All articles

Universities・2026.10.13・9 min read

What Is Waseda JCulP? 2027 Admissions, Tuition, Acceptance Data and Curriculum, from Official Sources

JCulP is a four-year programme at Waseda's School of Culture, Media and Society that studies Japanese culture in English. The 2027 Overseas Students places, dates, five years of applicants and successful applicants, SAT and IB averages, and tuition, from official documents.

Universities・2026.10.13・9 min read

What Is Waseda TAISI? 2027 Admissions, Tuition, Acceptance Data and SAT Averages, from Official Sources

TAISI is an English-based degree in Waseda's School of Social Sciences that studies several social science fields around Social Innovation. The 2027 schedule, three years of applicants and successful applicants, SAT, ACT and IB averages, and tuition, from official documents.

Universities・2026.10.13・8 min read

What Is uni-assist? How to Apply to German Universities from Japan

uni-assist is an application service that checks overseas educational documents on behalf of some German universities. The difference between the standard procedure and the VPD procedure, fees, processing times, and the documents needed with a Japanese school-leaving qualification, from official information.

Moving & Education・2026.10.12・7 min read

Is Dutch Education Really the Best in the World? Strengths and Challenges

The Netherlands is rated highly for child well-being, yet PISA shows reading scores continuing to fall. Before calling any system the best in the world, we separate out which measure shows what.

Moving & Education・2026.10.12・6 min read

Beyond Jenaplan: Understanding School Choice in the Netherlands

In Japan, Dutch education often means Jenaplan, but the Netherlands has a system in which schools with many different educational philosophies exist side by side. We set out how public-authority and private schools differ and what to check when choosing.

Moving & Education・2026.10.12・6 min read

Can Child Well-Being and Academic Results Go Together? Dutch Evidence

The Netherlands is rated highly for well-being, yet PISA reading scores keep falling and many students feel burdened by school. We look at how to read well-being and achievement separately, and five things to check at home.

Universities・2026.10.12・6 min read

Learning in Amsterdam: Asking Better Questions and Studying Independently

Preparing for university abroad takes more than an English score. Starting from the official descriptions of UvA and VU Amsterdam, we set out how secondary students can practise forming questions, finding evidence, explaining and planning.

Moving & Education・2026.10.12・7 min read

A Learning Support Checklist for Families Moving to the Netherlands

After moving to the Netherlands, there is suddenly more to check: school procedures, language, subjects and learning for Japan. Six items to sort out before looking for a tutor, and a 12-item checklist to write down before an enquiry.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.10.10・8 min read

How to Study for EIKEN Grade 2: A Study Plan Built from Past-Paper Weak Points

Where should you start for EIKEN Grade 2? Check the current official format, identify weak points from past-paper results, and build practice that fits the time you have left.

International Schools・2026.10.07・12 min read

Tokyo International School Curriculum Guide: IB, IGCSE, AP and K-12

K-12 describes a grade span, IB is a family of programmes, IGCSE is a subject-based qualification, and AP is a set of individual advanced courses. Here is how parents can compare them.

International Schools・2026.10.07・7 min read

What Is K. International School Tokyo Like? IGCSE, the IBDP and Fees Explained

After the PYP, KIST uses its own Lower Secondary Programme and IGCSE rather than the MYP, and then moves on to the IBDP. We set out the flow by grade, applications and 2026-27 fees.

International Schools・2026.10.07・7 min read

What Is Aoba-Japan International School Like? IB Continuum Education, Campuses and Fees Explained

Aoba is an IB Continuum World School joining the PYP, MYP and DP. We set out how the campus changes by grade, the options in Grades 11-12 and 2026-27 fees.

International Schools・2026.10.07・7 min read

What Is International School of the Sacred Heart Like? AP, Girls' Education and Fees Explained

ISSH's High School is built around the school diploma, with AP chosen as individual courses. We set out where AP fits, what is distinctive about girls' education, admissions and 2026-27 fees.

International Schools・2026.10.07・7 min read

What Is Nishimachi International School Like? K-9, Japanese Language Education and Fees Explained

Nishimachi is a standards-based school from Kindergarten to Grade 9, where students study Japanese every day. Because the school ends at Grade 9, you need a plan that includes the next high school.

