A Student with Average Grades Makes the Leap to a Top-Tier International Middle School: Unveiling the Realities of Educational Relocation

- Reasons for Choosing Educational Relocation: The Possibilities of Overseas Education
- Why Thailand? Family Sentiments and Past Experiences
- The Reality of Educational Relocation: Two Years in Thailand
- Your Child’s School Life and Curriculum
- Changes Observed During Two Years at an International School in Bangkok
- Efforts to Improve English Skills and Educational Policy
- Preparing for Admission to a Prestigious Junior High School
- Secrets to Success and Your Child’s Growth
- Surrounded by Kind Friends and Enjoyable Days
- Reflecting on the Interview
- For Families Considering Educational Relocation
- Essential Information
- Our Recommended Schools
- Bangkok Inter Support helps you find the best international school for your child.
Reasons for Choosing Educational Relocation: The Possibilities of Overseas Education
We spoke with Ms. M (the Japanese mother) about her motivations for deciding on educational relocation.
Q: What inspired you to consider educational relocation?
A: “Previously, we lived abroad during my husband’s overseas assignment, and my daughter attended an international school. After returning to Japan, I observed her lifestyle and studies, and I began to feel that the Japanese education system might not fully support her growth.This made me think that relocating overseas could better help her realize her potential.”
Why Thailand? Family Sentiments and Past Experiences
Q: Why did you choose Thailand?
A: “We initially considered the US or Australia but financial concerns and the idea of being far from home made us hesitate. Iwanted to stay close enough that my family wouldn’t worry if anything goes wrong. Sine we had a positive impression of Bangkok from a family trip, we decided to enroll our daughter in an international school there.”
The Reality of Educational Relocation: Two Years in Thailand
Q: How was your experience with educational relocation?
A: “The warm climate and friendly locals made our two years enjoyable. However, I was surprised by the high cost of living, including rising tuition fees at the international school. While my daughter adapted and enjoyed her school life, the financial burden was significant. We often considered transferring her to a more affordable school. On the positive side, she was able to easily join sports camps and go on field trips to nearby resorts in the area.”
Your Child’s School Life and Curriculum
Q: How was your child’s school life? Can you share about the curriculum?
A: “Surrounded by cheerful and friendly teachers, my daughter thrived in a more relaxed environment compared to Japan. However, she faced challenges with friendships, especially during the ages of 10 to 12. Initially, her English skills were limited, leading her to mostly associate with other Japanese children. This resulted in some typical pre-teen troubles. As a mother, it was hard to see her struggle, and I even considered returning to Japan. By her second year, her confidence in English grew, and she made friends beyond the Japanese community, enjoying her time at school. With newfound self-assurance, she participated in after-school activities and received recognition for her acting in drama class, creating cherished memories—experiences she likely wouldn’t have had in Japan.”
Changes Observed During Two Years at an International School in Bangkok
Q: What changes did you observe in your child during the two years in Bangkok?
A: “Before our move, she was somewhat afraid of new challenges, often worrying about being laughed at if she failed. However, her friends here encouraged her to adopt a ‘failure is okay’ mindset. She learned that it’s normal to struggle at first, and no one would ridicule her for it. This shift made her more proactive. In classes like WELL-BEING, akin to moral education in Japan, she learned how to nurture her mind for happiness and tackle her issues, which likely contributed to her growth.”
Efforts to Improve English Skills and Educational Policy
Q: What steps did you take to improve her English skills?
A: “Given our focus on educational relocation, I wanted her to improve her English as quickly as possible. After school, we dedicated an hour daily to study and homework together. Although there were days when she resisted, I mainteined a strong commitment to our routine.. I prioritized English over Japanese studies, choosing not to focus on the latter. Although it was challenging for both of us, this focus paid off, leading to straight A’s in her second year (compared to mostly 3s in Japan).”
Preparing for Admission to a Prestigious Junior High School
Q: Can you tell us about preparing for admission to a well-regarded junior high school?
A: “Approaching the end of our two years, I felt it was time to research schools where she could apply as a returnee. The one she most desired was the prestigious T Junior High School. We hired an online tutor three months before the entrance exam to practice essay writing and interview skills intensively. During the last two months of summer vacation, we prepared rigorously for six hours daily, practicing answers to a wide range of questions. My background as a returnee with strong English skills was beneficial in this process.”
Secrets to Success and Your Child’s Growth
Q: What do you think contributed to her success?
A: “We studied together for an hour every day, although her initial motivation was low, which sometimes led to conflicts. However, a strong desire to attend this junior high school blossomed within her, leading her to study independently without my prompting. It amazed me when she began to question if she should study even more. The school environment and curriculum in Bangkok aligned well with her needs, which likely contributed to her strong performance during the admission process. Previously, she wasn’t fond of studying and maintained average grades, so this success has brought immense joy to our family. Currently, she is happily attending her dream school. Although I faced stress being away from my son during this educational relocation, I’m grateful I made the leap.”
Surrounded by Kind Friends and Enjoyable Days
Reflecting on the Interview
Throughout the interview, I was struck by the strength and kindness of Ms. M, who prioritizes her child’s needs while providing steadfast support. Her own experiences as a returnee and proficiency in English allowed them to navigate their educational relocation smoothly while focusing on improving English skills. Ultimately, her dedication led to her daughter’s successful junior high school admission, an achievement that left a lasting impression on me.
For Families Considering Educational Relocation
Increasing numbers of families are contemplating educational relocation to Thailand. The warm climate, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine make it an appealing option. However, it’s important to recognize that living in Thailand isn’t without challenges—traffic, accidents, air pollution, and rising living costs are significant concerns.
Air pollution, in particular, poses a serious health risk, with some families needing to return to Japan due to its effects. Additionally, since English is not an official language in Thailand, a child’s progress in English will largely depend on their motivation and family support. Unexpected costs can also arise when enrolling a child in an international school.
As you envision the wonderful aspects of life in Thailand, ensure you have a realistic understanding of the challenges ahead.
We offer tailored advice from various perspectives to help families navigate this transition smoothly. If you have any concerns or questions, please join our counseling sessions. With reliable information and attentive support, we can help you take that crucial first step toward a bright future.
Essential Information
Our Recommended Schools
Bangkok Inter Support helps you find the best international school for your child.
With over 150 international schools in Bangkok, it’s natural for parents to feel unsure:
“Which school is the right one?”
“Will there be a school that suits my child?”
Bangkok Inter Support offers personalized recommendations based on local insights and school visits. You can choose the support you need without having to buy a full package. Even during the costly pre-move period, we provide affordable and careful assistance.