Moving to Malaysia with Children
For families, schooling is often one of the most important considerations when planning a move to Malaysia. Malaysia has a wide range of international schools offering British, American, Australian, International Baccalaureate and other curricula. The choice of school can influence when a family moves, where they live and how easily children settle into their new surroundings. For this reason, school planning should begin relatively early in the relocation process
Start Looking at Schools Early
Popular international schools can have waiting lists, particularly in certain year groups, so it is sensible to begin enquiries as soon as you know you may be relocating. You do not necessarily need to make a final decision immediately, but understanding the available options will make other relocation decisions much easier. Our separate Education Guide provides more detailed information on international schooling in Malaysia.
School Terms and Admission Timing
International schools in Malaysia do not all follow the same academic calendar. British-curriculum schools often operate broadly around a September-to-June or July academic year, while other schools may follow different calendars. Some admit pupils throughout the year if places are available. Moving between different school systems can sometimes mean entering part-way through an academic year or repeating part of a term. For older students, timing can become particularly important if they are approaching major examinations such as IGCSEs, A Levels, the IB Diploma or equivalent qualifications.
Academic Records and Documents
Schools will normally ask for information about the child’s previous education. It is therefore useful to bring along academic transcripts, exam results and recent school reports. Where possible, obtain these before leaving the current school. If a child receives additional educational or learning support, discuss this with prospective schools before enrolment so you understand what facilities and assistance are available.
Choosing the Right Curriculum
Many expatriate families prefer to keep their children within the same curriculum they were following before the move, particularly if they expect to return to their home country. Others choose an international curriculum such as the IB because they expect to move between several countries. The best choice will depend on the child’s age, previous schooling, likely length of stay in Malaysia, and where they may study afterward. For younger children, moving between curricula is generally easier. For teenagers approaching important examinations, continuity becomes considerably more important.
School Location and Where to Live
In Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, the distance between home and school can have a significant impact on daily life. A journey that appears relatively short on a map can take much longer during peak traffic periods. Many expatriate families therefore choose their neighbourhood partly around the location of their children’s school. Before signing a tenancy agreement, consider making the journey between the proposed home and school at the time your child would normally travel.
School Transport
Many international schools provide or arrange school bus services covering popular residential areas. Ask whether your chosen neighbourhood is included in the school’s transport network and how long the journey normally takes. Younger children in particular may find a long daily bus journey tiring, so transport time should be considered when comparing both schools and accommodation. Some parents initially arrange their own transport until they are familiar with the area and daily routine.
Preparing Children for the Move
Moving country can be exciting for children, but it can also mean leaving behind friends, familiar routines and surroundings. How much preparation is appropriate will depend on the child’s age. It can help to involve children in the move by showing them where they will live, looking at their new school together and talking about the activities available in Malaysia.
Older children may be particularly concerned about friendships and fitting into a new school. Maintaining contact with friends from home while encouraging involvement in new activities can make the transition easier. It is also worth allowing children some time to adjust. Parents may be focused on organising housing, work, transport and paperwork, while children are dealing with a major change in their social and school lives.
Making Friends and Getting Involved
International schools are generally accustomed to welcoming pupils arriving from other countries. Sports teams, music, drama, clubs and other extra-curricular activities can be a good way for children to meet classmates outside the classroom.
Malaysia also offers a wide range of activities for families, including sports clubs, swimming, martial arts, music, outdoor activities and organised children’s programmes. Joining activities relatively soon after arrival can help children develop their own social network rather than relying entirely on their parents’ friendships.
Settling into Malaysia
Children often adapt quickly to life in Malaysia. English is widely spoken, particularly in international schools and major urban areas, and children are likely to meet classmates from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds.
Malaysia’s climate, food and culture may take some getting used to, but they are also part of the experience of living overseas. Try to establish familiar routines reasonably quickly, particularly around school, meals, sleep and activities. At the same time, encourage children to explore their new surroundings and experience Malaysian culture.
For many families, choosing the right school and avoiding an unnecessarily difficult daily commute are the two decisions that make the biggest difference to how smoothly the relocation goes.
Before You Move
Ideally, families should have at least started the school application process before committing to a home. Confirm the child’s likely school place, understand the daily journey, gather the necessary academic records and think carefully about the timing of the move, particularly for older children. Once those major decisions are settled, the rest of the family’s relocation to Malaysia usually becomes considerably easier to organise.