An Overseas Education Program Starting at Age 10
The other day, a piece of news caught my eye. An overseas education program for children aged 10 to 15 is set to launch in Chuo Ward, Kobe.
While specific details are still limited, reading this news resonated deeply with my own experiences. It’s been nearly four years since my eldest daughter, Hikari, moved to Malaysia at age 6, and my eldest son, Zen, at age 4.
“I want my child to study abroad, but moving overseas all at once feels like too big a hurdle.”
For families thinking this way, programs like this feel like the perfect “first step.”
What Short-Term Programs Reveal
Why is an overseas education program starting at age 10 gaining attention? It’s closely tied to a child’s developmental stage.
The critical period for language acquisition is said to be between ages 3 and 12. At age 10, children still have enough flexibility to learn a second language while also developing a certain level of self-management skills.
In fact, when Hikari started at an international school, she, at age 6, picked up conversational English in about six months. Meanwhile, a child who transferred into the same grade at age 10 struggled for the first three months, but after a year, their English had improved remarkably.
With a short-term program, you can test “whether overseas education is a good fit for your child” with minimal risk.
What On-the-Ground Experience Teaches You
When considering education migration, many families worry about whether it will truly suit their child.
Before moving, I also joined a few school tours at international schools. But there was so much I couldn’t learn from tours alone.
For example, Hikari was a quiet type at her Japanese kindergarten. But at her international school in Malaysia, where self-expression is encouraged, she became increasingly outgoing. This was a change I wouldn’t have noticed without actually enrolling her.
With a short-term program, you can check “your child’s suitability” before choosing a school.
The Unique Value of Malaysia
It’s not clear which country the Kobe program will target, but if Malaysia is included, it would be a very logical choice.
Annual tuition at international schools in Malaysia ranges from approximately $5,500 to $10,000 USD. Compared to Singapore’s $17,000 to $24,000 USD, costs are significantly lower.
The diversity of a multi-ethnic nation is also a major draw. At Hikari and Zen’s school, Malay, Chinese, and Indian children naturally mix together.
Beyond just “gaining an international perspective,” “the ability to accept differences as normal” is cultivated in everyday life.
The Value of Experiencing It Together as a Family
If the short-term program allows parents to accompany their children, I highly recommend considering it. The success of education migration depends not only on a child’s adaptability but also heavily on the parents’ adaptability.
I myself was often bewildered by language barriers and cultural differences in the early days. I struggled with unfamiliar ingredients at the supermarket, was confused by hospital registration procedures, and felt tense communicating with the school.
But after going through those experiences, I now truly enjoy life in Malaysia. My youngest daughter, Yukari, is 1.5 years old and not yet in school, but I’m very excited about her future growing up in this environment.
As a “First Step” Toward Education Migration
Education migration is by no means a “luxurious” choice. Rather, it’s a rational hedge against structural risks like Japan’s prolonged stagnation and the weak yen.
Still, making the decision to move abroad overnight is difficult. That’s where programs like this overseas education program offer a perfect opportunity.
By actually studying, living, and experiencing the place firsthand, you’ll gain clarity on “whether education migration is truly necessary for our family.”
At the current exchange rate (1 MYR = 40.23 JPY as of April 28, 2026), even with the weak yen, education costs in Malaysia remain overwhelmingly realistic compared to Western countries or Singapore.
Summary: Start by “Trying It Out”
The overseas education program from Kobe is a highly meaningful initiative as a gateway to education migration.
For families thinking, “Someday, I’d like my child to study abroad,” I recommend starting with a short-term program to see how your child responds. The insights gained will be invaluable for shaping your future education strategy.
Watching Hikari and Zen grow, I’m constantly reminded of the power of changing environments. Education migration isn’t the goal—it’s a means to expand your child’s potential. Why not take that first step by making use of a program like this?
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