International Schools・2026.10.07・7 min read

Application Timing and Preparing to Enter International Schools in Tokyo

There is no common application deadline across international schools in Tokyo. We compare, school by school, when applications open, documents, selection, age cut-off dates and the conditions for mid-year entry.

International Schools・2026.10.07・9 min read

Comparing International School Fees in Tokyo: Costs to Check Beyond Tuition

Lining up tuition alone tends to understate the first-year burden. We set out the published 2026-27 fees of seven schools on the same basis, including entry costs and fees added each year.

International Schools・2026.10.07・7 min read

Which Schools in Tokyo Offer the PYP, MYP and DP as a Full IB Continuum?

Being an IB World School does not necessarily mean the PYP, MYP and DP are all offered. We set out what Tokyo schools provide in a table, together with the benefits of continuous study and what to check.

International Schools・2026.10.07・9 min read

Which International Schools in Tokyo Teach IGCSE? Schools and Pathways Explained

Knowing that a school "offers IGCSE" is not enough to decide where to transfer. Using representative Tokyo schools, we set out the exam board, subjects, assessment method and the pathway afterwards.

International Schools・2026.10.07・9 min read

Which International Schools in Tokyo Teach AP? How AP Differs from a High-School Graduation Credential

AP is neither a whole-school curriculum nor a graduation credential; it is a set of individual advanced courses. Using ASIJ and ISSH as examples, we set out how AP works and what to check when choosing a school.

International Schools・2026.10.07・8 min read

What Are WASC, CIS, NEASC and COBIS? How to Read International School Accreditation

WASC, CIS, NEASC and COBIS are not names of curricula. We explain the difference between accreditation and membership, how it differs from IB authorisation, and how to look each body up.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.10.07・7 min read

How to Choose Tutoring or a Private Tutor for International School Students in Tokyo: IB, IGCSE, AP and School Support Compared

Tutoring for international school students is not the same with any teacher who speaks English. We set out the differences between school-work support, exam preparation and English-skills building, and seven points to compare.

International Schools・2026.10.06・8 min read

Which Curriculum Do Tokyo's Main International Schools Follow? A School-by-School Comparison

A comparison of Tokyo International School, British School in Tokyo, KIST, ASIJ, ISSH and Nishimachi, by learning pathway grade by grade and by the route to high-school graduation.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.10.13・6 min read

Continuing Eiken While Living in the Netherlands: Test Venues and Online Study

Living in the Netherlands, you can keep studying for Eiken online, but choosing a test venue is not like choosing one in Japan. The official overseas venues, the Eiken S-CBT venues, and an 8-week study plan counted back from the test date.

Moving & Education・2026.10.13・6 min read

What Japanese Children Often Find Hard First After Moving to a Dutch School

Right after changing schools abroad, language, subjects, task formats and learning for Japan all change at once. Rather than assuming an ability problem, here are 30 days of observation points for seeing where your child is stuck.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.10.13・5 min read

8 Things to Check Before Looking for a Tutor in Amsterdam

Living nearby and speaking English are not enough to tell whether a tutor suits your child. Separate the school's support from what you want to add at home, and sort out 8 items before you enquire.

Moving & Education・2026.10.13・6 min read

What Japanese Families Can Take from Dutch Education

What is easiest to borrow from the Netherlands is not a particular method but a way of thinking: how to observe a child's learning, choose, and review. Here are five ideas to try at home for two weeks.

Moving & Education・2026.10.13・6 min read

How Do Dutch and Japanese Education Differ? Beyond Which Is Better

Japan and the Netherlands differ in how they align curricula, build school choice, divide pathways and what their achievement data show. Here is a way to compare by separating what is measured and what you value, not by asking which is better.

International Schools・2026.10.05・9 min read

IBDP vs AP vs A-levels: Comparing Curricula for the Final Years of High School

The IBDP is an integrated two-year programme, AP is a set of individual advanced courses, and A-levels are qualifications that study a small number of subjects in depth. Think in terms of fit and pathway rather than which is best.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.10.13・5 min read

Online or In-Person Tutoring in the Netherlands: Which Suits Your Child?

