how can i send my daughter to elementary school in Japan for a month?

[dida892]

My daughter is 5 years old and has been attending a Japanese youchien here in the US for about 1.5 years. Prior to the youchien, she didn't speak Japanese, but can now interact with the other kids (most of whom speak only Japanese) and teachers (who speak 100% Japanese at the school). So, daughter's Japanese is probably ok.

I now have this idea that I'd like to send her to Japan for a month each summer. My wife (who does not speak Japanese) would also go.

The problem is that I have no idea how to go about enrolling her in a school, or if it is even possible. Since it's only 30 days, we can stay on a tourist visa, so I don't see immigration procedures as a showstopper.

Does anyone have any direct experience with trying to do this? I've heard of people doing something like this, but no details.

[Esc]

Elementary schools here have a rather long summer holiday. You guys don't?

My daughter will be at home from the 21st of this month till the end of August.

When were you planning on enrolling yours? Is her birthday before the summer?

[KansaiBen]

My daughter is 5 years old and has been attending a Japanese youchien here in the US for about 1.5 years. Prior to the youchien, she didn't speak Japanese, but can now interact with the other kids (most of whom speak only Japanese) and teachers (who speak 100% Japanese at the school). So, daughter's Japanese is probably ok.

I now have this idea that I'd like to send her to Japan for a month each summer. My wife (who does not speak Japanese) would also go.

The problem is that I have no idea how to go about enrolling her in a school, or if it is even possible. Since it's only 30 days, we can stay on a tourist visa, so I don't see immigration procedures as a showstopper.

Does anyone have any direct experience with trying to do this? I've heard of people doing something like this, but no details.

Public Yochien will be out of the question as there is usually a waiting list.

When my kids went I needed to show proof of employment (zaishokushomeisho) before they were admitted. Hard to do if you are not living here.
You probably also need to be enrolled in the National health insurance scheme as well.

Do you speak any Japanese at all? What happens if she gets sick or you have to deal with teachers etc?

[psprof]

My daughter is 5 years old and has been attending a Japanese youchien here in the US for about 1.5 years. Prior to the youchien, she didn't speak Japanese, but can now interact with the other kids (most of whom speak only Japanese) and teachers (who speak 100% Japanese at the school). So, daughter's Japanese is probably ok.

I now have this idea that I'd like to send her to Japan for a month each summer. My wife (who does not speak Japanese) would also go.

The problem is that I have no idea how to go about enrolling her in a school, or if it is even possible. Since it's only 30 days, we can stay on a tourist visa, so I don't see immigration procedures as a showstopper.

Does anyone have any direct experience with trying to do this? I've heard of people doing something like this, but no details.

Schooling might be tough. If your only purpose is to get her to interact with Japanese kids, I would suggest day care or community play spaces. There are a lot of places around Japan where parents take their kids and let them run around and play. Sometimes these places have special events as well. Usually they are free and don't ask many (any) questions about who you are. Since all the kids are accompanied by parents, there really aren't a lot of concerns. Your daughter would have to be a bit pro-active, since there might not be any guided activity with a teacher.

Another option is to arrange a homestay with a child's family who is already in school. In that case, you might be able to get your daughter to sit in on classes and activities as part of that homestay program. Even if your wife is here too, they both could do the homestay.

[kurogane]

My daughter is 5 years old and has been attending a Japanese youchien here in the US for about 1.5 years. Prior to the youchien, she didn't speak Japanese, but can now interact with the other kids (most of whom speak only Japanese) and teachers (who speak 100% Japanese at the school). So, daughter's Japanese is probably ok.

I now have this idea that I'd like to send her to Japan for a month each summer. My wife (who does not speak Japanese) would also go.

The problem is that I have no idea how to go about enrolling her in a school, or if it is even possible. Since it's only 30 days, we can stay on a tourist visa, so I don't see immigration procedures as a showstopper.

Does anyone have any direct experience with trying to do this? I've heard of people doing something like this, but no details.

