American Boarding School Fair 2024 in Bangkok

[CharlieH]

 

 

Want to explore boarding school options for your child? Then don’t miss the American Boarding School Fair 2024 by Sesameed Education on Sunday, November 17, at Grande Centre Point Terminal 21.

For many parents, the decision to send their child to a boarding school can feel overwhelming. While some view it as an opportunity for rigorous education and personal growth, others worry about homesickness, cost, and distance. Questions often arise: Will boarding school suit my child’s personality? How will they cope with being away from home? What are the financial implications? Am I “sending away” my child?

The second edition of the American Boarding School Fair in Bangkok offers the perfect opportunity to get answers directly from experts and representatives from more than 30 leading U.S. boarding schools. You can have direct conversations about your child’s education, get useful pointers on the admissions and interview process, and explore whether this path aligns with your family’s goals.

Is boarding school a good fit for your child?

The advantages

The outdated notion of boarding schools as places where children are "sent away" no longer holds true. In the past, these schools carried a stigma of being harsh environments for children estranged from their families. Today, most boarding schools are nurturing spaces where students not only excel academically but also thrive socially and personally.

Many U.S. boarding schools offer an intensive curriculum, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses or the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which are highly regarded by top universities. If your child is aiming for a place at an Ivy League or similarly prestigious university, these schools provide an academic environment designed to challenge them and foster intellectual growth.

In addition, with a wide range of extracurricular activities, small class sizes, personalised attention, and access to top-tier facilities, U.S. boarding schools offer students a wealth of opportunities. Students can explore their passions and nurture their talents, be it the arts, sciences, or sports. More than just academics, boarding schools promote personal growth as they encourage independence, leadership, and resilience, all of which prepare students for success at university and beyond. 

Attending a boarding school in the U.S. can expand your child’s global perspective as well, providing unique experiences that are hard to match in traditional day schools. As Metta Dael, the Director of International Admission at Northfield Mount Hermon School, shared during the first American Boarding School Fair in Bangkok last year, “By going abroad, not only do you get access to the different courses that are available to you, but also just being in a different kind of physical environment, it opens up a lot more doors.”

For expat families, boarding schools can offer a consistent, high-quality education, even if frequent relocations or transitions are part of your lifestyle.

The concerns

However, choosing the right school isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Parents need to consider their child’s personality, academic strengths, and future aspirations. Boarding school may be a great option for students who thrive in structured environments, enjoy independence, and are eager to challenge themselves both academically and socially.

Does your child enjoy taking on responsibility? Are they self-motivated? Boarding schools can be an ideal match for students who flourish under guidance but are driven to develop leadership skills and independence.

Naturally, sending your child away from home can raise concerns. Homesickness, the distance from family, and the financial investment required are often top worries for parents considering boarding schools for their children. Moreover, the admission process for boarding schools is often as competitive as that of elite universities. This process typically includes entrance exams, interviews, and thorough evaluations of a student’s academic record and extracurricular achievements, which can be daunting for both parents and students.

The American Boarding School Fair 2024 in Bangkok provides a platform to address these concerns head-on. Experts will be available to discuss admission, financial aid options, and the ways schools ensure your child feels supported even while away from home. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the boarding school experience, this fair gives you the perfect platform to speak with representatives who can provide tailored insights and reassurances.

What can you expect at the American Boarding School Fair 2024 in Bangkok?

1. Meet representatives from top U.S. boarding schools

Image via Sesameed Education

 

With representatives from over 30 top U.S. boarding schools in attendance, the American Boarding School Fair 2024 in Bangkok offers an opportunity to engage directly with representatives from some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Notable schools participating include Berkshire School, Blair Academy, Cardigan Mountain School, Choate Rosemary Hall, Concord Academy, Deerfield Academy, and Emma Willard School, among others.

Rather than relying on online research, you’ll have the chance to form personal connections with decision-makers and receive customised advice on schools that match your child’s needs. Through one-on-one conversations, you’ll gain insight into which schools are the best match for your child’s academic and personal growth goals. You can ask detailed questions about academic programmes, campus life, and your child’s fit for a particular school. You’ll also discover the schools’ links to top universities around the world, extracurricular offerings, scholarship opportunities, and more.

2. Guidance from admission experts

Image via Sesameed Education

 

Sesameed, the people behind the American Boarding School Fair 2024 in Bangkok, are professional education placement consultants with years of experience in helping families go through the admissions process. Their team will be present at the fair to offer personalised advice to families.

From preparing for entrance exams and conducting interviews to selecting the right schools, the admission experts from Sesameed can help your child access the best educational opportunities. They will assist you in assessing your child’s strengths to make sure that they thrive in the right learning environment, too.

“Every school is a little different, and what we are trying to do is identify the best match between what the school offers and what the child needs. In terms of Sesameed, we are consultants, and after the fair, if families would like to pursue further in understanding how to apply successfully, we’re here to help,” says Daniel Szeto, the Founder and Head of Sesameed Education.

Access Sesameed Education’s expertise

At the American Boarding School Fair 2024 in Bangkok, you can access Sesameed Education’s wealth of knowledge, such as connecting families to school visits, webinars, and providing tailored advice on the boarding school admissions process.

 

Paterra Apithanakoon, a parent who successfully utilised Sesameed Education's services for her child's admission process, highlights the invaluable role education consultants played in their journey:

“I really encourage other parents to try it out because, especially for the interviewing process, AP (Pawit) needs a lot of interviews, and he did a lot of training. The questions asked allowed him to rethink his passion, weaknesses, strengths, and what he wants to do. It’s a big question for a teenager, right? To truly reconsider who you want to be and what you want to contribute to the school. During a training session, he really learned how to present himself effectively.

As for the role of Sesameed, I had to apply myself. I wrote the application and the parent statement, but having Daniel and Rae help with revisions and the student essay was invaluable. The timing was critical, often requiring us to correct the essay in the morning and then again in the afternoon, all while managing the time difference. I couldn’t have done this without Daniel’s help.”

3. Curated seminar talks

Image via Sesameed Education

 

In addition to personal conversations with school representatives and admissions experts, the American Boarding School Fair 2024 will feature curated seminar talks led by experts in the field of education. These sessions will provide deep insights into various aspects of boarding school life, from the admissions process to what students can expect day-to-day.

4. Network with other parents and students

Image via Sesameed Education

 

One of the most valuable aspects of attending the American Boarding School Fair is the opportunity to connect with other parents and students who are either considering boarding school or have already gone through the process. You’ll be able to share experiences, ask questions, and gain insight into how other families have navigated the decision-making process.

For students, interacting with peers who are also considering boarding school can provide a sense of camaraderie and motivation. Hearing stories from those who have attended these schools can offer reassurance and confidence that they, too, can thrive in such an environment.

How to prepare for the fair

To make the most of the American Boarding School Fair 2024, parents should come prepared with specific questions about their child’s needs. Consider the aspects of boarding school life that are most important to you, such as the balance between academics and extracurricular activities, pastoral care, or preparation for university admissions.

Research some of the schools attending the fair in advance so you have a clearer idea of which institutions align with your child’s aspirations. This will help you maximise your time at the fair, as you can focus on gathering the most relevant information for your family.

When and where is the fair?

The American Boarding School Fair 2024 will be held on Sunday, November 17, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, at Grande Centre Point Terminal 21, Bangkok. To attend, register for the fair through Sesameed’s official website. Registration is free, but spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended to secure your spot.

Last year, the American Boarding School Fair by Sesameed successfully connected parents and students with top-tier educational institutions. This year, the fair promises another invaluable opportunity.

 

 

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