He has been looking for anything related to his field but so far he had no luck at all. There's no telling when he will be able to find something. In the worst case scenario, my daughter and I will be there and he will remain in the US for who knows how long. It's nerve-wrecking...So, your husband teaches physics. Is he looking for that type of job, too, or some sort of laboratory-based work? Yes, Sapporo will be more target-rich than Tomakomai, but that's not all that bad. Commuting by car or train is about an hour each way.
sorry, I meant to say "no school councelors"These links are very scary, Mike! Teachers physically abusing the kids?? I am pertified now and wondering if this is a good idea for us to go. I know there are no school scouncelors in Japan. What do parents normally do if anything like that happens?
These links are very scary, Mike! Teachers physically abusing the kids?? I am pertified now and wondering if this is a good idea for us to go. I know there are no school scouncelors in Japan. What do parents normally do if anything like that happens?
Two kids all the way through from elementary school through high school and nothing ever came up. All that is necessary is for your child to be clear on the fact that you are her number one advocate and ally
You're likely not going to find a bored teacher, retired or otherwise, who will teach Japanese for free, so that will be an added cost. The only HS kids who could help would likely be returnees, IMO. I've taught a couple myself, and most are very self-conscious about their English, to the point of not wanting to be ostracized by their classmates (who have poor English). Wait and see what the school offers.A friend of mine had another idea - she is thinking maybe we could look for a couple of high school girls who are interested in helping my daughter with Japanese in exchange for her helping them with their English. Or maybe finding a retired former teacher who is bored.
For what it's worth, I've been here almost 20 years. My son is 14 and has gone to public school. Neither he nor the children of any of my colleagues has ever said one word to me about any sort of bullying, whether in a small town or big city.
You're likely not going to find a bored teacher, retired or otherwise, who will teach Japanese for free, so that will be an added cost. The only HS kids who could help would likely be returnees, IMO. I've taught a couple myself, and most are very self-conscious about their English, to the point of not wanting to be ostracized by their classmates (who have poor English). Wait and see what the school offers.
Schools don't have counselors, but the homeroom teachers serve that purpose, believe it or not. They are the surrogate parents and try to get very close to the kids. It's a real hand-holding society here (which is one reason why kids have problems in English classes in university, where they are actually expected to do things for themselves). Just before an academic year starts, teachers from 2 years get together and go over what to expect from students. They tell the ones who get kids from the previous year who is naughty and nice, who is dating whom (really!), who needs extra help, who is socially introverted, how to handle the physically handicapped, etc. Very mother hen-ish, and surprisingly almost a breach of personal privacy, but that's what they did in my school.
As for your husband, what sort of physics field is he in?
Also, have you checked with your current school to see whether they'd accept credits from a Japanese school, or whether the Tomakomai school will even offer them? If they don't, it might sound defeating to your daughter to have to return to the US and repeat 2 years. A friend of mine suggested homeschooling instead. There's also the option of making an hour or so commute to Sapporo so she can attend the international school there.
Something I've been assuming but have realized I should have asked....
Have you ever lived in Japan before? Or will this be your first time?
I didn't mean a free lesson -- I was just wondering who might be available/willing to teach Japanese. We would pay for tutoring of course, we just have no idea who could possibly help her with Japanese in the afternoon or on the weekends (hence the retired teacher idea...). Does anyone have any suggestions on how/where we could find a tutor in Tomakomai? There aren't any Japanese language schools over there - it's a pretty small city - and driving to Sapporo after school is not an option either. I know they have a Kumon but I believe it's only for math and kanji drills, is that correct?You're likely not going to find a bored teacher, retired or otherwise, who will teach Japanese for free, so that will be an added cost. The only HS kids who could help would likely be returnees, IMO. I've taught a couple myself, and most are very self-conscious about their English, to the point of not wanting to be ostracized by their classmates (who have poor English). Wait and see what the school offers.
Thank you so much for the link! It seems like all of their classes are scheduled during school hours but I will call them anyway. Thanks again for your help!
Thank you so much for the link! It seems like all of their classes are scheduled during school hours but I will call them anyway. Thanks again for your help!
My wife used to commute 1.5 hours each way. Don't get hung up over that much time. Kids are used to it. The entire populace thrives on a "gaman" (endure it) mantra.I don't think we can afford the international school, plus the commute would actually be closer to 2 hours (train+subway or bus) so that's 4 hours a day.
Plenty of Japanese homeschool despite the law. My coworker does it with his 4 kids. I honestly don't know how people get away from the law on this. Keep in mind that your daughter is currently not a resident. That might be in her favor if you ever did want to homeschool.As for homeschooling, I think she has to be enrolled in school in Japan anyway because she is a Japanese citizen.
