World-class education at home! A complete guide to the benefits and tuition fees of online international schools

“Is my child behind?” If you’re feeling anxious when talking with your mom friends, an English education expert will answer your concerns.

Because you are thinking about your child’s future, you may have endless worries about English education. It is not strange to feel anxious when comparing yourself to others or to have doubts about your current approach. First, let’s explore the reasons for these feelings.

You’re not alone! Many parents feel anxious and worried about English education

You’re not the only one who feels anxious about your child’s English education, wondering if it’s the right one. In today’s world of increasing globalization, everyone recognizes the importance of English. That’s why, when you see your child’s English ability in conversations with other mom friends or see posts about early English education on social media, it’s only natural to feel anxious and wonder if your child is behind. The important thing is not to dismiss those feelings, but to use them as the first step toward finding the best path for your family and child.

Is your current English conversation school really okay? Why is it hard to see results?

We receive many inquiries about how their children don’t seem to be making much progress despite attending English conversation classes. The main reason for this is the short amount of time they spend in contact with English. One hour of lessons once a week may allow them to “learn” English, but the amount of exposure is often insufficient to reach a level where they can “use” it proficiently. Additionally, we see cases where schools place too much emphasis on fun and lack a systematic curriculum. While it’s important for children to have fun, to acquire solid English skills, they need an environment where they can repeatedly input and output at a high level.

Why early English education is said to be “the best investment in your child’s future”

Early English education has value beyond simply being able to speak English. In particular, exposure to English during childhood, which is considered the golden age for language acquisition, helps to develop an “English ear” that can distinguish sounds that do not exist in Japanese. Furthermore, the process of learning a second language makes children’s thinking more flexible and fosters a foundation for accepting diverse cultures. When your child goes on to university or finds employment in the future, a high level of English proficiency will undoubtedly greatly expand their options. This can be considered an extremely worthwhile “investment” not only in terms of immediate results but also in terms of expanding your child’s future possibilities.

The advantages and disadvantages of attending a “commuter” international school

Before considering online options, let’s first gain a deeper understanding of the “on-campus” international schools that many people imagine. While they are a wonderful environment, there are also some things you should be aware of.

Gain high English skills and an international perspective! The benefits of attending classes

The greatest appeal of day-to-day international schools is, without a doubt, the sense of immersion. By being immersed in an environment where English is spoken every day, not only in classes but also during breaks, lunchtime, and conversations with friends, English changes from something to be studied to something that is used naturally. This allows students to naturally acquire a very high level of English proficiency. Another major benefit is that by interacting daily with classmates from a variety of nationalities and cultural backgrounds, students develop an attitude of accepting diversity and a global perspective that allows them to see things from multiple angles.

What are the tuition fees? What is the Japanese language ability like? Disadvantages and points to be aware of before enrolling

While they offer a wonderful environment, there are some points to consider carefully when choosing a day school. The biggest issue is tuition fees. It is not uncommon for schools to cost more than 2 million yen per year, placing a significant financial burden on families. There is also concern that without support from home, children may lack the ability to read and write Japanese. Furthermore, parent-teacher meetings and interviews are often conducted in English, and it is important to understand in advance that parents may be required to have a certain level of English proficiency.

The reality of costs you’re concerned about: from admission fees to annual tuition fees

When considering the cost of an international school, you shouldn’t just look at tuition fees. In reality, there are many other costs involved, such as admission fees, facility maintenance fees, textbook fees, school bus fares, and even extracurricular activities and summer school fees. Adding these up, the first year can exceed 3 million yen. Since fee structures vary greatly depending on the school, it’s important to carefully compare the admission requirements of multiple schools and consider them in light of your family’s long-term educational funding plan to determine whether you can continue to send your child there without difficulty.

A new option! 5 benefits of learning at an international school online

If you feel that attending classes in person is too difficult, don’t worry. In recent years, advances in technology have made it possible to receive high-quality international education in a new way: online. Here we will introduce the specific benefits of online education.

You can take classes from anywhere in the world! A learning environment that doesn’t require you to choose a location

The biggest advantage of online international schools is that they are not restricted by geography. Your home becomes a classroom connected to the world, so even those who live in rural areas where there are no good schools nearby, or even those living overseas, can receive a high-quality international education. This means there is no need to worry about changing schools every time you move or get transferred for work. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that your child can continue learning wherever they are, as long as they have an internet connection, is a major benefit for both parents and children.

