Completely revised and updated, the 10th edition of Schools Abroad has resulted from data solicited by this office through thousands of E-mail, fax and postal communications, as well as with assistance from international educational associations, consultants, and agencies of the United States and foreign governments. The book’s primary purpose is to objectively describe more than 700 English-medium elementary and secondary schools in roughly 150 countries.

Noteworthy with the publication of this edition is a marked shapening of focus regarding the schools listed. To better serve our readers, we have included only the following types of programs in this edition: 1) English-medium or bilingual institutions located in non-English-speaking countries; and 2) US-style or international schools that operate in English-speaking countries. In a departure from previous editions of Schools Abroad, specialized programs, colleges and summer sessions do not receive separate listings, as we have found that it is not possible to include such programs alongside traditional primary and secondary schools in a volume of this size.

The resulting roster of schools will appeal to those parents, students, educational advisors and corporate relocation specialists who have an interest in primary and secondary schooling outside of the 50 United States. While not all listed schools enroll a substantial percentage of American students (or, for that matter, employ many instructors from the US), the schools do display a willingness to enroll American applicants. In addition, the curricula employed at listed schools facilitate a smooth transition to another international school or back to an American school.

In the editorial section of the book, we present–at no cost or obligation to the schools–the information parents and advisors want and ought to know. Data was compiled based upon responses given on our questionnaire. The accuracy and completeness of the school’s description depend greatly on the thoroughness of the school’s response. In preparing the descriptive text at the end of the listing, all suggestions are carefully reviewed, but our editorial staff reserves the right to determine what information is pertinent and significant in keeping with our long tradition of impartial reporting of facts.

In an effort to provide the reader with a more comprehensive listing of schools abroad, we have included abbreviated listings for many schools that failed to respond to our questionnaire by our production deadline. These listings are evident by their relative brevity: They typically contain only contact information and basic facts about their programs. The truncated nature of these listings is not a reflection of the quality of these schools, but instead indicates that further data was not available from the institutions. Our editors have independently verified information found in these listings.

Schools Abroad does not seek to evaluate differences among schools, although careful study of school descriptions may reveal varying approaches and attitudes. From an aggregate of information, we chose those aspects that seemed to most effectively characterize a school in the limited space available.

When searching for a school, final selection should come only after careful thought and planning–involving direct contact with prospective schools–as well as advice from reputable educational consultants and associations. Selecting a program solely on the basis of the school’s own literature is unwise and may have unfortunate consequences.

The editorial section is alphabetically organized first by world region, then by country, city name and program name. There are two exceptions to this organizing structure: In the cases of Australia and Canada, schools are presented first by province, then by city and school name.

Preceding each country is a short geographical sketch that presents pertinent statistical information about the country. Our editors utilized two sources in compiling this data: the US Department of State Web site (www.state.gov) and the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook.

Some schools authorize Illustrated Announcements in a separate advertising section. Through these individualized statements, schools are able to emphasize the features they consider most significant in describing their programs and aims. Those concerned with international education welcome the opportunity to read these distinctive statements, and a school thereby furthers not only recruitment, but public relations in general. A school’s purchase of space in the autonomous Illustrated Announcements section, however, does not affect the length or content of its free listing.