Why I Chose a Bangkok International School: A Bold Decision in My Second Year of High School

- Why Choose an International School in Bangkok?
- A New Challenge—Life and Studies at an International School in Bangkok
- A Busy but Fulfilling After-School Life—Activities at an International School in Bangkok
- Efforts to Improve English—Turning Frustration into Growth
- Future Goals and University Plans—Pursuing a Science Degree
- A Balanced Life of Soccer, Studies, and Friendships at an International School in Bangkok
- After the Interview
- Essential Information
- Our Recommended Schools
- Bangkok Inter Support helps you find the best international school for your child.
Why Choose an International School in Bangkok?
Q:Why Choose an International School in Bangkok?
We interviewed K, a Japanese student at an international school in Bangkok, to hear about why he chose to attend this international school and the decision to transfer in their second year of high school.
Q: Why did you choose an international school in Bangkok?
A: “My parents were relocated for work. Prior to this, I had lived in Vietnam for five years because of their job. During that time, I attended a Japanese school but met Japanese friends who went to international schools, especially through soccer. I envied how well they spoke English. However, I continued attending the Japanese school until we returned to Japan.”
Q: Transferring schools in the middle of high school is a big decision. Why did you decide to move to Bangkok with your parents?
A: “When I returned to Japan from Vietnam, my friends often asked , ‘Can you speak English?’ or ‘Can you speak Vietnamese?’ and even, ‘Why can’t you speak English if you lived overseas?’ I felt frustrated then. So, when my parents got transferred to Bangkok, I decided to take the plunge and go with them.”
A New Challenge—Life and Studies at an International School in Bangkok
Q: You started a year and a half behind your peers when you transferred to an international school in Bangkok. How did you feel about that?
A: “While my Japanese friends were busy preparing for university entrance exams, I was starting a new life in Bangkok. I had some expectations that if I worked hard at the international school, I might be able to use the ‘returnee’ admissions route to get into a Japanese university. But it turned out to be much more challenging than I thought.”
Q: Can you tell us about your current study situation?
A: “I’ve just finished the IGCSE program and started studying the IB curriculum. There are more subjects than I expected, and there’s a lot to keep up with. The range of topics is broad, and I spend two to three hours studying at home every day.”
Q: What do you find interesting about the IB curriculum?
A: “What I like about the IB curriculum is that it involves more than just tests; you also get to participate in volunteer activities and other experiences. Unlike Japanese tests, which are often fill-in-the-blank, the IB has creative questions like ‘Explain the background of this theme within a word limit.’ That’s something I find really engaging.”
A Busy but Fulfilling After-School Life—Activities at an International School in Bangkok
Q: How do you spend your time after school?
A: “The international school day ends at 2:30 PM, so from Monday to Friday, I participate in various activities. For example, I play basketball and soccer, and sometimes I help teach younger students English or soccer.”
Q: How is it different from your school life in Japan?
A: “In Japan, we had more classes and club activities, so I always felt like I was racing against time. But at the international school in Bangkok, I initially felt like I could take things a bit slower. I used my after-school time to refresh and engage in activities at my own pace. However, since this year, things have gotten busier with my studies.”
Q: What changed this year?
A: “Yes, this year the IB curriculum has intensified, and I’m finding it a bit overwhelming. There’s more preparation and homework, so I have less free time after school, but I still try to participate in activities as much as possible.”
Efforts to Improve English—Turning Frustration into Growth
Q: How are you working to improve your English skills?
A: “Since entering high school and starting to think about university entrance exams, I’ve been surprised at the differences between studying in the Japanese curriculum and what I’m doing now. Moving to Bangkok and changing my environment was a big decision for me. I use the frustration of not being able to speak English during my time in Vietnam as motivation, and now I’m doing my best to improve as quickly as I can.”
Q: What specific methods are you using to improve your English?
A: “Even though there are some Japanese students at the international school, I’ve made a rule for myself not to use any Japanese while at school. I only speak with my non-Japanese friends, trying to communicate entirely in English.”
Future Goals and University Plans—Pursuing a Science Degree
Q: What are your future goals and plans for university?
A: “After finishing the IB curriculum, I plan to attend a university in Japan. My strengths are in science and math, so I want to pursue a degree in those fields and deepen my knowledge. I also want to maintain my English skills so that I can use them in my future career.”
A Balanced Life of Soccer, Studies, and Friendships at an International School in Bangkok
After the Interview
Reflecting on the interview, I was reminded that as a parent, it’s easy to become overly involved in decisions about my child’s education. Naturally, we want to make the best choices for our children, but the most important factor is the child’s own motivation and the timing of their readiness. As a mother, I find myself constantly searching for the “on” switch to ignite my child’s drive. However, the moment when that switch flips varies from child to child, and as parents, our role is to guide and support them patiently.
For Japanese students transitioning to an international school in Bangkok, the adjustment can be tough, especially with the challenge of improving their English skills. As a study abroad counselor and a parent, I’m here to support each child’s unique journey and help them take that important step forward.
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.