No commute time! Eliminates the burden of parents to pick up and drop off their children

The time spent commuting to school each day can add up to a huge amount. For example, if it takes an hour to commute there and back, that translates to more than 200 hours spent commuting to school per year. With online school, all of this commuting time is eliminated. Your child can use the time saved for more meaningful activities, such as working on homework, pursuing favorite lessons, or spending time with family. For parents, too, the freedom from the time and mental burden of daily transportation to and from school is a major benefit that cannot be overlooked.

“Individually optimized” learning tailored to each child’s level of understanding

Unlike classroom-based schools, which primarily focus on group lessons, online schools are unique in that they can easily provide “individually optimized” education tailored to each student’s learning progress and level of understanding. For example, a child who excels in math can advance their studies ahead of their grade level, while a child who struggles with English writing can receive intensive support. Because students can study at their own pace without worrying about what others think, they can develop their strengths and steadily overcome their weaknesses while fostering their self-esteem.

Learn about different cultures from instructors with diverse backgrounds

Online international schools bring together highly skilled instructors from all over the world. One of the attractions of online schools is that they offer direct instruction from experienced native speakers of various nationalities and cultural backgrounds, including the UK, the US, and Canada. Students don’t just learn English; they also develop a practical international sensibility through casual conversations during class and discussions about the cultures and customs of each country. Exposure to diverse values ​​will broaden your child’s horizons and lay the foundation for them to succeed on the global stage in the future.

It is also possible to obtain internationally recognized qualifications

There’s no need to worry about whether online education will count as academic qualification. High-quality online international schools offer globally recognized international educational curricula, such as Cambridge International accreditation. This makes it possible to obtain the qualifications necessary to enter a university abroad, such as IGCSE (International Graduate Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-Level (university entrance qualification), while remaining in Japan. This is a huge advantage for families considering sending their children to a university abroad in the future.

Don’t regret it! How to choose an online international school and comparison points

Now that you have a clear idea of ​​the options for online international schools, the next important question is, “How do you choose?” We will provide you with some points to compare to help you find the perfect school for your child from the many options available.

7 checklists to avoid mistakes when choosing a school

To avoid regretting your choice of school, there are several important points to check. First, does the school have an “internationally accredited curriculum” such as Cambridge? Second, are the instructors native speakers with “extensive teaching experience”? Are the classes primarily two-way “live lessons” rather than one-way video learning? Also, is there a “support system for parents” in place, such as counselors who can provide study advice? And before enrolling, be sure to take a “trial lesson” to see how your child responds. Finally, don’t forget to check the “total cost” and “whether the school atmosphere suits your child’s personality.”

Compare curriculum (Cambridge International Accreditation, etc.)

The most important factor in choosing an online international school is the curriculum. There is a big difference between a school’s own program and a globally standard program. For example, the Cambridge International Curriculum, which we at Nisai use, is used in over 10,000 schools in 160 countries around the world, and its educational quality is guaranteed worldwide. Studying according to such an internationally recognized curriculum will serve as a reliable indicator of academic ability when applying to a university in any country in the future.

Compare lesson formats (live vs. recorded)

Online classes can be broadly divided into two formats. One is watching pre-recorded videos. This has the advantage of allowing you to study repeatedly at your own pace, but the downside is that you cannot resolve any questions on the spot. The other is a “live lesson” format where teachers and students participate in real time at set times. The greatest appeal of this format is that students can ask questions on the spot and discuss with classmates, creating an atmosphere of tension and interactivity similar to that of attending classes in person. Determine which format is best suited to your child’s learning style and personality.

What’s the difference between “online English conversation” and “online international”? A guide to choosing the right course for your needs

“Online English conversation” and “online international school” may seem similar, but they have completely different purposes. Online English conversation is primarily aimed at “improving English conversation skills,” focusing on free talk and everyday conversation practice. On the other hand, online international schools are places where you can “study subjects in English.” You learn subjects such as math, science, and social studies in English, aiming to simultaneously acquire systematic knowledge and advanced academic English skills. Neither is better than the other; the first step to making the right choice is to clarify your goal of “what you want your child to learn.”

