Bali has long been home to families from many different countries. Some come for work or business, while others choose Bali as their long-term home.
As a result, more teenagers in Bali are growing up with diverse educational backgrounds. Some have studied within the British, American, European, or Australian education systems, while others have moved between schools several times as their families relocated.
For parents, this can be an exciting environment for their children to grow up in. They are exposed to different cultures and become accustomed to meeting and interacting with people from around the world.
However, as they approach university age, an important question often comes up:
“After high school, which pathway should my child take?”
This question becomes especially relevant for expat families who are planning for their children to continue their education abroad.
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Every Student May Have a Different Pathway
Not every student comes from the same academic background.
A student who has previously studied within the British education system may already be familiar with A Level. Another student may come from the American education system or a different curriculum and may need a different approach before entering university.
That is why choosing a university pathway should not simply be based on which programme is currently popular.
Parents and students should consider:
- The student’s academic background
- The target university and country
- The degree or major they want to pursue
- The time available for preparation
- The qualifications required by the target university
This is important because there is no single pathway that is automatically the best choice for every student.
What About Russian Families Living in Bali?
Bali is also home to a diverse international community, including families from Russia.
For Russian families living in Bali, for example, planning their child’s education can become slightly more complex when the time comes to prepare for university abroad.
A student may have previously studied within the Russian education system and then continued their education in an international school in Bali. Eventually, they need to make sure that the qualification they choose supports their university goals.
This is where university planning becomes important.
Instead of only thinking about university when graduation is approaching, students can start earlier by asking a few simple questions:
What do I want to study?
Where do I want to study?
Which pathway will get me there?
The answers can then help determine whether A Level or a Foundation Programme is the more suitable option.
A Level or Foundation?
For students who want a broader academic qualification and a wide range of university options, International A Level can be one possible pathway.
A Level allows students to choose several subjects and study them in greater depth. The qualification is also widely recognised by universities in many countries.
Meanwhile, a Foundation Programme can be a suitable option for students who already have a clearer idea of their university or degree plans and want a more focused preparation pathway.
At JA College Bali, the Foundation Programme is designed as a fast-track university preparation programme and can be completed in approximately nine months.
So, the question is not:
“Which is better, A Level or Foundation?”
It is:
“Which one is the right fit for my university goals?”
University Planning Should Start Before Graduation
One common mistake is waiting until the final year of high school to start researching universities.
In reality, university decisions can influence many things much earlier, including subject choices, academic preparation, English proficiency, and application requirements.
For international students and expat families, university planning should therefore be part of the overall education journey rather than something left until the end.
At JA College Bali, students receive guidance in several important areas, including:
- University Planning
- Career & Major Exploration
- Admissions Guidance
- Academic Preparation
- Study Abroad Planning
With a more personalised approach and small classes, students have the opportunity to discuss their options and better understand which pathway may be right for them.
From Bali, the Destination Can Still Be Global
Living in Bali does not mean that higher education options have to be limited to Indonesia.
For international families, Bali can be a comfortable place to prepare for the next stage of education while continuing to have access to international education.
JA College Bali offers International A Level and Foundation Programme as two university pathway options. These programmes are designed to help students prepare for universities in a range of international destinations.
Most importantly, students should not only know where they want to study, but also understand how to get there.
For students growing up in an international environment like Bali, there can be many possible routes to university.
And sometimes, the most important first step is not choosing the university.
It is choosing the right pathway.
If you are an expat parent in Bali and are starting to explore university options for your child, JA College Bali can help you understand A Level, Foundation, university planning, and admissions pathways based on your child’s academic goals.

