International students grow up and evolve in a cultural environment that is vastly different to that of their parents, and the local way of life. Known as Third Culture Kids (TCKs), they find life at school can be complicated and challenging. The schools listed in this showcase appreciate this and stand out for their commitment to the students' well-being. Newsweek's selection covers 5 countries.

Beginning with India, the Showcase then features Shanghai and Japan before heading "down under" to Australia and New Zealand, where the choice may be more limited, but the quality every bit as strong. India is often referred to as a center of excellence for International Schools. The quality of teaching and education available are outstanding. The Indian economy is booming and the country is rapidly emerging as a crucial world market. It is therefore only fitting that its schools cater to the parents and students who require their services.

Shanghai is one of the most sophisticated providers of education. The schools presented in these pages have heavily invested in technology and methodological approaches in order to reach worldclass level.

Japan offers the widest range of International Schools in the region, with quality education and high standards. There are excellent establishments on each major islands so commuting need not be an issue.

The educational philosophy of Australian Schools is very similar to that of the International Baccalaureate Organization, although schools must fulfill the expectations laid down by the Australian government. In this context, children focus on gaining experience as much as on learning facts, and the system works to produce outstanding, wellbalanced students.

The International Schools of New Zealand are recognized as some of the best in the world in terms of the services offered to their students. Although the student body tends to be smaller in comparison to other countries featured in this Showcase, New Zealand actually boasts a huge share in terms of the overall population.

We will be re-visiting these regions throughout 2006 to review these establishments and include any other that are considered…The Best.