When International Schooling Meets Confucian Heritage Culture: Towards a Culturally-Informed Approach to Teaching and Learning

This chapter explores the intersections of internationalization and local educational contexts influenced by Confucian Heritage Culture, with a focus on international schools. The expansion and increasing enrolment of local students in international schools, previously primarily serving expatriate families, has led to their deeper integration into local cultures. Against this background, the chapter focuses on the influence of Confucian Heritage Culture on teaching and learning approaches within international schools in Southern China. The research team conducted in-depth interviews with 105 individuals (school leaders, teachers, parents, and students) from five international high schools offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Hong Kong, Macao, and Guangdong province. The findings reveal the emergence of a culturally-informed approach to teaching and learning with three pillars: (1) an international curriculum integrated with Confucian elements, (2) individualized teacher-student dynamics, and (3) a focus on discipline for academic success and social harmony. The chapter highlights the value of integrating local educational contexts in the internationalization of education, rather than uncritically imposing international approaches.