How can parents get involved? Specific examples of support that can be provided at home

In online school, parental involvement has a major impact on a child’s learning outcomes. The first thing to do is to create a good learning environment. Prepare a quiet space where children can concentrate, and regularly check that there are no problems with the computer or internet connection. Managing class schedules is also important. Share the schedule with your child using a calendar app or similar, and support them in developing good study habits. Above all, the most effective way to maintain motivation is to take an interest in the content of the lessons, asking “What did you learn today?” and offering specific praise for your child’s efforts.

[Specific school example] Why choose Nisai’s online education?

Among the many online schools, let me introduce the specific features of the education we offer at Nisai. We have over 25 years of experience and know-how in delivering online education to students around the world.

Over 25 years of experience! High-quality lessons taught by professional native teachers

Nisai is a pioneer in online international schools, with over 25 years of history since the dawn of online education. Our greatest strength is the high quality of our instructors. All instructors are native-speaking, licensed teachers who have also received special training to teach online. Utilizing the know-how cultivated over many years of experience, we promise to provide high-quality live lessons that pique each student’s interest and stimulate their intellectual curiosity. Here, you’ll not only be able to speak English, but you’ll also have an environment where you can learn from “professional teachers.”

A global learning environment where students from all over the world can learn together

Nisai’s classroom is truly a “small globe.” Students from over 30 countries around the world, including not only Japan but also Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, participate in classes at the same time. During class discussions, students routinely discover that things that are commonplace in Japan are completely different in other countries. Learning in such an environment allows students to experience diverse values ​​firsthand and naturally broaden their international perspective. They can make friends from all over the world without leaving the comfort of their own home. This will be an invaluable asset for your child.

Introducing the main courses offered by Nisai for elementary school students to working adults

Nisai offers systematic courses tailored to your child’s age and goals. The Elementary School Course, which starts at age 11, teaches English, mathematics, science, and other subjects in English, building a foundation for international learning. The IGCSE Course for junior high school students and the A-Level Course for high school students are full-fledged programs aimed at obtaining international qualifications that lead directly to admission to universities abroad. We also offer the CEFR English Course, which aims to purely improve English proficiency, and we can design the optimal learning path to suit each individual’s goals.

A customized learning support system tailored to each individual

We don’t believe that simply providing lessons is the end of the story. We have a detailed support system in place to help each student achieve their goals. When a student enrolls, an educational advisor like me will meet with the parents and their child to create an optimal learning plan together. Even after the student begins their studies, we will regularly check their progress and provide study consultations, and flexibly revise the plan as needed. One of the main reasons people choose Nisai is that we provide an environment where they can feel free to consult about any issue, no matter how trivial, such as academic difficulties or worries about maintaining motivation.

The path to studying at a university abroad! What are the international qualifications IGCSE and A-Level?

IGCSE and A-Level are extremely important international qualifications for those aiming to enter universities overseas, particularly top universities in the UK, Europe, and Asia. IGCSE is an international qualification equivalent to graduating from a Japanese junior high school, while A-Level is a qualification that certifies the advanced expertise required for university entrance. These qualifications are recognized worldwide, and obtaining them opens the door to universities overseas. At Nisai, our specialized curriculum and experienced instructors will strongly support your child’s dream of attending a university overseas.

To help children talk about their dreams in English! Real-life stories of families who have had success with online international schools

It may be difficult to visualize the concept from theory and explanation alone. Here, we share the real voices of families who have actually chosen online international schools and whose children have grown up.

“I gained confidence and my expression changed” – Case study of Mr. A who chose online

Mr. A, who lives in Tokyo, initially sent his child to a nearby English conversation school, but due to his shy personality, he struggled to join in and began to feel uncomfortable with English. So they switched to an online school where he could learn at his own pace, and they saw a big change. “It seems he suited the environment where he could express his opinions without worrying about what others think. Now he can make presentations in English with confidence, and not only has his grades improved, but his expression has brightened as well,” Mr. A said happily.

Overcoming shyness! The story of B-kun who came to love English

B was a very shy boy who didn’t like speaking in front of a large group of people. At a regular school, he found it difficult to speak up, but after moving to small online classes, he gradually began to share his opinions through chat. As the instructors skillfully picked up on his opinions and praised him, he gradually became able to speak out loud, and now he’s something of a mood maker in the class. “The comfortable distance of being on a screen seemed to work well for my son. It was the moment when English changed from something scary to something fun,” his mother recalls.

