CGK Enters a New Phase
Study Abroad and Global Initiatives
CGK's "Study Abroad" and Global Initiatives
The interest in having young children study abroad is growing in Japan year by year.
At CGK, we have also implemented the Study Abroad program for our students.
But our programs go beyond mere language acquisition. Rather, they focus on the unique experiences that
can be gained by studying in a different culture and environment. Young people grow significantly from living
with peers of different backgrounds and they can greatly expand their international perspective.
In addition to the Study Abroad program, as part of our global initiative to create an environment that encourages
growth in our students, we are taking the following steps. (This includes some in the planning stage.)
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Study Abroad Programs
Study Abroad programs for children as young as 2 years old. The 4-year-old class goes to New Zealand for 3 weeks in March, and the 7th grade students have a study abroad program for one year, starting in the summer (neither study abroad program is mandatory). We also have programs in other countries that families can choose to participate in according to their convenience.
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Program for Developing Independence
For students and parents to feel relaxed about studying abroad at a young age, it's vital to prepare well ahead of time. In cooperation with domestic and international organizations, CGK offers various programs to prepare students to live abroad independently, to be self-directed, and to make their study abroad experience both fun and rewarding.
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Parent Class for CGK International Families
CGK will have regular classes, free of charge, for international families. These classes allow participants to learn about and experience Japanese culture and daily life. They are intended to provide support for foreign families living in Japan, so we will create an environment that allows participants to feel comfortable at CGK. Since families of short-term international students also participate, this is a great opportunity to expand the community and strengthen connections.
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Welcoming International Students
CGK is a welcoming place for international students from abroad. Students from different cultures and backgrounds can interact with and help each other at CGK, bringing rich diversity to the classroom. This environment of diversity provides each student with a valuable opportunity to learn different viewpoints and increase mutual understanding. At CGK, we believe that diversity improves educational development.
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Study Abroad Programs
We offer overseas study programs to encourage children to become self-reliant, self-directed and lifelong learners.
Our staff will help you make the arrangements after finding out the needs of your child and your family. There are many different options to study abroad, for example, parent-child study abroad, home-stay, and boarding schools.
These are very valuable opportunities to put learning to practical use in a new environment, apart from the daily life at CGK, and parents will be touched to see how much their children grow.
CGK strongly recommends studying abroad at a young age, as it provides an opportunity to experience an unknown world and gain exposure to diverse values and ways of thinking, which in turn, leads to growth.
The Impact of Studying Abroad
Studying abroad has a huge impact, what young people can gain from living a life different from what they know in Japan is a valuable asset with no substitute.
Young people studying abroad not only acquire practical language skills, but by being exposed to different cultures when their minds are young and flexible, they naturally develop the ability accept different values and viewpoints. They also develop confidence and a spirit of inquiry that isn't fazed by challenges.
The experience of studying abroad can have a tremendous impact on children who have not yet gained a wide perspective. Parents are often impressed with their children's remarkable growth even after just a few weeks studying abroad.We look forward to your support with this program. At CGK, we provide all the necessary support to ensure your child learns independence and is able take on the challenge studying abroad without anxiety.
We will continue to facilitate various study abroad programs so that as many children as possible can have the same happy experience as those who say: "I was worried before I went, but now that I've tried it, I really enjoyed it! I'm glad I took on the challenge!"Studying abroad will change your life!
Countries and Types of Programs
Destinations for Short-term Study Abroad
New Zealand, Australia, USA (including Hawaii), Canada, UK
Destinations for Long-term Study Abroad
New Zealand, USA (including Hawaii), UK
Sample Schedules for Studying Abroad
The following are examples only. Besides these, a variety of other programs are also available.