First things first, man: do not listen to the naysayers and Negative Nellies. Your daughter is attending a Japanese youchien!!!!!! How cool is that, eh!

Most of the know nothings on here would just call it a nursery school, but you got it right!

Now, obviously, the best thing to do is to ask your Shotokan Sensei for his go-jogen.

Go to your Sensei!!!!!!

I think the key here is to send your wife with her. Not speaking Japanese, she will be an invaluabe means of getting your daughter settled in Japan and enrolled in a Shougakko (!).

All you really need to do is time it right, so that when they arrive in the summer, there will be tons of vacancies at virtually every Japanese Elementary School around the country.

So, what I would do is just get your wife to go the first elementary school she sees, and take your daughter right up to the office, and tell them that she wants to enroll her in the school for a month in the summer.

The only real problem I can see is that there really won't much be going on until after they have already gone home, but hey, at the end of the day, she'll not only have gone to a Japanese youchien (not just any garden variety youchien), but to a real Japanese elementary school, too


Regardless of whether she gets anything out of it or not, the important thing is that you will have lived out your anime/manga/Karate dreams vicariously through your 5 year old daughter, and that is obviously what is really at stake here.


Good luck, and Banzai!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Esc]

Kurogane,

You're definitely the biggest piece of trash talking scum I have ever "met" on the Internet.

You da man!

[Glenski]

My daughter is 5 years old and has been attending a Japanese youchien here in the US for about 1.5 years. Prior to the youchien, she didn't speak Japanese, but can now interact with the other kids (most of whom speak only Japanese) and teachers (who speak 100% Japanese at the school). So, daughter's Japanese is probably ok.

I now have this idea that I'd like to send her to Japan for a month each summer. My wife (who does not speak Japanese) would also go.

Student visa? Find a school that is willing and whose schedule matches your timetable.

[kurogane]

Nobody???????????

Send her to an elementary school in summer??????????

Summmer?

School break????

What a cockamanie scheme.

Betcha this is all an ultimate result of karate participation.

Or worse,..........................anime.

[Glenski]

School breaks in Japan are far shorter than in the U.S., so what month(s) did you plan to send her? That goes along with the timing I mentioned earlier.

[dida892]

Haha, well I am quite serious about doing this, and was hoping to get some serious answers here

Actually the suggestion about homestay is a good one - however it may have to wait until she's old enough to be self-sufficient, perhaps 8-10 years old at minimum. It could work sooner, as we have friends in Japan with kids the same age, and at least one family has already agreed to let her stay for a year. But that's just one option, and even with that one, I still need to know what is required on my end. We have other options too, and asking about it here at GP is another way to gather information.

What I am really wondering about are things like admission procedures, proof of vaccinations, special visa requirements, sponsorship, health insurance, legal issues, etc.

I'm not so worried about the schedule - I can work around that. Besides, I know someone that in fact does this every summer, but she has a Japanese passport (but is a permanent US resident) and has ties to the school where she sends her daughter. Of course she is going to help us out, but it never hurts to have backup plans.

[Glenski]

Have you even looked at any of these programs?
http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/irc/irc-links-4100.html

They will explain all the answers to your questions.

[ttokyo]

My daughter is 5 years old and has been attending a Japanese youchien here in the US for about 1.5 years. Prior to the youchien, she didn't speak Japanese, but can now interact with the other kids (most of whom speak only Japanese) and teachers (who speak 100% Japanese at the school). So, daughter's Japanese is probably ok.

I now have this idea that I'd like to send her to Japan for a month each summer. My wife (who does not speak Japanese) would also go.

The problem is that I have no idea how to go about enrolling her in a school, or if it is even possible. Since it's only 30 days, we can stay on a tourist visa, so I don't see immigration procedures as a showstopper.

Does anyone have any direct experience with trying to do this? I've heard of people doing something like this, but no details.

If you 'legally' reside in Japan, your daughter will be entitled to go to a Japanese public school. However, on a tourist visa, this is not possible. I'd think your best bet is to join some kind of 'summer program' or 'summer camp' in Japan.

