International Schools vs. Japanese Schools
We all recognize the plethora of international schools as well as the time-honored Japanese ones, but what criteria really set the institutions apart from each other?Apart from the obvious, instruction in Japanese, the (often-true) stereotypes of rigidity, and the MEXT-approval, many Japanese schools are leaning further toward the western model, in their attempts to stand out and internationalize. So where does that leave students?
"I think that there isn't much difference anymore between international schools and Japanese schools. They all seem to be trying to create bilingual internationalized students." - Kota N.
"International schools give us a much better opportunity to go to university wherever we want in the world." - Akiko
"Japanese schools have a much better name and so it's better to tell companies in Japan that you went there." - Kevin
"I really like my international school because it makes us speak in English and I feel like I am learning more about the world, not just the small community of Tokyo." - Rika T.
So, it's largely a personal decision, but one in which our students' futures lie. It remains to be seen how the future of Japanese education changes the face of our educational institutions. Clearly, students can attend any type of school and keep opportunities for study in many different countries, but certain international schools teach SATs and TOEFL, key skills which give students a head up if they decide to study abroad.
Labels: abroad, education, juken, KA International School, KAIS, kikokushijo, returnee, SAT, shibuya, study, TOEFL, Tokyo
posted by Tokyoooooo @ 4:50 PM
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