Comparison Chart of Study Abroad Programs
| Country | Duration | Recommended/Optional | Age | Accompanied by Guardian | VISA* | Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 3-4 Weeks (March-April) | All recommended | 5-10 Years Old | Required | Not Required (NZeTA required) | Hotel, Motel, etc. | Short-term Study Abroad at Elementary Schools in Auckland |
| New Zealand | 1 Year | All recommended | 12 Years Old (From the Summer of Grade 7) | Not Required (may be accompanied) | Student Visa | Homestay or Accompanied by a Guardian | Study Abroad at Middle Schools in Different Areas of NZ |
| Australia | From 2 Weeks | Optional | 2-5 Years Old | Required | ETA/ETAS Required | Apartment Hotel, etc. | Parent and child study abroad in Melbourne. Children: attend classes at a local preschool / Parents: attend English school |
| USA (including Hawaii) | 2-5 Weeks | Optional | From 8 Years Old | Not Required | Not Required (ESTA required) | Boarding | Participate in boarding school's summer program |
| USA (including Hawaii) | 1 Year | All recommended | 12 Years Old (From the Summer of Grade 7) | Not Required | Student Visa | Boarding | Study Abroad at Boarding Middle Schools in Different Parts of the USA / Screening Required |
| Canada | 2-5 Weeks | Optional | From 7 Years Old | Not Required | Not Required (eTA required) | Boarding | Participate in boarding school's summer program |
| UK | 1 Year | All recommended | 12 Years Old (From the Summer of Grade 7) | Not Required | Student Visa | Boarding | Study Abroad at Boarding Middle Schools in Different Parts of the UK / Screening Required |
*Information regarding visas is for Japanese nationals. Requirements for foreign nationals may differ.
Short-term Study Abroad
CGK offers a wide range of short-term study abroad programs that preschool age children as young as 2-years-old can participate in.
Depending on the age of the child, the country, and the program, there are differences in whether parents need to be present, how accommodations are arranged, and program content. We provide parent-child study abroad programs where parents can go and study English as well, and boarding school programs where parents do not need to accompany their children.
In preparation for the one-year study abroad program in the 7th grade, CGK strongly recommends students experience at least one short-term study abroad in advance.
Short-term Study Abroad at an Elementary School in New Zealand (3-4 weeks)
This program is held in March at an elementary school in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland for the 4-year-old class (5 years old by the time the program takes place in March).
For this program, parents/guardians need to accompany the children, so it is optional, however it's a great program and we highly recommend it.
A major feature of this program is that the students don't study in a group with other international students, rather, they join the local children in their classes every day of the week, just like a regular student. (If siblings under the age of 5 are also participating in the program, please contact us as we may be able to arrange for them to attend a local nursery or kindergarten)
Participating Elementary Schools
This public elementary school is located in the upscale residential area of Harwick, about 25 minutes by car from central Auckland, and is known locally for providing high quality education.
The school was the first in New Zealand to accept parents and children for study abroad programs and its experienced international student staff provide excellent personal support to both students and parents. During the study abroad period, classes for parents are held every weekday for an hour and a half. This school is the only school in New Zealand to offer classes for parents, where they can learn about New Zealand culture and customs, food, laws, politics, cooking, and more. These classes also give parents the opportunity to interact with other parents of international students coming from other countries, a fulfilling experience for them as well.
Additionally, the school has a "Buddy system"* where the school assigns one local student to support one international student, this system helps first-time students and their parents to feel comfortable abroad.
Since many Asian international students (from China and Korea) attend in July and August, there are fewer vacancies at this time. Additionally, the weather is not good in July and August, so CGK provides this program in March. This is a wonderful school with a great system in place, creating an environment that even 5-year-olds can naturally get used to, which helps them to fully enjoy the experience of studying abroad, even at this young age.
*Buddy system: When studying in a foreign country, it is very important for students get used to the school and enjoy being there. This buddy system assigns one local student as a "buddy" to partner up with the new student and support them, so they can quickly adjust to life at the new school.
Short-term Study Abroad, Preschool in Australia (2 weeks or more)
This program is held in August at a preschool in Australia's second largest city, Melbourne.
Preschool age children, as young as 2-years-old, can participate, and besides their classes, parents can also take English classes at a local language school. An exclusive tour for parents is also held one day a week, so parents can enjoy sightseeing in the area.
A major feature of this program is that the students don't study in a group with other international students, rather, they join the local children in their classes every day of the week, just like a regular student. In this way, children naturally become familiar with a new culture.
