A practical guide for expatriate families on how private tutoring can ease the transition to a new school system abroad.
For families facing relocation or expatriation, moving to a new country brings a host of exciting opportunities - but it can also come with educational challenges, especially for children transitioning between school systems.
Increasingly, British and US expat families are choosing to employ private tutors to help prepare their children for school in a new country, and similarly, families reclocating to the US or UK from other countries.
Whether you're moving for work, lifestyle, or personal reasons, navigating a different curriculum, language, and teaching style can be daunting for any child.
That’s where a private tutor can make all the difference. Read more about relocation tutors here.
Why consider a private tutor before changing schools?
All countries have different educational standards, expectations, and approaches to teaching. Even for academically strong students, switching from one system to another can be difficult - particularly for older children. While younger children often adapt quickly, older students may struggle with the academic demands, language barriers, and social changes. This can impact their confidence, behaviour, and grades.
Working with a private tutor before the move - or during the early months in your new home - can help smooth the transition. A relocation tutor can:
- Introduce the new curriculum in advance
- Teach the local language or subject-specific vocabulary
- Familiarise students with cultural differences in education
- Bridge any academic gaps between systems
- Build confidence in a new learning environment
A flexible solution for relocating and expat families
Tutors International has specialised in sourcing full-time private tutors for expatriate families since 1999. While many families opt for full-time home schooling, there’s now growing interest in shorter placements designed specifically to support school transitions.
“We’re seeing more enquiries from families who want to employ a full-time private tutor for a few months,” explains Adam Caller, founder of Tutors International. “The tutor helps prepare the student for a smooth start at their new school - either before they move or shortly after arrival. It’s a highly effective way to reduce disruption and give children the best possible foundation.”
Don't overlook private tuition as part of tour relocation plan
Education consultants can offer valuable advice on schools in your destination country, but many families don’t realise that private tuition can complement this. With the right tutor, your child can be brought up to speed academically, emotionally, and culturally - giving them the confidence to thrive in their new environment.
Client testimonial
"We engaged Tutors International to help us when we were living in Beijing, China, and the work was so good that we kept using the service even after we returned to DC. Tutor's International's integrity and commitment in helping children with their education is at the top of the scale, and if you can afford it, his services and that of his company are as good as you can get. If anyone is wondering whether to engage them and to ask questions about Tutor's International I'd be happy to answer questions about our experience."
See also: Why families opt for full-time private tutoring
