FAQ
~Study in Switzerland (long-term/boarding school)~
1. Age, timing, and how to choose a school
When is the best age to send my child to study abroad?
Is it better to do it after compulsory education is over?
I don't think there is an optimal age or timing.
The best time would be when the parents want the child to go and when the child himself wants to go.
However, there is also the issue of children becoming independent, but I think there are many success stories between the ages of 10 and 12.
Our advice is that if you are going to send your child to boarding school, it's better to start early.
If you study abroad in the upper grades of elementary school, your English problems will be largely gone by the time you reach junior high school.
If I am studying abroad alone, from what age can I study abroad?
Some Swiss boarding schools accept children as young as three years old.
There are so many boarding schools out there, I don't know which one to choose.
If your child's English ability does not match the school's policies, they will have a hard time if they try to force their way into school.
We recommend starting with a school that will thoroughly hone your language skills through ESL (English classes for students whose native language is not English).
There are also schools that offer unlimited time to develop your English skills while recommending you to your preferred school.
I have no idea which school I can get into or what level I'll be at.
Popular boarding schools have strict entrance exams (which test English proficiency) and only accept a limited number of students.
Some schools will recommend practice (preschool) to help your child get used to school and advise them to take the exam again in a few years, so it's a good idea to visit the school first and ask about their policies and opinions.
Schools overseas start in September, but can I start in April?
It is possible if you are young.
Please be aware that depending on your child's English ability, they may be placed in a class of the same age or one level below.
In addition, some schools allow Japanese students to enroll starting in April.
What we recommend is to have students take special English or French classes from April until summer school, and then increase the proportion of regular classes from September.
You will gain much more language skills than if you wait until September in Japan by attending English classes.
2. Language ability of the student and guardian
Do I need English skills?
We introduce schools that offer English classes (ESL) for students whose native language is not English.
There are many well-known high schools that do not require students to have a high level of language ability at the time of enrollment, with the exception of those that are studying abroad from high school.
Do I need to prepare if I don't speak English?
Switzerland has a large foreign population and is well-known for providing language education to children who do not speak the language, so you don't need to worry too much.
However, if you have time before departure, try listening to native speakers on CDs or other media every day.
It has the same effect as reading aloud.
Other children around me are getting used to English early, and I'm worried that my child will fall behind...
Don't get hung up on age.
It would be better to think of it as an extra year of elementary school.
In Switzerland, there are very few barriers between grade levels and classes, and even 11-year-olds are completely carefree and say, "I'm learning French with 6-year-olds."
First of all, please understand that you will learn the necessary academic skills at the necessary level.
What kind of support is available for studying English locally?
We will introduce you to schools that offer ESL (English classes for students whose native language is not English), so initially you will focus on ESL classes.
Do parents need to be fluent in English?
If you have English skills, that's even better.
However, there are many parents who are not like that.
There will be no obstacles to your child's enrollment.
If necessary, we will provide you with consistent support on-site, from application and enrollment procedures to follow-up after your study abroad, so please rest assured.
3. Grades and Exams
How much importance is placed on grades in Japanese schools?
You will be required to submit grades from your Japanese school, but most of these will not have any bearing on whether you pass or fail.
Cooperation and initiative are more important than grades.
Is there an entrance exam?
For younger children (up to 10 years old), emphasis is placed on humanity.
Once children reach the age of 10, more schools begin to administer exams.
4. About life as a student abroad
In Switzerland, tuition and boarding fees range from 60,000 to nearly 138,000 Swiss francs, depending on the school.
Other costs may include service fees not included above (such as laundry service), private lessons if needed, special lessons, weekend activities, and pocket money.
You will also need to cover travel expenses for your child's return home during long vacations.
For families who have their children picked up every time, the cost alone amounts to several million yen per year.
How much does it cost?
How many people are in a dormitory room?
Although it varies depending on the school, students will be placed in rooms with two or four other students until they are around 16 years old, and once they are over 16 years old, they will begin preparation for the International Baccalaureate and other university entrance exams.
For this reason, many schools provide twin or single rooms.
How many Japanese students are there at the school you are studying at?
Many places limit the number of people from the same country to 10% of the total.
There are advantages and disadvantages to having a large or small number of Japanese people, so I don't think you need to worry too much about it.
However, there are some schools where this has caused problems, so it is best to avoid such schools.
Are discipline and bullying issues addressed?
