Hello, I’m Saori.
The other day, a joint school fair brought together prestigious international schools from across Southeast Asia. Hearing this news brought back memories of our life in Penang. Inspired by this event, I want to share what truly matters when choosing a school.
The Significance and Reality of School Fairs
School fairs are a valuable opportunity to compare multiple schools at once. Many schools in Southeast Asia offer international curricula like IGCSE and IB. However, in my opinion, a school fair alone can’t reveal a school’s true essence.
When our family first moved to Penang, we struggled deeply with choosing schools for Hikari and Zen. Online information and school fairs just couldn’t convey the real atmosphere or the quality of the teachers.
The brochures handed out at fairs make every school look appealing. But what really matters is whether a school is the right fit for your child. You won’t know that until you visit in person and talk to current students and parents.
Our Family’s Criteria for Choosing a School
What I valued most was the chemistry between teachers and my children. Hikari is cautious and takes time to adjust to new environments. Zen, on the other hand, is curious and adapts quickly to any setting.
Even at the same school, a child’s growth can vary dramatically depending on their homeroom teacher. At fairs, you get to talk to principals and admissions staff, but it’s hard to learn about the teachers who interact with your child daily.
So, during school visits, we always requested classroom observations. When Hikari was in kindergarten, we observed a class at one school. The teacher’s tone when speaking to the children and the kids’ reactions gave me an instant gut feeling that “this isn’t the right place.”
In the end, the school we chose made a modest impression at the fair. But after observing classes and talking to the teachers, I felt confident that “we can entrust our children here.”
Questions to Ask at a School Fair
If you attend a joint school fair, be sure to ask these questions.
First, ask about teacher turnover rates. Schools with frequent staff changes can’t maintain consistent educational quality. One of the appeals of our school is that many experienced teachers have been there for years.
Second, inquire about support systems. This is especially important for children learning English as a second language. When Hikari first enrolled, she struggled with English. But the school had dedicated EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers who provided one-on-one support.
Third, ask about after-school activities. Many international schools offer rich extracurricular programs. At our school, Hikari enjoys ballet, and Zen loves soccer. These activities greatly influence a child’s development.
The Reality of Exchange Rates and Tuition Fees
Finally, let’s talk about costs. Tuition at international schools in Malaysia typically ranges from 80,000 to 150,000 ringgit per year. At the latest exchange rate (1 ringgit = 39.97 yen as of May 10, 2026), that’s roughly 3.2 million to 6 million yen annually (approximately $21,000 to $40,000 USD).
Of course, fees vary widely by school. There are also additional costs like enrollment fees, facility fees, and material fees. At school fairs, I recommend carefully confirming the total cost.
Conclusion: Balancing Information and Intuition
School fairs are an excellent first step in choosing a school. But making a decision based solely on them is risky. Visiting the school in person, feeling the atmosphere of the spaces where children spend their time, and talking directly with teachers are the most important steps.
When we first moved, we were desperate for information. But in the end, the deciding factor was our intuition that “this is a place where our children can grow freely.”
For those considering an education migration, choosing a school is a major decision. Gather information thoroughly, but also trust your instincts. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect school for your child.
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