[kurogane]

All You habitual advice addicts should be ashamed for promoting this sort of gratuitous Karate addict parental abuse.

There is a time to tell stupid people when they are stupid.


And this guy is obviously Americant.


The statsitical probability combined with the sheer idiocy of this thread topic demands even you info-addicts actually remember your humanity.


This is parental cruelty, plain and simple.

Not as simple as the parents themselves, but I did mention that they are obviously Karate addled Americans, yeah!?

Rise above yourselves, and refuse the urge to pedantify.

[ttokyo]

All You habitual advice addicts should be ashamed for promoting this sort of gratuitous Karate addict parental abuse.

There is a time to tell stupid people when they are stupid.


And this guy is obviously Americant.


The statsitical probability combined with the sheer idiocy of this thread topic demands even you info-addicts actually remember your humanity.


This is parental cruelty, plain and simple.

Not as simple as the parents themselves, but I did mention that they are obviously Karate addled Americans, yeah!?

Rise above yourselves, and refuse the urge to pedantify.

Maybe he is of Japanese heritage ?

[dida892]

Have you even looked at any of these programs?
http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/irc/irc-links-4100.html
They will explain all the answers to your questions.

Thanks, Glenski. This information seems to be geared towards high school students, so it will be useful in the future.

If you 'legally' reside in Japan, your daughter will be entitled to go to a Japanese public school. However, on a tourist visa, this is not possible. I'd think your best bet is to join some kind of 'summer program' or 'summer camp' in Japan.

I am shooting for full immersion...although summer camp seems interesting in other ways. Who knows, it may lead to something else!

Hopefully, things will work out. My option of last resort is to simply get a job in Japan and enroll her in public school...but at this point I have no desire to live there permanently, so am looking for a "come and go" type of arrangement.

[dida892]

Do you speak any Japanese at all? What happens if she gets sick or you have to deal with teachers etc?

It depends on the situation. I can handle simple issues in Japanese, and ask for assistance with non-emergency, complex issues to Japanese speaking friends.

[Shakes Spear]

You might be interested in this blog:

http://educationinjapan.wordpress.co...lish-language/

As for full immersion (including the go and come back):

To enroll a child who has just entered Japan, parents should go to Ward Office (Ku yakusho) and apply for an alien registration (gaikokujin tourokusho) on behalf of the child. Be sure to take proof of address, as the school your child may attend is fixed by address. A photograph is not necessary for children. Once you have the alien registration card, proceed to the Board of Education (kyouiku iinkai) office in Ward Office. This office will telephone the school your child will attend to make an appointment for the parents and child to meet the principal (kouchou mensetsu), usually the next day. The child can generally begin school immediately after the interview.

Ummm, I'm pretty sure that's intended for those folks that are actually moving to Japan and going to be enrolling their child for more than just a few weeks.

Sorry, but I'm completely with Kurogane on this one. Besides the logistical nightmare and the fact that the school will probably be closed for the holidays anyway, this just has selfish parental intention written all over it.
What possible benefit would there be for the poor child? Let's see...being thrown into an environment where you know no one and can't even speak the language? Nope.
Being ostracized and potentially bullied? Definitely no. Being the center of attention and not having a moment to yourself to just be a kid? Nope, although this is obviously what the parents desire.

If you only want to come for a month or so do a homestay.
If you really want your child to experience school in Japan, join the JET program or get a job somewhere for a year or two and do it the proper way.
For god's sake, stop trying to live vicariously through your child.

[kurogane]

For god's sake, stop trying to live vicariously through your child.

You know, man, other than that weird bit about a cell phone being unecessary in Japan (you have one anyways, and you're married!), your posts give me a non-sexual boner.

What is making me laugh is how all the advice addicts ("my name is Kansai Ben/Glenski, and I must give advice even where it isn't appropriate") actually try to enable this poor stoop.


Glenski,

This guy has his head further up his poo poo hole than most of the dumb visa advice types.

STOP ENCOURAGING THESE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


OP (didadoodle),

Ask your Shotokan Sensei if it is appropriate to send a child into a wild jungle.