There is no simple conclusion that online or in-person is always better. Compare six things: goal, materials, focus, travel, frequency and teacher quality, and check with a two-week trial.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.10.13・6 min read

Keeping Japanese While Supporting English and School Subjects Abroad

Trying to build Japanese, the school language and school subjects all at the same intensity is a heavy load on children and families. Treat each as a separate goal and try the plan for eight weeks.

Moving & Education・2026.10.13・6 min read

Learning Gaps to Check in the 90 Days Around an Overseas School Transfer

After an overseas transfer, a child may meet content they already learned, or start on content they have not yet covered. Instead of previewing everything beforehand, find the real differences and fill only those, using a 90-day frame.

International Schools・2026.10.13・6 min read

Dutch Schools vs International Schools: How Learning Support Changes

Dutch mainstream schools, Dutch International Schools and private international schools are not the same thing. Separate the school types first, then think about the learning support you need at home to fit the real language and curriculum.

Universities・2026.10.14・5 min read

ICU Tuition History: First-Year Costs, 2021 to 2026

ICU's first-year published cost for the College of Liberal Arts rose about 5.2%, from 1,731,000 yen in 2021 to 1,821,000 yen in 2026. Year-by-year amounts, the breakdown, how ELBA fits in, and how to compare with other universities.

Universities・2026.10.14・5 min read

Waseda SILS Tuition History: First-Year Costs, 2021 to 2026

SILS's first-year published cost is 1,593,000 yen for 2021 to 2023 entry and 1,693,000 yen for 2024 to 2026 entry. Why it changed, and how to think about fees while studying abroad.

Universities・2026.10.14・5 min read

How Much Has Keio PEARL Tuition Risen? 2021 to 2026

Tracing PEARL's first-year published cost year by year through official university documents shows a rise of 160,000 yen from 2021 to 2026. Year-by-year amounts and cautions on reading them.

Moving & Education・2026.10.04・9 min read

What to Check When Transferring to an IB, British or American-Style School

What matters in a transfer is not the school brand but what your child has already learned and the next year at the new school. We set out what to look for by type of transfer, and a list of questions to ask schools.

International Schools・2026.10.03・10 min read

MYP vs IGCSE: Comparing How Middle and High School Students Learn and Are Assessed

The MYP is a whole-school learning framework, while IGCSE is mainly a subject-by-subject qualification. Even where the ages overlap, they are not the same system. We explain assessment and what to check when transferring.

International Schools・2026.10.02・10 min read

What Is American School in Japan Like? The High School Diploma, AP and Preparing to Enter

At ASIJ it is important to understand the High School Diploma credit requirements and AP as separate things. We explain them together with application conditions, required documents and how to read the fees.

International Schools・2026.10.01・9 min read

What Is K-12? Grade and Year at International Schools Explained

K-12 is not the name of a curriculum; it is a school span from Kindergarten to Grade 12. We explain how Grade, Year and Japanese school years roughly correspond, and why cut-off dates can shift the grade.

International Schools・2026.09.30・12 min read

What Is British School in Tokyo Like? IGCSE, the IBDP and the BST Diploma Explained

After IGCSE, BST has two main routes in Years 12-13: the IBDP and the BST Diploma. We explain them together with application timing, eligibility and how to read the fees.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.29・10 min read

What Changed in EIKEN? The 2024 New Format and Grade Pre-2 Plus Explained

The 2024 question-format renewal and the introduction of Grade Pre-2 Plus in the 2025 academic year are separate changes. Here are the changes by grade, the current test structure and the exam fees.

International Schools・2026.09.28・7 min read

What Is Tokyo International School Like? PYP, MYP, DP and What to Check Before Applying

TIS is an IB school that links PYP, MYP and DP. We separate official information from practical advice on the learning pathway by grade, what to check when applying, and how to read the fees.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.27・7 min read

One week before the EIKEN first stage: what to prioritise in the final 7 days

With one week left, it matters more to narrow down where marks are being lost than to add new materials. Here is how to use the final 7 days.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.09.27・7 min read

How to choose an English tutor that suits your child: 7 things parents should check

