Why I Took the Leap with Zero English
The other day, I read an article on Business Insider Japan titled “Studying Abroad in Malaysia with Zero English: What I Learned Matters More Than Language Skills.” It resonated with me deeply.
When I first arrived in Malaysia, I had almost no English ability. I held qualifications as a physical therapist and elementary school teacher, but I couldn’t even manage basic daily conversations.
Yet, I’ve been living in Penang for over three and a half years now. Today, I can even handle business negotiations in English.
So what is this “something more important than English skills” that the article pointed out?
What My Kids Taught Me About Adaptability
My eldest daughter, Hikari, started attending an international school when she was six years old. Her English was almost nonexistent.
She cried every day for the first week. “I don’t understand what my friends are saying,” she would tell me.
But children are incredibly flexible. Within three months, she could hold simple conversations, and after six months, she understood her teacher’s instructions. Now, she laughs and plays with her friends in English.
My son, Zen, followed the same path. Born in 2020, when he entered preschool, his Japanese was still shaky, let alone English. Yet now, he plays with Hikari in English.
I’m truly amazed at children’s adaptability. Kids are far tougher than we adults worry they’ll be.
What “Resolve” Means for Parents
That “something more important than English skills” discussed in the article—I interpret it as “the courage to admit your weaknesses” and “the resolve to trust your child.”
At first, I was filled with embarrassment. I was even afraid of checking out at the supermarket. I could only understand half of the notices from school.
But at some point, I decided to let go of the idea that I had to be perfect. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay if I’m not understood. The important thing is to just start speaking.
I believe this attitude has rubbed off on my children.
Building Relationships with the School Is Key
At the school Hikari and Zen attend, parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year. At first, I couldn’t let go of my translation app.
But when I told the teacher, “I’m not good at English, but I take my child’s education very seriously,” they were extremely accommodating.
International schools in Malaysia place a high value on parental involvement. They appreciate a parent’s love for their child and a cooperative attitude far more than fluent English.
English Skills Come Later
Today, Hikari takes all her classes in English—math, science, social studies, everything. She even does her homework in English.
Zen is the same. At home, they speak Japanese, but when they play together, English naturally mixes in.
Before I knew it, my own English had improved. Attending school events, talking with other parents, and communicating with teachers—this repetition naturally built my English skills.
Latest Exchange Rate Info
By the way, the current exchange rate is 1 MYR = 40.18 JPY (as of May 16, 2026). Annual tuition at international schools in Penang ranges from approximately 800,000 to 1,500,000 JPY (roughly $5,300 to $10,000 USD). That’s significantly more affordable than international schools in Japan.
A Parent’s Attitude Shapes a Child’s Growth
What I learned from jumping into Malaysia with zero English is the importance of showing your children that you’re willing to take on challenges.
My kids see me laughing and continuing to speak even when I make mistakes in English. They sense my determination to adapt to a new environment.
There’s no such thing as “perfect preparation” for an educational migration. All there is, is the resolve to say, “Let’s give it a try.”
If you’re hesitating about an educational move because of concerns about your English, I want to say this: “It’s okay. Your resolve will protect your child.”
Hikari, Zen, and even one-and-a-half-year-old Yukari are all growing up watching their parents’ backs. You don’t have to be perfect. I truly believe that the courage to take that first step is the best education you can give your child.
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