Growing number of Aussies sending their children on a Japanese preschool exchange
This Aussie family took their five-year-old on a student exchange with a difference – it gives preschoolers a taste of Japanese culture while parents are freed up to explore.
As Australian tourism numbers to Japan continue to boom, a growing number of visitors are arriving for a different reason – a Japanese preschool exchange.
Adelaide father John Croucher, 41, loves travelling to Japan with his wife, Sofee, 36, and son Edwin, 5.
The family travels there nearly every year, but this year’s trip was different.
“We had planned a trip this year and saw an advertisement for a Japanese preschool exchange on social media,” Mr Croucher said.
The Crouchers were initially unsure about the program, but later saw it featured in international media – and decided it would be an incredible experience for Edwin, “something he can always say he’s done”.
They booked a two-week exchange at Moikka International School in October through Japan Preschool Exchange (JPE).
The $8500 cost covered 10 days of schooling for Edwin and 12 days of accommodation.
Each day Edwin attended preschool and experienced the Japanese lifestyle, while even picking up a few words of Japanese too.
Because the preschool was located in Nishio, south of Nagoya, in a suburban area not usually visited by tourists, it gave the family a totally different experience from a typical holiday to Japan.
Mr Croucher said it was difficult at times, but Edwin was joined by another exchange student from America and formed a close friendship.
Mr and Mrs Croucher spent the time wandering through Nishio and having some time to explore Japan together.
Edwin is one of hundreds of children from more than 10 countries who have completed a short exchange at Moikka International School, and Mr Croucher said his son still enjoyed looking through his photo book and remembering the friends he made.
Moikka spokeswoman Haruna Mokume said the experience is a great cultural immersion for both Japanese and international students.
“Many children experience Japanese food and culture for the first time,” Ms Mokume said.
“And Japanese children are inspired by their new international friends.
“Through daily play, art, and communication, they discover different perspectives and creative ideas.”
“We believe that through these experiences, children – both local and international – gain something truly lifelong: a global heart and a deep curiosity for the world.”
Moikka was the host preschool, but the exchange was organised by JPE.
JPE spokesman Masato Fukuda said over 1000 children had participated in an exchange since the agency launched in 2021.
“Many parents join because they want their children to experience a different culture first-hand – including exposure to the Japanese language, traditional arts like taiko drumming and tea ceremony, and Japan’s renowned approach to early childhood education and discipline,” Mr Fukuda said.
“Families also appreciate that travelling with young children becomes easier through JPE.
“While parents explore Japan’s local culture and nature, their children attend a welcoming preschool community – creating meaningful experiences for the whole family.
“Another common motivation is the desire to spend time in Japan’s beautiful countryside, surrounded by forests, rivers, snow, and seasonal landscapes that children rarely encounter in urban daily life.”
Do you have an interesting exchange story to share? Reach out at education@news.com.au
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Originally published as Growing number of Aussies sending their children on a Japanese preschool exchange
