Returning to or Moving to Korea
A move to Korea can raise questions that go well beyond choosing a school. Will your child enter the expected grade? Will previous coursework and credits transfer? Can they continue learning in English? How will they find friends and regain a sense of belonging?
TCIS helps returning and relocating families consider the whole transition: academic continuity, language development, university preparation, and a supportive landing in Korea. From kindergarten through Grade 12, students learn in English through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes.
Discuss your transition with Admissions
Two Journeys, One Need for Continuity
Returning to Korea
Your child may speak Korean, hold Korean citizenship, or have family ties here while having completed much of their education overseas. You may be looking for a school that can preserve their English, international learning experience, and future options while helping them reconnect with life in Korea.
TCIS offers an English-medium IB education in an international community. For families returning to a city outside Daejeon, boarding is also available for eligible students in Grades 6–12.
Relocating to Korea
Your move may be connected to a new role, research assignment, diplomatic posting, military service, or another professional transition. You may need to make a school decision before arriving, sometimes on a short timeline and without knowing how long your family will remain in Korea.
TCIS provides a portable international curriculum, a clear admissions process, and a community experienced in welcoming students from different countries and school systems. Families can begin the conversation before arriving in Korea.
When Can My Child Join TCIS?
Most new students begin at the start of the school year in August. A smaller number may enter in January when space is available and the student’s academic circumstances and programme fit allow. Relocation circumstances are considered as part of the individual review.
Because availability varies by grade, families planning a move should contact Admissions as early as possible. If your timeline is unusual, share it in your inquiry rather than assuming that your child cannot be considered.
How Grade Placement Is Determined
Grade placement is not decided by one factor alone. TCIS considers the student’s age, completed grade, previous curriculum, school records, admissions assessments, English readiness, and individual circumstances.
Students transferring from an IB, international, or Western-style school can often continue into the corresponding grade or learning pathway, subject to review. For younger students, placement generally follows age more closely; from Grade 2 onward, previous records become increasingly important.
Transcripts, Credits, and Curriculum Continuity
Courses completed at an accredited school are generally considered for transfer, but each transcript is reviewed individually.
For secondary students, counselors work with the Secondary Principal and IB Coordinators to review credits, course choices, graduation requirements, and the most appropriate academic pathway. This is especially important when a student is entering high school or transferring between different curriculum systems.
TCIS is authorized to offer the full IB continuum and is internationally accredited. These frameworks support continuity for globally mobile students, while individual placement and credit decisions still depend on a review of the student’s records.
For the full policy overview, see Transferring to TCIS.
English Readiness and Admissions Assessment
Admissions testing normally includes MAP English Reading and Mathematics, along with a writing sample as required. WIDA may be used when the school needs additional information about a student’s English development. Elementary and boarding applicants also participate in an interview.
Students who are still developing academic English may be admitted when their assessed level and overall school fit indicate that they can participate successfully. English-language support is provided within mainstream learning according to student need. Learn more about English language learning at TCIS.
High School and IB Diploma Considerations
Students may be admitted through the regular process in Grade 11, but the timing requires careful review of courses, credits, and readiness for the IB Diploma pathway. Grade 12 students are not generally admitted because of graduation and programme requirements.
Special circumstances may sometimes be considered. Families considering Grade 12 should speak with Admissions before beginning an application so the school can review the situation honestly and early.
Helping Students Find Their Place
A successful transfer is not only about grade placement and credits. Returning students may be adapting to a country that feels both familiar and unfamiliar. Newly relocating students may be learning a new language and culture while rebuilding friendships and routines.
Teachers, counselors, school leaders, and IB Coordinators help students understand expectations, choose suitable courses, and connect with school life. Learning, activities, service, and shared experiences give students multiple ways to build relationships within an international community.
TCIS is a non-denominational Christian school. Students are not required to be Christian, and every family is expected to engage respectfully with the school’s identity and community. Learn more about our Christian worldview.
Daejeon as a Landing Point
Daejeon offers a different international-school experience from Seoul or Jeju. Its central mainland location, research and technology community, and lower-density urban setting can make it a practical base for families working in or around central Korea.
Families can compare locations in our guide to international schools in Seoul, Jeju, and Daejeon. If regular commuting is not realistic, ask Admissions whether the Grades 6–12 boarding programme may be appropriate for your family.
If you cannot visit in person, begin with the TCIS Virtual Open House.
Prepare for Your First Conversation
You do not need to have every answer before contacting TCIS. It is helpful to share:
- Your child’s current age, grade, school, and curriculum
- Your preferred start date and expected relocation timeline
- Recent report cards or transcripts, if available
- Your child’s experience learning in English
- Questions about credits, course choices, or graduation
- Whether boarding may be needed
- Any unusual family or relocation circumstances Admissions should understand
After you begin through OpenApply, Admissions can explain the documents and next steps relevant to your child’s situation. You can also review the school’s current eligibility information.
Questions Returning and Relocating Families Ask
Can my child enter TCIS in January?
A smaller number of students may enter in January when space is available and the student’s academic circumstances and programme fit allow. Relocation circumstances are considered, but January admission cannot be guaranteed.
Will my child enter the same grade they attended previously?
Often, but not automatically. TCIS reviews age, completed grade, curriculum, records, assessment results, English readiness, and individual circumstances before confirming placement.
Will previous courses and credits transfer?
Courses from an accredited school are generally considered for transfer. Each transcript is reviewed and reasonable consideration is given, though TCIS cannot guarantee that every course will satisfy its programme or graduation requirements.
Can a student who is still developing English transfer to TCIS?
Potentially. Admission depends on the student’s assessed English level, academic readiness, and overall fit. TCIS uses MAP English Reading and Mathematics, a writing sample as required, and WIDA when additional English information is needed.
Can students transfer into Grade 11 or Grade 12?
Grade 11 students may be admitted through the regular process, subject to a careful review of credits, courses, and readiness. Grade 12 students are not generally admitted, although special circumstances may sometimes be considered. Contact Admissions before applying for Grade 12.
Can we begin the admissions process before arriving in Korea?
Yes. Families can begin with an online inquiry, review the Virtual Open House, and use OpenApply to submit documents, communicate with Admissions, and follow the application process. Admission and placement are confirmed only after the required review is complete.
Start with Your Child’s Situation
Every return or relocation has a different timeline. Tell Admissions where your child is coming from, what they have studied, and what you hope to preserve through the move. The team can then help you understand timing, eligibility, placement review, and the next appropriate step.