A tutor's background alone does not decide the match. Goals, age, teaching style, language, schedule and location, and what to look for in a trial lesson.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.09.27・7 min read

Does an English tutor need to speak Japanese? How to decide on a bilingual tutor

A tutor who speaks Japanese is not always better, and neither is English-only. Here is how to decide based on your child's goal and current level.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.21・8 min read

How to study in the last week before the SAT: reviewing Bluebook practice tests and preparing the day before

One week left before the SAT: reviewing Bluebook practice tests, narrowing weak points, priorities for Reading and Writing and Math, and preparation the day before.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.21・7 min read

5 things to do the night before the SAT: a checklist for last-minute study and test-day preparation

For students and parents unsure what to do the night before the SAT: priorities from last study, Bluebook, admission ticket, what to bring and the venue to bedtime, and what to avoid.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.21・8 min read

Three days before the EIKEN interview: second-stage preparation you can still do

Three days before the EIKEN second stage: the interview flow, reading aloud, answering questions, opinion questions and the order to practise mock interviews, mainly for Grades 3, Pre-2, Pre-2 Plus and 2.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.21・8 min read

5 reasons your SAT practice test score is not improving, and how to review

For students whose SAT score does not rise despite many practice tests: weak-point analysis with Score Details and My Practice, classifying causes of mistakes, and repeating with the Student Question Bank.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.09.21・8 min read

What is analysis in IB? How it differs from summary and how to write it

For IB students told they write only summary: the difference between summary and analysis, thinking in What, How and Why, examples, linking back to the question and how to revise.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.09.21・7 min read

Why words you memorised do not come out in English writing, and how to practise

How to turn known vocabulary into usable vocabulary for learners who understand words but cannot produce them in writing or conversation, using example sentences, recall, short sentences, paraphrasing and review.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.09.21・7 min read

How to judge the quality of an English lesson: 5 things parents can look at

For parents who are not confident in English themselves: five ways to judge lesson quality through goals, your child's engagement, specific feedback, adjustment to understanding, and the next step.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.21・7 min read

What to do 30, 14, 7 and 1 days before an exam

A revision plan for any kind of exam: checking the scope, fixing weak points, rehearsing the real format and preparing the day before, for students unsure what to prioritise at each stage.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.21・8 min read

How to take EIKEN in Singapore: the difference between JAS and Satsuki Gakuen

Based on information confirmed as of October 7, 2026, this article sets out the main routes for taking EIKEN in Singapore and what to check before applying.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.17・12 min read

EIKEN Pre-2 as an elementary school student: 3 things parents should prepare

The three places elementary students typically get stuck on Pre-2 (vocabulary, long passages and writing), plus home study steps and when outside support helps.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.17・7 min read

Vocabulary memorisation alone does not always improve EIKEN scores

At higher grades, the bottleneck is often not vocabulary. Here is how to tell what is actually costing points.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.17・9 min read

Why EIKEN writing stalls, and what to do about it

The pen often stops before vocabulary or grammar even come into it. Here is where students actually get stuck, and what helps.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.17・8 min read

EIKEN past paper score is low. What should be fixed first?

A low score alone does not diagnose anything. Here is how to break the loss down by cause.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.09.17・9 min read

What to check when written homework comes to a halt

When written homework stalls, check whether the question, structure and teacher's expectations are clear, as well as the student's writing ability.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.09.17・9 min read

What to check when English feels like it's too hard at international school

“Struggling with English” is not one problem. Here is how to work out which one it actually is.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.09.17・8 min read

What to focus on first so primary English remains manageable

How to choose between pronunciation, vocabulary, conversation and reading based on your family's situation.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.09.17・7 min read

Phonics, conversation or school English: where should we start?

No single one of these is always the right place to start. Here is how to choose based on your child's current profile.

Exams & Qualifications・2026.09.17・8 min read

What is the SAT? Structure, difficulty and how parents can use it

The SAT is not an America-only test. Here is what it actually covers, how hard it is, and how it can support university applications in Japan and abroad.

Learning & Tutoring・2026.07.01・5 min read

Why learning needs a person paying attention: the Petra Tutors approach

Why our support continues beyond tutor matching: finding an approach that suits your child, keeping parents informed and creating a manageable learning routine.