Why couldn't you include it in homeschool curriculum? (answer: no reason, providing you find a teacher)We are thinking that time could be better spent learning Japanese.
Oh, I agree! I hope you don't get the notion I'm pushing for homeschooling. I just see it as a possibility, and one to save money perhaps. My chief gripe about homeschooling is its lack of socialization with other classmates.And then there's the social aspect of homeschooling, of lack thereof in this case.
I got the impression you were going to start this April and stay for 2 years. You did write this after all:Right now, she is an 8th grader here. In Japan, she wouldn't start 8th grade until April. If we were to come back here at some point for high school, I think she would have to repeat one year. Why do you think she would have to repeat two?
Yes, but IMO that may not be the best stance on bullying. There are many factors involved in Japan in bullying, and in the results of bullying.
Kids are resilient-sounds like "tough it out"
Thank you so much, Marley's Ghost! It helps a lot. I do have a full plate of things to worry about. My daughter is very mature for her age and knows how to stay away from drama. I just can't stop thinking if this would be too much for any 13 year old. I have no idea, and she is my only child. My biggest fear is that I will ruin my I daughter's life by uprooting her at this age. At the same time, I feel this could be a great experience for her and a chance to learn Japanese. I am the one who is scared the most, I think.
I just can't stop thinking if this would be too much for any 13 year old. I have no idea, and she is my only child. My biggest fear is that I will ruin my I daughter's life by uprooting her at this age. At the same time, I feel this could be a great experience for her and a chance to learn Japanese. I am the one who is scared the most, I think.
Thank you for the encouragement, Shibui! I really appreciate it. Yes, I also hope this would be a great opportunity for her.Your daughter sounds like she will be fine. Our family hosts students from OS and they generally handle it well over the 10 months they are with us.
Life is an adventure. I would suggest you are providing your daughter with a fantastic opportunity.
I would engage with your current school to obtain the curriculum for the time you are away so she can keep current.
What does your daughter have to say about it? You may be worrying for no reason. I know that of our four kids three could deal with the change in their stride.
Have fun.
Depending on your state of residence, and if you maintain residence there, you might qualify for free virtual US schooling for your daughter. Something to consider if you want to maintain her academic advancement.Thank you Gelnski! I guess this is what I was thinking -- if we go for two years, she will finish 8th grade in Japan and will come back to 9th grade here (high school). In other words, she would only be held back 1 year.
I've heard that there's very little parent-teacher communication in Japan compared to the US. Do you agree? Are the teachers usually available to discuss any issues that might come up (either in a person or by email/phone) or is it difficult to get in touch with them when needed? I keep hearing about very long hours Japanese teachers work compared to other places but I am not sure why that is. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for the encouragement, Shibui! I really appreciate it. Yes, I also hope this would be a great opportunity for her.
My daughter's main concern is the language, of course. I am also curious about the students you host - do they come to Japan for high school? How much does their Japanese improve in 10 months? I am assuming they come with no Japanese either. Thanks again!
Thanks again, Shibui! That's so true, and kids are are very resilient. But I wonder if it's a lot easier for kids to fit into a new school environment in the US or Australia than in Japan. English is easier to learn, there aren't so many school rules, there are remedial classes for kids who don't speak English, etc. My friend's kids went to school in the US for a year, and all they talked about how much more fun their American school was. Japanese schools are fun too, right?So though my experience is 180degrees to yours I am always amazed at how well kids fit in to a new environment.
have fun!
It normally doesn't happen. It is so uncommon that it need not be a concern.
The point is that one should take the "schools are proactive" nonsense with a grain of salt. I emphasized to my children that they didn't have to take sh!t off of anybody, student or teacher, and that if they had the slightest inkling they were being treated unfairly or unjustly they were to bring it my attention and I would go to bat for them. Two kids all the way through from elementary school through high school and nothing ever came up. All that is necessary is for your child to be clear on the fact that you are her number one advocate and ally
Tomoni, may I ask where your sons go to school? Are you in Hokkaido? These nightmare stories and links are making me pretty uneasy. Does it depend on where you are? More bulling in larger cities/urban schools, for example?
Are there any other safety issue that I should be thinking about? I know there are no school buses and parents don't drive kids to school either. Is walking/taking a public bus safe? Would my daughter be OK walking alone? The other day we were talking about how she could take the bus, and she was worried. I am starting to get cold feet. I know Japan is much safer than the US but still. How safe a 13 year old girl with no Japanese language be? Any advice?