Navigating the educational system in Turkmenistan as an expat living or working there might be a unique experience. A state-run, contemporary curriculum is combined with traditional Turkmen values in Turkmenistan’s extensive educational system. This book will provide you with an overview of education in Turkmenistan for expats, whether you are a parent or just interested in learning more about the system.
The education system in Turkmenistan
The Ministry of Education is in charge of Turkmenistan’s scholastic structure, promising a unchanging tactic throughout the nation. From the age of seven to fifteen, schooling is required, and public schools are usually free for all children. Excluding in a few places, the educational year normally lasts from September to June.
Public schools
The public school setup in Turkmenistan is the base of the country’s scholastic structure. The Ministry of Education created the course that these institutes use, and it heavily stresses topics like the Turkmen language, literature, and history. Other essential elements include science, mathematics, and foreign languages (often English and Russian).
In general, Turkmenistan’s public schools have plenty assets, up-to-date infrastructure, and credentialed instructors. However, the teaching strategies are usually more conventional, emphasizing memorization and rote learning above critical thinking and problem-solving. There can be up to 35 pupils in each classroom, which is a rather big class size.
Private and international schools
Although most students in Turkmenistan attend public schools, there is an increasing number of private and foreign institutes in the country, especially in Ashgabat, the capital. These organizations serve the interests of Turkmen elites as well as families that have moved abroad.
The curricula of private schools in Turkmenistan are frequently imported from other nations, such as the US or the UK. Smaller class numbers, more customized attention, and a stronger focus on interactive learning and extracurricular activities are what they usually provide.
Conversely, international schools are created especially for the kids of diplomats and expatriates. These educational institutions provide a globally recognized curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) system, and utilize English as the major language of teaching.
Challenges and considerations
You could encounter several difficulties accessing Turkmenistan’s educational system as an expat. Since Turkmen is the primary language of teaching in the majority of public institutes and English and Russian language support is scarce, language hurdles can be a major problem.
Furthermore, the curriculum and instructional strategies used in Turkmen public schools could be very different from what you or your kid are used to. It might take some getting used to the more conventional, teacher-centered approach for both parents and pupils.
The restricted availability of enrichment and extracurricular activities in public schools is another factor to take into account. A greater variety of alternatives, ranging from robotics and coding clubs to sports and the arts, are often offered by private and foreign institutes.
Finally, given the government’s strong influence on the educational system, it is critical to understand the political and cultural landscape of Turkmenistan. Some subjects, including politics and human rights, could be touchy or taboo in the classroom.
Conclusion
Being a foreigner navigating Turkmenistan’s educational system may be a challenging but worthwhile experience. Whether you decide to send your child to an overseas institute, a private school, or a public school, it’s important to do extensive study on your options. Also, be ready for any special obstacles that may come up.
You may choose an option that best supports your child’s academic and personal development while you are visiting Turkmenistan by being aware of the political and cultural landscape, the educational system’s structure, and the available options.
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