International Schools and the International Baccalaureate in Asia: Overview
摘要
Across Asia, demand for international forms of education is accelerating. Central to this trend is the proliferation of international schools, particularly those offering International Baccalaureate programs. This section of the Handbook presents eight empirically grounded and theoretically rich chapters on international schooling and the International Baccalaureate, with insights spanning the Gulf states, India, and East Asia. Authored by leading scholars, these contributions shed light on the trends, opportunities, and dilemmas that define international education in the region. Two major themes stand out. First, the demographics have shifted: international schools, once serving small expatriate communities, now offer significantly broader access to local families. However, these schools still often remain enclaves of privilege and risk reinforcing social inequality. Second, international schools are no longer solely globalized spaces or simple providers of Western education; rather, they are increasingly embedded within their contexts, creating hybrid educational forms that incorporate national and local norms, values, and regulatory requirements. Collectively, the chapters raise critical questions about how international schools can contribute to innovation and positive educational change across the region, including their potential to shape the future of education in Asia.