Two Different Schools

I was eight when I first came to Japan. Since then I have attended both a Japanese elementary school and an international school. In this article I compare my experience with these two very different schooling systems.

Japanese elementary school

When I first arrived in Japan, the best way for me to learn Japanese was to attend a public school. I started going to the local one immediately. Most students accepted me, but there were still many small bands of friends who were exclusive. This was my first experience of the “group” concept: you were “inside” the group and treated like a friend, or you were “outside” and regarded as an alien.

I also found many circumstances where the “class” aspect took control. Everyone was considered equal, and in no way greater than anyone else. For example, in the P.E. lesson, four students would lead the warm-up. The next week a different set of four people would do it, and so on, until everyone in the class had. Everyone was equal, and there was no alternative.

International school

Now, however, in need of an English education, I attend Hokkaido International School. My first impression of the school was completely different to the Japanese school. Unlike the Japanese school, I seemed to be noticed very little. Although people had been shy at first, when I went to talk to them, they didn’t shun me. Students were also encouraged to be creative and think in their own way. Singularity and independence were prized.

The Japanese system surprised me. I was unused to it and wanted to go my own way. But one of the good effects of this system was that by the end of the year everyone knew the same things. No one was left behind the others.

However, the international school is the opposite. People who push to excel in certain areas are helped along to new heights. Teachers give more time to individuals.

I respect both ideas. However, from the angle of the student, I’ve generally found the international school better to learn in, because pupils are unrestricted and are given time and attention by their teachers.

Since I was a foreigner at the Japanese school, I was different and was not accepted. I was despised there, and that left me with a dislike for the system. I reflect on the Japanese school with bitter feelings, but I know that it helped me up in areas where I lacked. The international school, however, I enjoy a lot better. I have more friends and I can communicate easily. 

Randoseru photo contributed by Wikimedia Commons
Backpack photo contributed by Bram Van Damme