"I want to enroll my child in an international school, but I'm anxious about my English skills for the parent interview." "Can a family be rejected because of the parents' English proficiency?"
When considering an international school, many parents face the challenge of their own English proficiency. The required level of English varies significantly from school to school. Some institutions require native-level fluency from both parents with no interpreters allowed, while others offer Japanese language support.
In this article, we've researched the official requirements of 16 major international schools and have categorized the required English level for parents into three tiers. Use this guide not only to help you choose a target school but also to prepare practical strategies for your interview.
1. Why International Schools Value Parental English Proficiency
Why do schools place such importance on parents' English skills? It's about more than just the interview. The primary reason is to ensure effective communication after your child is enrolled.
- Emergency Communication: Can the school communicate with you smoothly in English in case of an injury or illness?
- Academic Support: Can you understand homework assignments and support your child's learning at home?
- School Community Involvement: Can you participate in volunteer opportunities and PTA activities, which are often conducted in English?
Schools want to avoid situations where a language barrier could negatively impact a child's school experience. This is why many schools explicitly state their language requirements for parents in their Admissions Policy.
2. English Proficiency Levels for Parent Interviews: A School-by-School Breakdown
Based on our research, we have categorized the English requirements at major international schools into the following three levels.
High Level: Parental English Proficiency is "Mandatory" (No Interpreters, Fluency Required)
Schools in this category operate on the assumption that all communication will be conducted in English. Interpreters are generally not permitted during the interview, and it is an application requirement for at least one parent to have a high level of English proficiency.
- ASIJ (The American School in Japan)
- Requirement: Explicitly states, "One or both parents need to be fluent in English."
- Characteristics: All school communication is in English. A lack of English proficiency is a clear reason for rejection.
- Nishimachi International School
- Requirement: "One parent...needs to be able to communicate in English."
- Characteristics: Although the school emphasizes Japanese language education, communication with parents is primarily in English.
- YIS (Yokohama International School)
- Requirement: Ability to communicate orally "without any assistance." Applying with the intention of using an interpreter would be difficult.
- Others: BST, Seisen, ISSH, Aoba, and CIS also require that "at least one parent can communicate smoothly in English."
Medium Level: English is Important, but with "Flexibility" (Support or Options Available)
While English proficiency is certainly an advantage, these schools demonstrate a degree of flexibility and do not necessarily require complete fluency.
- TIS (Tokyo International School)
- Requirement: States that having "English Proficient Parents" is a factor in admissions, but not an absolute requirement.
- Malvern College Tokyo
- Requirement: The interview is mainly in English, but it is stated that a Japanese-speaking staff member can provide translation support if needed.
- Characteristics: This shows an emphasis on alignment with the school's educational philosophy over English ability.
- Harrow Appi / Rugby School Japan
- Requirement: The student's own English ability is strictly assessed, but there is no strong requirement for parental English proficiency stated on the official website (*Note: Communication from the school is primarily in English).
Flexible Level: Japanese Interviews or Official Use of Interpreters Permitted
This group of schools is the most accessible for parents who are not confident in their English abilities.
- KIST (K. International School Tokyo)
- Requirement: Applicants can choose to have the interview in Japanese (this is recommended if both parents are Japanese citizens).
- Characteristics: The school officially permits parents to arrange their own interpreter only if they speak neither English nor Japanese. However, the family's commitment to supporting their child's education post-enrollment is closely examined.
3. Three Strategies for Parents with Limited English to Succeed in the Interview
"My target school is in the 'High Level' category, but I don't want to give up." If this sounds like you, use the following strategies to demonstrate your commitment and preparation.
1. Have the More Fluent Parent Take the Lead
Many schools state that it is sufficient for "at least one parent" to be proficient. During the interview, the more confident English-speaking partner should take the lead. Even if your English is limited, preparing a greeting and a brief self-introduction in English, then passing the conversation to your partner with a phrase like, "My husband/wife will explain the details," demonstrates a collaborative spirit.
2. Prepare and Practice a Script
Interview questions are often predictable. Prepare and practice your answers for the three most common topics: "Why you are applying to this school," "Your family's educational philosophy," and "Your child's personality." It's also helpful to memorize a phrase like, "Let me think for a moment," to give yourself time to compose your thoughts if you get stuck.
3. Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
Even if your current English level is not high, showing that you are actively working to improve it is crucial. Mentioning something like, "I am currently attending an English language school to improve my communication skills," can be viewed positively as it shows your commitment to becoming an active member of the school community.
Conclusion: "School Fit" is More Important Than English Fluency
While parental English proficiency is important, it is rarely the sole deciding factor (with some exceptions like ASIJ). What schools are most interested in is "School Fit"—whether your family understands the school's philosophy and is prepared to be a collaborative partner in your child's education.
Even if your target school has high English requirements, thorough preparation and a clear demonstration of your commitment can open doors. The first step is to identify which "level" your prospective school falls into and prepare your strategy accordingly.
Practice for Your Parent Interview with "ELT"
"I've written a script, but I'm not confident in my pronunciation." "I want to practice in a realistic setting to build my confidence."
If this sounds like you, consider ELT's "International School Interview Preparation Course." Our native-speaking instructors conduct mock interviews tailored to your target school's level, helping you refine both your English and the content of your answers. We'll support you in expressing your thoughts in your own words, without relying on an interpreter.
