7 School Selection Mistakes Expats Make in Indonesia

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Moving to Indonesia as an expat comes with many important decisions, and one of the most critical is school selection for your children.

Indonesia offers a wide range of education options, from international schools to local schools with national curricula.

However, many families face challenges because of school selection mistakes expats make due to limited information, cultural differences, or unrealistic expectations.

Understanding these issues early can help parents avoid stress, extra costs, and frequent school changes.

This article discusses common school selection mistakes expats make in Indonesia, along with clear explanations to help expat families make better decisions.

School Selection Mistakes Expats Make in Indonesia

1. Not Understanding the Difference Between International School vs Local School

Unsplash/Nathan Cima

One of the most common expat school selection mistakes is not fully understanding the difference between an international school vs local school.

International schools usually use foreign curricula such as IB, Cambridge, or Australian systems and teach mostly in English.

Local schools, on the other hand, follow the Indonesian national curriculum and often use Bahasa Indonesia as the main language.

Some expats choose international schools without considering high tuition fees, while others choose local schools without preparing their children for language and cultural adjustments.

Failing to compare both options carefully can lead to dissatisfaction later.

2. Focusing Only on School Reputation

Another mistake expats make when choosing a school is focusing only on reputation or brand name.

Well-known schools may look impressive, but they are not always the best fit for every child.

Each child has different learning needs, personalities, and academic strengths.

Ignoring class size, teaching style, student support, and school values can result in poor academic performance or emotional discomfort.

Proper school selection should always focus on the child, not just the school’s popularity.

3. Ignoring Location and Daily Commute

Many parents underestimate how traffic and distance affect daily life in Indonesia, especially in big cities like Jakarta.

For example, expat families living in strategic residential areas such as The Elements apartment in Kuningan often have better access to reputable international schools nearby, making daily routines more efficient.

However, when school selection is not aligned with housing location, families may still face long and exhausting travel times despite living in a premium area.

Choosing a school that looks perfect academically but is far from home is one of the most practical school selection mistakes expats make.

Long commutes can lead to tired children, reduced family time, and increased daily stress. Over time, this situation can negatively affect a child’s focus, mood, academic performance, and overall well-being.

For this reason, location should always be a key factor to consider and one of the common school selection mistakes for expats to avoid.

4. Not Checking Accreditation and Curriculum Recognition

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Some expat families forget to check whether a school’s curriculum is internationally recognized.

This is a serious expat school selection mistake, especially for families who may move to another country later.

Without proper accreditation, transferring schools or applying to universities abroad can become difficult.

Always confirm that the curriculum aligns with your long-term education plans before making a decision.

Read more:

Challenges of International Schooling in Indonesia: What Expat Parents Need to Know

5. Overlooking Language and Cultural Support

Language barriers are another major issue in mistakes expats make when choosing a school.

Even in international schools, children may face challenges if English support programs are limited or if the school lacks experience with multicultural students.

In local schools, the challenge can be even greater due to the use of Bahasa Indonesia and different classroom cultures.

Failing to check available language support and cultural integration programs is a common school selection mistake expats make in Indonesia.

6. Not Visiting the School in Person

One of the most overlooked common school selection mistakes for expats is not visiting the school directly.

A school visit allows parents to observe classrooms, meet teachers, and understand the real learning environment.

Without this step, families risk choosing a school that does not match their expectations or values.

Read more:

Choosing School in Indonesia: A Practical Guide for Expat and Foreign Families

7. Choosing Too Quickly Without Comparison

Finally, many expats rush the school selection process due to relocation deadlines.

Choosing the first available option without comparing several schools is a frequent school selection mistake expats make.

Taking time to compare tuition fees, facilities, curriculum, and student support can make a significant difference.

A careful comparison helps families avoid future regrets and unnecessary school changes.

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