Short-term Study Abroad in North America (USA, Canada, Hawaii) Without Parents (2-5 weeks)
This is a summer program to attend boarding schools (dormitory system) in the US, Canada, and Hawaii. Every year, students from dozens of countries participate in this summer program, living in dormitories on a large campus surrounded by nature. The program provides excellent support, so students feel comfortable even without their parents. There are options to take classes not only with other international students, but also with local students who are currently enrolled in the school, and it’s a great chance to experience dorm life.
One-year Study Abroad Program (From the summer of the 7th grade)
This one-year study abroad program is from the summer of grade 7. CGK Middle school has a four-year program from 6th grade to 9th grade, but one year is spent abroad.
It's very unusual for a school (CGK) to have a year-long study abroad program at the timing of the 7th grade. But, studying abroad can help children develop diverse perspectives and values from a young age that will be vital for their futures, which will help them become more independent.
Of course, we also support students as appropriate during their study abroad period. We make every effort to ensure that the student's study abroad experience is wonderful, and work closely with the local school to ensure students have a good environment and support system.*While parents are responsible for all expenses related to studying abroad, they will be exempt from CGK tuition fees during this study abroad period and will only be charged the study abroad support fee. Although the year-long study abroad program is all recommended, please let us know if you have special circumstances. We will try to be flexible in addressing individual needs.
New Zealand
Arrangements can be made with a number of Intermediate Schools, allowing parents to choose the school that best suits their child's personality and preferences.
Below are some examples of schools where you can send your child.
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Kristin School
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Belmont Intermediate School
Program for Developing Independence
For students and parents to feel relaxed about studying abroad at a young age, it's vital to prepare well ahead of time. CGK offers various programs to prepare students to live abroad independently, to be self-directed, and to make their study abroad experience both fun and rewarding.
CGK not only offers programs in cooperation with national and international organizations, but also has a wide range of independent daily activities and special activities during school vacations to help students grow.
Steps to Study Abroad
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Level 1：CGK Outdoors Club / Yokohama International Family
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Level 2：Machinaka Ryugaku (Stay in an international family in Japan)
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Level 3：CGK Parent-child Short-term Study Abroad
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Level 4：CGK Group Study Tours in Australia
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Level 5：CGK Short-term Study Abroad Solo
- Level 6：CGK Long-term Study Abroad Solo
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Level 1：CGK Outdoors Club / Yokohama International Family
Parent Class for CGK International Families
CGK will have regular classes, free of charge, for international families. These classes allow participants to learn about and experience Japanese culture and daily life.
These classes are intended to provide support for foreign families living in Japan, so we will create an environment that allows them to feel comfortable at CGK. Since families of short-term international students are also welcome to attend, this is an excellent opportunity to promote inter-cultural exchange and expand the community.
Through these classes we support both parents and children to enjoy school life.
Regular Classes for International Families (Parents)
CGK will have regular classes for parents of international families. Held on weekday mornings in English (or in Japanese, on Japanese class days).
Getting to know other parents in the same situation and sharing the worries and concerns of living in a foreign country can greatly help parents to enjoy life in Japan. You can interact not only with parents of students in your child's class, but also with parents of students from other classes. When living in a foreign country, it is important not only to care for the mental health of the children but also of the parents. At CGK we aim for the whole school to be a warm and diverse community.
We are also looking for individuals or companies that are willing to offer free lessons and/or activities about Japan and Yokohama, feel free to contact us if you would like to provide something of the kind to international students. *Companies are welcome to use this service as part of their public relations activities.
Welcoming International Students
CGK is a welcoming place for international students from abroad with a view to encouraging multicultural cooperation. Students from different cultures and backgrounds can interact with and help each other at CGK, bringing rich diversity to the classroom. This environment of diversity provides each student with a valuable opportunity to learn different viewpoints and increase mutual understanding.
At CGK, we believe that diversity improves educational development. By learning and working together, students from different backgrounds will grow into leaders with global perspective. In addition, experiencing diverse opinions and values will help them develop tolerance and empathy.