Speaking English is essential today. Globalization has made it fundamental. English is the international language of study, travel, business, and communication with people from all over the world, regardless of their country of origin. Both socially and professionally, mastering another language is considered an important factor for career advancement. For this reason, bilingual and international schools are increasingly sought after.Choosing a school for a child is never easy. Parents must consider many factors such as location, tuition, methodology, and philosophy. But when deciding between an international and a bilingual school, what are the differences?First, let us discuss curriculum. Just as Brazil has the BNCC as its national curriculum base, each country has its own curriculum standards. In the United States, for example, each state follows standards known as the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Although private schools in the United States are not required to follow Common Core, college entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT are influenced by it, so many schools align their programs accordingly.International schools follow a foreign curriculum, which may not fully align with Brazilian entrance exams such as ENEM and vestibular exams. More than 90 percent of classes are taught in English. Portuguese classes are usually limited to Portuguese Language and Brazilian Social Studies, and sometimes Brazilian History.In bilingual schools, both national and international curricula are adopted. In some cases, this means students take subjects in both languages, such as Mathematics and Math. When both curricula are taught in parallel, the school is considered bicurricular. Students may learn similar concepts in both Portuguese and English. In bilingual schools, students read both Brazilian and international authors, and the school day is often divided between the two languages.However, some institutions, such as Brazilian International School, offer both curricula without repeating all subjects. While certain subjects such as History and Geography may be taught in both languages, they do not duplicate content. Instead, the national and international curricula are aligned and integrated into one unified guiding curriculum.Another difference is the academic calendar. International schools typically follow the calendar of the dominant language’s country, with the school year beginning in August and ending in June. Bilingual schools follow the Brazilian calendar, with classes beginning in February and ending in December.Faculty composition also differs. In international schools, most teachers are expatriates and native English speakers. In bilingual schools, teachers are generally Brazilian, fluent in English, often with international experience and certifications. The goal is not only communication with native speakers but fluency in English as a global language. Brazilian International School aims for students to understand and communicate confidently with speakers of any accent.In bilingual schools, extracurricular activities such as sports and cultural programs are conducted in the target language. According to experts such as Roy Lyster, at least 40 percent of instruction must be delivered in the target language for a school to be considered truly bilingual. Schools that simply increase English class hours without teaching subjects in English do not meet this definition.The most significant difference, however, lies in cultural identity. Brazilian International School promotes multicultural bilingualism. Brazilian culture remains predominant, while students also develop positive cultural identification with the United Kingdom and the United States. Students have opportunities for academic travel to England during Middle School and to the United States during High School.In contrast, international schools typically adopt a dominant American or British cultural framework. This can sometimes create cultural adjustment challenges for traditionally Brazilian families. For families who prefer language immersion without a dominant foreign cultural shift, a bilingual school may be the better option.Bilingual schools like Brazilian International School provide a multicultural environment where Portuguese and English coexist. This fosters not only language proficiency but also the ability to navigate linguistic contrasts and cultural differences, which are essential for personal and professional success.There is also a common misconception that bilingual schools offer only a Brazilian diploma, while international schools offer only a foreign diploma. This is no longer the case. Accredited schools such as Brazilian International School offer a dual diploma at the end of High School.The school prepares students for college applications in Brazil and abroad, offering guidance for both pathways. The curriculum includes Career Planning and Global Perspectives courses, as well as preparation for ENEM, vestibular exams, SAT, and ACT.Regardless of the type of school chosen, exposure to multiple cultures benefits children by developing global awareness and preparing them for professional life. Bilingualism offers advantages whether acquired in early childhood or later in a student’s academic journey.