GO TO YOUR SENSEI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You claimed that once your 5 year old was "self-sufficient" at 8-10 years old..........yada yadayada

8-10 years old is only self-sufficient in dystopian apocalyptic science fiction novels where the adults have been killed by the Zarconian Replicant viral invasion and the orphaned must fend for themselves in a savage wastescape filled with man eating frogs and giant cockroaches.



You're a bad parent and you hate your daughter and want to punish her.

Shame on you.

[Shakes Spear]

You're a bad parent, a terrible person, and you hate your daughter and want to punish her.

Shame on you.

Now go away.

Not to mention piss poor at karate!

[kurogane]

Please tell me that isn't actually him!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shakes Spear]

You were wrong that the OP was gonna send his daughter over during the summer holidays.

The fact is that Japanese summer is from May 6th to August 7.

Where did you come up with this??
I don't know what part of Japan you're from, but round here summer starts the first week in July and ends the last week in August.

And you obviously have trouble with writing comprehension because the OP clearly stated in his first post that he wanted to send his wife and kid to J-land for a month each summer.
(presumably so that he can spend some unencumbered time with his asian-american karate senpai slash manga muffin)

Personally I think he should bring his daughter himself.
Parading little Suzy around to chat up the neighborhood kids works better than a puppy.
He'd be up to his ears in youchien milf.

[kurogane]

Miagi say, go to your Youchien!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!







Boy, this Esc guy is really starting to come apart at the seams, eh!?



Shotokan Sensei say:


Kumite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Glenski]

I don't know what part of Japan you're from, but round here summer starts the first week in July and ends the last week in August.

Depends on location. My kid's elementary school starts summer break on July 25 and ends 3 weeks later.

[kurogane]

Depends on location. My kid's elementary school starts summer break on July 25 and ends 3 weeks later.

Sure, but don't the kids in your area have to go out and shoot bear and salt fish for the coming winter???????????


BTW, out of curiosity, did you not at least blink or flinch when you read the OP's cockamanie plans?

Or is that like a Hippocratic Oath thingy for you guys?

Thou shall not judge the idiocy of any of the threads on which thou doth give advice

[dida892]

You might be interested in this blog:

http://educationinjapan.wordpress.co...lish-language/

Thanks for the link - there is a TON of info there!

BTW, here in CA, school ends at the 2nd week of June (give or take a week, depending on the district and type of school). The specific school in Japan that I've been looking at ends about the 3rd week in July. That opens up 4 weeks to attend...depending on jet lag, of course. She would need some time to adjust to the new time zone.

Also, summer in CA ends around the 1st week in September, so there could be time on either end of the season.

Anyway, hopefully we can make something happen, someway, even if it's not with a public school.

[Shakes Spear]

Depends on location. My kid's elementary school starts summer break on July 25 and ends 3 weeks later.

Please try to actually read what's written from time to time before delivering your discourse. It makes the back and forth so much more fruitful!

I didn't say school holiday. I clearly said summer, as in the season .

What's the literary equivalent of "clean the wax out of your ears"??

[dida892]

That's what I thought you meant. Now go tell that doofus KanadaKurogane.

Hah, actually I don't mind him so much. Good comic relief! Not many people put THAT much effort into their posts, picking just the right words and such!

Just one last point to clarify - I'm not looking so much for "enrollment" as much as just "attendance". In that regard, a home stay would be fine - as long as she could sit in on class, interact with the other kids etc.
If I was REALLY serious about getting her a Japanese education, I would move to Japan and enroll her. But in reality - if we did move - international school might be the better choice.

Now, excuse me while I go karate chop her into submission and force her to watch Precure videos while drilling her in hiragana.

[haggydoggy]

My daughter is 5 years old and has been attending a Japanese youchien here in the US for about 1.5 years. Prior to the youchien, she didn't speak Japanese, but can now interact with the other kids (most of whom speak only Japanese) and teachers (who speak 100% Japanese at the school). So, daughter's Japanese is probably ok.

