Connecting the Future of Family: A Journey of Growth and Challenges through International School

- Choosing a Path: A Family’s Journey to Bangkok
- Crossroads: Opting for an International School
- Pursuing Her Dreams: Starting at an International School
- The First Year: Isolation in Online Classes
- A Hardship Amidst Progress
- Parental Struggles and Growth: The Younger Daughter’s Path
- Balancing Studies and Sports: Growing and Learning
- Looking Ahead: Strengthened by Challenges
- Reflections on Studying Abroad
- Recommended Reading! International Schools in Bangkok
- Our Recommended Schools
- Bangkok Inter Support: Your partner in finding the best school.
Choosing a Path: A Family’s Journey to Bangkok
The family’s decision to relocate to Thailand was spurred by her husband’s job transfer. As they considered the best place to live for their family, they decided to prioritize staying together. The mother shared how important it became to cherish their time as a family, especially with two daughters close in age. Finding the right school became a focal point in their decision to make Thailand their new home.
Crossroads: Opting for an International School
After several years in Bangkok, the family had an important discussion when the older daughter reached her second year of high school. They eventually decided she would attend an international school. There were few options for continuing her education in Japan due to COVID restrictions that made travel challenging, and the local Japanese high school she initially wanted to attend was closing soon. The mother thought, “If she could study here, we could remain in Thailand as a family, and she’d gain valuable experiences in a new environment.” But when it came time to complete enrollment forms, she felt some apprehension about stepping outside the Japanese curriculum.
Pursuing Her Dreams: Starting at an International School
The older daughter was strongly motivated to join an international school. Inspired by friends she met through dance, she was excited to pursue her education in a setting that was different from Japan. With limited experience of what a Japanese high school was like, the idea of an international school was both thrilling and new.
The First Year: Isolation in Online Classes
During her first year, the COVID pandemic meant classes were held online, which left her feeling isolated and unsure of how to navigate this new school environment. She struggled with the language barrier, feeling overwhelmed without friends to turn to. Reflecting on this, her mother recalls how they both questioned if they could continue. But as the year came to an end, in-person classes resumed, and her daughter gradually made friends, started to adjust, and began feeling more confident in her English skills.
A Hardship Amidst Progress
In the second year, as she began to enjoy school, the older daughter started experiencing severe fatigue. Despite her progress in English, balancing between Japanese and English left her mentally exhausted. She missed Japan, but she didn’t want to admit it after making the choice to study abroad. One morning, she woke up with a pounding headache and struggled even to walk across the room. After numerous hospital visits, she was diagnosed with orthostatic dysregulation, a disorder affecting her autonomic nervous system. It was a tough time for both her and her mother, lasting about a year.
Parental Struggles and Growth: The Younger Daughter’s Path
Amid this difficult time, the family also faced the decision of where the younger daughter would study. While she dreamed of attending a Japanese high school, it wasn’t feasible, so she ultimately enrolled in a Bangkok international school. Although her mother still feels conflicted about not being able to fulfill her younger daughter’s wishes, she supported her choice to persist and continue her schooling in Bangkok.
The younger daughter initially struggled with friendships at school. Seeing her unhappiness, the mother even suggested transferring to a Japanese school. But the younger daughter chose to stay, and after a few months, she decided to transfer to another international school where she now enjoys her time. Finding the right environment was essential for her, and she’s learned the value of connecting with people around her.
Balancing Studies and Sports: Growing and Learning
Returning to the older daughter’s story, by her third year, she had recovered and began enjoying school again, joining various extracurricular activities like badminton, soccer, and French baking. She’s now pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a rigorous path filled with essays and assessments. Her close friends, especially her peers from Thailand and Hong Kong, have become her source of support and encouragement. Outside of school, she takes private tutoring to reinforce her understanding, which has greatly boosted her confidence.
Looking Ahead: Strengthened by Challenges
The older daughter plans to take her IB exams and apply to universities in Japan. Her experiences in Bangkok have undeniably shaped her. She reflects, saying, “I’ve been through ups and downs, but I feel stronger now! I can handle whatever comes my way!” Living in Thailand has been a time of self-discovery, helping her grow both mentally and emotionally.
Reflections on Studying Abroad
Speaking with this mother made me realize the resilience required for children studying in an international school. Learning a new language and adapting to a different culture isn’t easy, and while there are many rewarding experiences, the journey is also filled with challenges. Each student in Bangkok’s international schools carries their own unique struggles and stories.
Imagine suddenly being told, “Starting tomorrow, you’ll attend a Thai local school without knowing the language.” It’s daunting just to think about! Yet these students work hard, adapting and thriving in such an environment.
The mother shared that it took two years to feel fully confident in her daughters’ ability to continue in their international schools. Seeing them now, engaged and happy, brings her a sense of peace. The older daughter’s understanding of complex IB curriculum material in English is impressive. Despite the difficulties they’ve faced, she believes this experience will empower both daughters in the future.
At our company, we provide counseling services for families looking to enroll in Bangkok’s international schools. We consider each child’s interests and strengths, helping families find the best fit. Feel free to reach out anytime for guidance!
Recommended Reading! International Schools in Bangkok
Our Recommended Schools
Bangkok Inter Support: Your partner in finding the best school.
Bangkok has over 150 international schools. If you’re wondering, “Which school is best for us?” or “Is there a school that fits my child?” — we can help.
Bangkok Inter Support provides tailored school recommendations based on local information and school visits. Join our online counseling session to find the right school for your child.