Jessie

Jessie

Parent

Nationality: Argentinian and Taiwanese

Why did you choose YIS?

We chose YIS because the 2 ambassadors that showed us the school were amazing and we wanted our children to grow up to be like them.  
 

How important was selecting an IB school to you and what specifically appeals to you about the IB program?

We were not specifically searching for an IB school but we liked the curriculum and the atmosphere of YIS. Now I'm glad we chose an IB school because our son is encouraged to think and act on his own and can already do things that other students only learn when they enter college.
 

Do you think your diverse upbringing contributed to your choice of the IB program for your family?

Yes, it helped us choose a school that had everything that was missing from our own education. Not all IB schools are the same, we were particularly attracted to the relaxed atmosphere of YIS. Our diverse upbringing allowed us to explore many different kinds of educational systems, understanding the pros and cons of each of them. The closest thing to an ideal school for our son was YIS.
 

What does your child enjoy the most about learning at YIS?

My son enjoys being encouraged to act on his own and that he doesn't feel judged. At YIS he has the freedom to think for himself and change things.


What do you as a parent enjoy about being at YIS?

Everything, I'm already worried that our son will graduate and we will no longer be part of the YIS community.  

I left my home country when I was 4 years old and have always struggled with cultural differences, the first time I felt completely welcome and relaxed was at YIS. I never thought as adults we could still make new, real friends, but at YIS I have found soulmates. That’s how wonderful this community is.
 

Do you participate in school or non-school activities with YIS parents? If so, can you tell us about some, and what you enjoyed about them?

I was lucky to already be an active part of the YIS community before the COVID pandemic, so I participated in almost every activity they offered. I have enjoyed the best cooking lessons with international food, hiking trips, visits to museums and parks, drawing and craft lessons, classes about Japanese culture, language lessons, yoga, pilates and many other fun activities.
 

Do you live in Tokyo or Yokohama? How is the commute for your child/children?

We used to live next to the old campus so the commute was never a problem.  Now that we are at the new campus I drive my child to school.
 

What sort of advice would you give to other parents who are considering YIS?

The education and experience that students receive at YIS cannot be fully explained on a 30 minute school tour with a simple brochure, it really is much more than can be conveyed in that short time. If you have the opportunity I would suggest talking to veteran YIS parents, it will make such a difference to your first impressions of YIS.