I now have this idea that I'd like to send her to Japan for a month each summer. My wife (who does not speak Japanese) would also go.

The problem is that I have no idea how to go about enrolling her in a school, or if it is even possible. Since it's only 30 days, we can stay on a tourist visa, so I don't see immigration procedures as a showstopper.

Does anyone have any direct experience with trying to do this? I've heard of people doing something like this, but no details.

Not sure about your chance enrolling in school but as far as experience, my daughter enrolled in the first grade last year and had a hard first couple of weeks but made good gains after that. She was enrolled for 2 months but she also has dual citizenship. And most of the people who I know send their children to Japanese schools for the summer months tends to have citizenship.

[kurogane]

Now, excuse me while I go karate chop her into submission and force her to watch Precure videos while drilling her in hiragana

Grasshopper!!!!!!!!!!

You have snatched the pebble from my hand.

Now YOU are Shotokan Sensei!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You're a good egg.

Just one last point to clarify - I'm not looking so much for "enrollment" as much as just "attendance". In that regard, a home stay would be fine - as long as she could sit in on class, interact with the other kids etc...

Even should you decide on that, I think it would be good for her to have Mom around.

At 13 or so, she can probably handle it solo, but throwing a young kid into that mix just sounds like a recipe for homesickness and tears.

Don't forget that what you think of as fluent or competent at home is quite a different thing than what she can actually do when thrown into the deep end. And all the Japanese parents around her at home there cooing and Awwing aren't going to tell you anything but compliments.

Which isn't to say she's not good, just that Good at Home and Good in the Deep End are 2 different things.


As a gesture of my newfound sincerity, I would be more than happy to go Google homestays and such for you, in the Japanese.



PS Please 'Fess Up: this whole plan is a Karate caused thing, isn't it?


Okay, Wax Off!!!!!!!!!!!

[Effected After]

BTW, here in CA, school ends at the 2nd week of June (give or take a week, depending on the district and type of school). The specific school in Japan that I've been looking at ends about the 3rd week in July. That opens up 4 weeks to attend...depending on jet lag, of course. She would need some time to adjust to the new time zone.

Also, summer in CA ends around the 1st week in September, so there could be time on either end of the season.

That post makes me realize that things have changed somewhat since I lived in Canada. We used to go until the very end of July in Elementary school, sometimes the last day. Although same as you say it is now, we went back at the start of September. Which province are you in?

[Shakes Spear]

That post makes me realize that things have changed somewhat since I lived in Canada. We used to go until the very end of July in Elementary school, sometimes the last day. Although same as you say it is now, we went back at the start of September. Which province are you in?

You're joking right?? CA does NOT equal Canada! Well, maybe in Canada it does. But not in the good 'ol U.S. of A.!!
The OP is clearly a Cali boy with all of the trimmings.

Favorite brand name is BK (Birkenstock, not Burger King). Favorite eatery is a Japanese kaiten sushi restaurant called "The Dojo", which coincidentally is located next door to his actual dojo, Miyagisans.
The missus, when not whisking little Suzy to and from her youchien, is a set-dresser who had the distinction of working on, yes that's right, the Karate Kid reboot.

Occasionally they like to head up the coast to BC, CA (Bear Creek, California) for a little L&L (lest and leraxation).

I wish them all the best on their self-serving karate slash manga junrei.
Fortunately kids are pretty resilient and I have no doubt that little Suzy will grow up to have a healthy normal resentment of her parental types.

[kurogane]

You're joking right?? CA does NOT equal Canada! Well, maybe in Canada it does. But not in the good 'ol U.S. of A.!　.

I would go with CAN, but I have to say, the CA thingy gets me looking twice too.

And I'm from BC, CAN.

As for the rest of that, ..........brilliant.

Good health chuckles.


Shotokan, Banzai!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shakes Spear]

Dear Professor Prick,

Can you really NOT read?

You truly are a dolt, aren't you?
I don't even know why I'm bothering to waste my time responding.
Here goes nothing...

