A recent report in the Yomiuri Shimbun, one of Japan’s leading newspapers, has highlighted the growing interest in parent-and-child study abroad programmes in Japan.  According to the report, the Philippines is a particularly popular destination with one agent recording 242 conversions for 2-week programmes in 2018, three times more than the previous year.  The same agent is predicting over 300 conversions in 2019.  The Philippines has gained significant market share in recent years thanks largely to reasonable tuition fees and the relative proximity to Japan.  But it’s not just the Philippines that has benefitted from the upturn; agents are also reporting growing interest for parent-and-child courses in traditional destinations with summer programmes held in late-July/August being particularly popular. 

According to Wintech Japan, a study abroad agent specialising in programmes for young learners, parent-and-child study abroad traditionally placed the focus on the parents’ study, but the recent growth in interest has been for programmes that are tailored primarily to the child’s learning.  Key drivers behind this shift are reforms to English language education at elementary schools (English will become a formal subject for 5^th and 6^th grade pupils from 2020) and the introduction of four-skills English language tests for university entrance.  With greater importance being placed on English in schools, parents are keen for their children to gain study abroad experience from a young age so that they develop an interest in English. For safety-conscious Japanese parents, parent-and-child programmes are an ideal way for their children to acquire this experience.

UK schools offering parent-and-child programmes, particularly for elementary school aged children (6-11 years old), are encouraged to note the upturn.  Given that parents tend to use study abroad agents we strongly recommend building links with local agents who can help you access the market.

If you have any questions about the market and opportunities in Japan, please contact Hal Parker (hal.parker@britishcouncil.or.jp) in our Japan office.