What educational advisors see as the common home environment of “children who thrive”

From my experience observing many children, I feel that children who improve their English skills share several common traits in the way they interact with their children at home. This does not necessarily mean that their parents have high English proficiency. Rather, what’s important is for their parents to take an interest in what their child is learning. For example, asking questions like, “What country did you talk to your friend from today?” or “That’s an interesting word. What does it mean?” Furthermore, children from homes where English is separate from studying and is incorporated into daily enjoyment, such as enjoying English songs and movies together, tend to have a strong intellectual curiosity and a very high rate of absorption.

Turn your anxiety into confidence! Start today and take the first step to avoid regrets

After reading this far, you should now have a better understanding of online international schools. Finally, I would like to talk about the first steps you can take to take concrete action and avoid regrets.

First, gather information. How to identify trustworthy school websites and reviews.

The first step is to gather accurate information. First, carefully read the official website of the school you’re interested in. One indicator is whether information about the school’s educational philosophy, curriculum, and instructors is listed in detail and honestly. A school that updates frequently and publishes highly transparent information is trustworthy. Also, when using reviews as a reference, look for real testimonials that mention not only the good but also the bad. Comparing and considering several sources of information and not just accepting one piece of information is the key to making an objective decision.

Tips for making the most of free trial lessons and information sessions

Most online schools offer free trial lessons and information sessions. This is a great opportunity to get a feel for the school, so be sure to attend. It would be a waste to just attend, so we recommend making a list of questions and things you want to confirm beforehand. Check from both the child’s and parent’s perspectives, such as “How was the instructor’s teaching style?”, “What was the atmosphere like in the class?”, and “Is the internet connection stable?” After the trial, ask your child how they felt, “Did it go? Was it fun?” and value their reaction above all else.

Don’t worry alone! The benefits and timing of consulting an educational expert

The more information you gather, the more confused you may become about which school is best. In times like these, it’s important to seek the help of an educational expert. Educational advisors like us have the experience to see the cases of many families, and can provide objective advice tailored to your child’s personality and your family’s goals, something you won’t find on information sites alone. If you’d like to hear more before taking a trial lesson, or if you’re undecided between several schools, please feel free to use our counseling services.

Frequently asked questions about online classes at international schools

Q: Can parents support their children’s learning even if they are unsure about their English ability?

A

There is absolutely no problem. The most important thing is to take an interest in your child’s studies, acknowledge their efforts, and manage their study schedule, providing support in Japanese. You can rest assured if you choose a place like Nisai where Japanese staff handle administrative communication with the school. For more information, please also refer to the section of this article titled “How can parents get involved? Examples of support you can provide at home.”

Q: Can students make friends and develop social skills through online classes alone?

A

Yes, you can. In live classes like Nisai, we frequently use a feature called breakout rooms to hold small group work. Through the experience of working together with classmates from all over the world, you can develop social skills such as communication and teamwork, which are essential in the modern world.

Q: Will I be able to keep up with the classes if I enroll from elementary school?

A

Don’t worry. Many online international schools divide students into classes based on their English ability and provide support classes where they can learn the basics as needed. At Nisai, we also conduct a level check before enrollment and suggest the best class for your child to start in comfortably, so even children who are unsure about their English ability can easily adapt to the lessons.

Q: Is it possible to balance my studies with Japanese culture and study habits?

A

Yes, it can be said that online schools make it easier to balance both. Compared to attending classes in person, online schools allow for more flexible adjustment of study times, making it possible to secure time for Japanese school studies, Japanese extracurricular activities, and playing with local friends. In line with your family’s educational policy, you can consciously create opportunities for your child to experience Japanese culture while enjoying the benefits of an international education.

Q: Can we really expect better learning results from online classes compared to attending classes in person?

A

Yes, you can expect this. Learning effectiveness is not determined solely by whether the learning is in-person or online. Rather, it is more important for your child to learn in an environment that suits their personality, with a high-quality curriculum and excellent instructors. In particular, for children who want to learn at their own pace and concentrate, there are many cases where they can expect learning results that are even better than in-person classes.

summary

In this article, we explain the benefits and how to choose online classes at international schools, comparing them with in-person classes.

Online classes are a very effective option for achieving high-quality international education, transcending the constraints of location and cost. The important thing is to carefully assess the quality of the curriculum and support system, and above all, to choose an environment that suits your child’s personality and learning style.

Don’t be swayed by the information around you, but instead, use the points introduced in this article as a reference and start with small steps such as a free trial lesson. This step will greatly expand your child’s potential and will surely help turn your own anxiety into confidence.