He meant that instead of dumping her in a J-school by herself (parents do not attend school with their children here) she ought to be with her all the time.
It really wasn't that difficult to understand.

Here's a tip. Just assume that everyone else knows what the hell they're talking about and you're clueless.

[Shakes Spear]

Just can't let it go, huh? For someone who constantly attempts to point out intent and context, you're having a terrible time with this concept.

season

  noun 1. one of the four periods of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), beginning astronomically at an equinox or solstice, but geographically at different dates in different climates.

2. a period of the year characterized by particular conditions of weather, temperature, etc.



You are the only dolt who has referred to the season as defined by the equinoxes and solstices.
Clearly everyone else has been referring to one of two more commonly recognized definitions:
1. the period of time when children are off from school, and 2. the period of time characterized by the weather and activities.

Try having a swim at the local outdoor pool or water park during May or June.
Try meeting up with your spiritual twin Kansai Ben at a beer garden during the rainy season.

Most importantly, and the whole point to this worthless thread, try enrolling little Suzy at the local youchien after July 21st and see what kind of success you have.

Japanese summer begins the third week of July and ends the last week of August.
Learn it. Know it. Live it.

[dida892]

Not sure about your chance enrolling in school but as far as experience, my daughter enrolled in the first grade last year and had a hard first couple of weeks but made good gains after that.

That is good to hear. My daughter has moved around quite a bit, and so far has adjusted quickly. Of course, that may change as she gets older.

[dida892]

Don't forget that what you think of as fluent or competent at home is quite a different thing than what she can actually do when thrown into the deep end. And all the Japanese parents around her at home there cooing and Awwing aren't going to tell you anything but compliments.

Which isn't to say she's not good, just that Good at Home and Good in the Deep End are 2 different things.

Totally agree....and while I don't consider myself a "tiger dad" I would like to push the envelope a bit - sort of like a mother bird tossing the baby bird out of the nest in order to teach it how to fly. Granted, 4 weeks is not a long time, and I would be happy with 3, and if she doesn't want to continue then I won't force the issue. But I'm betting that, with her personality and current language ability, she'll be ok.

As a gesture of my newfound sincerity, I would be more than happy to go Google homestays and such for you, in the Japanese.

Thank you! If you run into anything interesting please let me know.

PS Please 'Fess Up: this whole plan is a Karate caused thing, isn't it?

Actually, no. But I think what you are getting at is whether my motivation is selfish, shallow, and worst of all, both -at my daughter's expense. It is none of that (although I won't pretend that there's absolutely nothing in it for me personally). The main reason is that I want her to grow up learning about a different culture - not just a surface thing, but to really get immersed. I'm not saying it'll make her a better person - only that I feel being multicultural to some degree will give her more choices and perspectives as an adult. As a parent, I have to take these steps for her. My own parents chose not to, and I always wonder "what if?". I can only hope that one day she understands why I did what I did.

[dida892]

That post makes me realize that things have changed somewhat since I lived in Canada.

My bad - I live in California (Northern). My smug USA attitude assumes everyone knows what that means! Notice I didn't day "American"

[kurogane]

Whatever all that might be, you rock.

And thank you.

If you need help, call.

On here I mean............

[haggydoggy]

As far as those who are talking about summer vacation, most U.S. schools start their summer vacations from Mid-May to the beginning of June. So the child could possibly attend school for a month before the Japanese schools go on summer vacation.

[kurogane]

So the child could possibly attend school for a month before the Japanese schools go on summer vacation.

Sure, but why would any Jpn school be interested????

That's the pink elephant in the room nobody seems to be discussing much. That part of the plan sounds implausible to me.

Anyways, Dida-Dood,

Here is a site I found:

http://www.homestay-in-japan.com/eng/index.html



Also, I would recommend you think about Hokkaido as a destination. Nicer climate, and a more open social vibe than Old Japan.

As Southern Canadians () summer in any of the other parts will be cruelly hot.

I mean cruel hot, man.

Stinky hot.

Brain melt hot.

Did I mention it gets hot?