While non-Japanese parents may believe they are bestowing an educational gift on their children by enrolling them in the local school system, the hard work and rewards can also result in unintended challenges for both parent and child. Whether your children are already in the local system or you are weighing up your future schooling options, here are 10 issues for parents to keep in mind.
1. Language brings culture
Though many parents may feel excited about raising multilingual children, cultural and social learning is also an important facet of the local learning environment. The foundation of schooling is a nation's investing in its future and its next generation of engaged citizens. This means local schools imbue children with national and local values and beliefs, which impact upon a child's identity, relationships and sense of belonging.