Busan

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Private and International Schools

An overview of private and international schools designed to cater to expatriates and broader educational preferences.

Sections

1. Overview of Private and International Schools in Busan

Busan has a growing number of private and international schools that cater to the needs of expatriate families and Korean families seeking an international education. These schools typically offer globally recognized curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, or other international systems. They are located in key areas of the city, often near expatriate-friendly neighborhoods.

2. List of Major Private and International Schools in Busan

A. Busan Foreign School (BFS)

  • Curriculum: American-based curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
  • Location: Gijang County, near the Haeundae area.
  • Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12.
  • Facilities: Modern classrooms, science labs, library, gymnasium, outdoor sports fields, and a performing arts center.
  • Teacher Qualifications: Certified teachers, primarily from the U.S., with experience in international education.
  • Tuition Costs:
    • Pre-K: KRW 15,000,000 (~USD 11,000) per year.
    • Elementary: KRW 20,000,000 (~USD 15,000) per year.
    • Middle/High School: KRW 25,000,000 (~USD 19,000) per year.
    • Additional fees: Application fee (~KRW 300,000), registration fee (~KRW 1,000,000), and annual capital fees (~KRW 1,500,000).
  • Cultural Considerations: English is the primary language of instruction, but Korean language classes are offered. The school has a diverse student body, fostering a multicultural environment.
  • Nearby Attractions: Haeundae Beach, Dalmaji Hill, and the Busan National Science Museum.

B. International School of Busan (ISB)

  • Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
  • Location: Gijang County, near the Haeundae area.
  • Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12.
  • Facilities: State-of-the-art campus with science labs, art studios, music rooms, a library, sports fields, and a swimming pool.
  • Teacher Qualifications: IB-certified teachers with international teaching experience.
  • Tuition Costs:
    • Pre-K: KRW 18,000,000 (~USD 13,500) per year.
    • Elementary: KRW 22,000,000 (~USD 16,500) per year.
    • Middle/High School: KRW 28,000,000 (~USD 21,000) per year.
    • Additional fees: Application fee (~KRW 300,000), registration fee (~KRW 1,000,000), and annual capital fees (~KRW 2,000,000).
  • Cultural Considerations: English is the medium of instruction, and the school emphasizes global citizenship. Korean language and culture classes are available.
  • Nearby Attractions: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Songjeong Beach, and the East Busan Tourism Complex.

C. Busan International Foreign School (BIFS)

  • Curriculum: British curriculum (IGCSE) and IB Diploma Programme (DP).
  • Location: Haeundae area.
  • Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12.
  • Facilities: Modern classrooms, IT labs, library, sports facilities, and a performing arts center.
  • Teacher Qualifications: Teachers are certified in the UK or other English-speaking countries, with IB training.
  • Tuition Costs:
    • Pre-K: KRW 16,000,000 (~USD 12,000) per year.
    • Elementary: KRW 21,000,000 (~USD 15,500) per year.
    • Middle/High School: KRW 27,000,000 (~USD 20,000) per year.
    • Additional fees: Application fee (~KRW 300,000), registration fee (~KRW 1,000,000), and annual capital fees (~KRW 1,500,000).
  • Cultural Considerations: English is the primary language, with Korean as a second language. The school has a strong focus on academic excellence and extracurricular activities.
  • Nearby Attractions: Centum City (home to Shinsegae, the worldโ€™s largest department store), Busan Cinema Center, and APEC Naru Park.

D. Other Notable Schools

  • Korea International School (KIS) Busan Campus: Offers an American curriculum with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
  • Japanese School of Busan: Caters to Japanese expatriates, offering a Japanese curriculum.

3. Admission Procedures

  1. Initial Inquiry: Contact the schoolโ€™s admissions office via email or phone to request an information packet or schedule a tour.
  2. Application Submission:
    • Complete the application form (available on the schoolโ€™s website).
    • Submit required documents, including:
      • Passport copies (child and parents).
      • Previous school records (translated into English if necessary).
      • Health and vaccination records.
      • Proof of residency in Busan.
    • Pay the non-refundable application fee (KRW 300,000โ€“500,000).
  3. Assessment:
    • Schools may require an entrance exam or interview to assess the childโ€™s academic level and English proficiency.
  4. Acceptance and Enrollment:
    • Upon acceptance, parents must pay the registration fee and tuition deposit to secure the spot.
    • Additional documents, such as a student visa (if applicable), may be required.

4. Tips for Parents

  • Start Early: Admission spots at international schools in Busan are limited, so begin the application process 6โ€“12 months in advance.
  • Budget for Additional Costs: Beyond tuition, factor in costs for uniforms, school lunches, transportation, extracurricular activities, and field trips.
  • Consider Proximity: Choose a school close to your residence to minimize commute times. Popular expat-friendly neighborhoods include Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Centum City.
  • Language Support: If your child is not fluent in English, inquire about English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs.
  • Cultural Adjustment: Encourage your child to participate in Korean language and culture classes to help them adapt to life in South Korea.
  • Parent Networks: Join parent associations or expat groups in Busan to connect with other families and share experiences.

5. Cultural and Local Sites of Interest

Many international schools in Busan are located near cultural and recreational sites, making it easier for families to explore the city:

  • Haeundae Beach: A popular destination for families, offering water sports, cafes, and festivals.
  • Centum City: A hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
  • Busan Museum of Art: Located near Haeundae, it offers exhibitions and workshops for children.
  • Dongbaek Island: A scenic spot for walking and enjoying views of the coastline.

6. Final Thoughts

Busanโ€™s international schools provide high-quality education in a multicultural environment, making them an excellent choice for expatriate families. By carefully considering your childโ€™s needs, budget, and proximity to the school, you can ensure a smooth transition and a rewarding educational experience. If you need further assistance with specific schools or neighborhoods, feel free to ask!