There is no need to worry too much, as any problems will be dealt with immediately and strictly according to school rules. In Swiss private schools, being called to the principal's office three times will result in expulsion.
I would like to have detailed discussions with my homeroom teacher and dormitory supervisor about my child's learning progress and language level, but I am worried because I don't speak the language.
We will arrange the meeting date and time in advance.
In addition, an interpreter from our company will be present, allowing students to have frank discussions with their homeroom teacher and principal at the end of the semester.
You will also meet with the school during the semester to discuss your level of proficiency and any issues you may have, and at the end of the semester you will use this information to decide on a course of action for the next term.
What happens if we are unable to attend a meeting even if one is arranged?
You will communicate with us via email, prepare a list of questions, and we will hold discussions on your behalf.
You can also set up an online meeting.
5. Academic records during study abroad and career paths after graduation
Studying abroad is not always fun, and there are many difficulties at first, but I have heard of some students who have returned to Japan after staying there for several years without being able to open up to others.
We have never had such an experience before.
Are there people who fail to study abroad?
What should I do if I can't keep up with the classes?
In Switzerland, education is based on achievement, regardless of age, so if you feel you are not keeping up, it is important to seek advice early on.
We will arrange a meeting with the teacher in charge and the school principal at the end of each semester, so we can take the necessary measures before that happens.
We can also arrange supplementary lessons and private lessons if needed.
Is it possible to transfer schools?
Yes, it is possible.
There are cases where students transfer schools because the school culture and atmosphere do not suit them, and there are also students who transfer for reasons such as career guidance and preparation (for example, students who were aiming for the International Baccalaureate but want to switch to the SAT). The reason is not important.
Upon request, we will assist you in finding a new school, meeting with your current school, and negotiating with them.
I'm curious about my future career path after graduation.
Many students go on to study at universities in the UK or the US.
Once you have obtained the International Baccalaureate, you can go on to more than 5,000 universities in approximately 150 countries.
An increasing number of Japanese universities are now allowing students to use the International Baccalaureate for their entrance exams.
If I study abroad in high school, can I take the entrance exam for a Japanese university under the returnee student quota?
As long as your study abroad period is more than two years, you'll be fine.
If possible, aim to obtain the International Baccalaureate (IB) which is valid worldwide.
By obtaining the IB certificate, there are some universities in Japan where you can be exempt from subject exams and take the entrance exam with only an interview or Japanese Language Proficiency Test, so please check the entrance guidelines of the school of your choice.
Can I study abroad for one year and then switch to graduate study abroad?
This depends on the school you are attending, so please contact your school.
Recently, more and more schools are recognizing credits earned overseas.
If I study abroad in high school, can I take the entrance exam for a Japanese university under the returnee student quota?
Usually it is possible.
However, if there is a sudden change, there may not be any seats available.
Also, if the goal is to graduate, it is not an issue at a young age, but as students get older, the courses they need to take to obtain qualifications (IB, SAT, etc.) will be different.
6. Tuition Payment
Should I pay tuition fees in installments or all at once?
There are options for paying by the semester, twice a year, or in one lump sum.
For the first year, you will need to pay a registration fee at the time of application or later (some fees are refundable and some are not). You can also find information about payment deadlines in each school's brochure or website.
Tuition fees are to be paid directly to the school by the specified due date, either every semester, twice a year, or in a lump sum.
Do I make the transfer myself?
Yes, we do not hold any tuition fees.
Of course, we will provide total support, including assistance with bank transfers and confirmation with the school.
In the past, there have been cases where a placement company went bankrupt, causing inconvenience to customers. This happened because the company had kept tuition fees.
However, if you are not comfortable transferring money overseas, please transfer the money to our account.
We will transfer the money on your behalf.
7. About our services
What kind of services can Tressonne provide?
At our company,
・Consulting before studying abroad
・School selection (providing information, arranging school tours, accompanying students, etc.)
・Support for application and filing
・Airport pick-up service upon enrollment
・Communication with the school (after enrollment)
・(If necessary) Arrange interviews, make arrangements for supplementary lessons and private lessons
・Translation of school notices, grades, etc.
・Support during long holidays (storing luggage, arranging accommodation, etc.)
・Dealing with homesickness and culture shock
・Emergency response, etc.
We offer a variety of services as needed.
These services can be chosen by the parents or the child themselves.
Please contact us for details.