitment to your child's future. Stay resilient, stay informed, and most importantly, stay connected within the expat community to navigate these challenges with strength and determination.