COMMUNITY / Issues / LEARNING CURVE

A top 10 for non-Japanese parents considering local schools

The only foreign kid in the room: If they decide to send their children to a local Japanese school, non-Japanese parents need to be prepared for a very different learning environment to the one they remember from their childhood. It is also important to remember that as well as learning the language, students will be inculcated with the values and beliefs of Japanese society. | TERU CLAVEL

By Teru Clavel

Jan 18, 2015

While non-Japanese parents may believe they are bestowing an educational gift on their children by enrolling them in the local school system, the hard work and rewards can also result in unintended challenges for both parent and child. Whether your children are already in the local system or you are weighing up your future schooling options, here are 10 issues for parents to keep in mind.

1. Language brings culture

Though many parents may feel excited about raising multilingual children, cultural and social learning is also an important facet of the local learning environment. The foundation of schooling is a nation's investing in its future and its next generation of engaged citizens. This means local schools imbue children with national and local values and beliefs, which impact upon a child's identity, relationships and sense of belonging.