Family Study Abroad Guide｜Learn English with Your Children [2025-2026 Edition]

In recent years, "family study abroad" has become very popular in Japan as well. As the name suggests, it is a style of studying abroad in which parents and children travel together, learn English and live together in the destination country. Traditionally, it was usual to send only the children, or for only the parents to study abroad, but the great particularity of family study is learning and living the experience as a "family unit."

The age range is very wide: there are programs that accept everyone from preschool and elementary school children to middle school and high school teenagers. The options range from short stays (summer programs of one to two weeks) to long-term study of several months or even more than a year, so each family can design a plan adapted to its goals and lifestyle.

There are three main reasons why family study abroad is attracting so much attention.

• How fast children learn: being in contact with English from childhood, the period of greatest capacity to absorb language, makes it easier to acquire it naturally.
• A chance for parents to take up their own learning again: they can improve their English level while caring for their children, making use of free moments between work and child-rearing.
• An intercultural experience as a family: by sharing life abroad, parents and children strengthen their international outlook and their family bonds.

In this way, family study abroad has not only educational value but has also become a very meaningful family event. In this guide we comprehensively explain the advantages and disadvantages of family study, its costs, the features of each country and the preparation steps, and we also present in detail one of the most popular destinations: Cebu, in the Philippines.

This style of study, in which parents and children live together abroad while learning, offers different benefits for the children, for the parents and for the family as a whole.

1. Benefits for children

• They absorb English naturally: childhood is said to be the "golden age" for acquiring a language, so listening and speaking ability in English develops with surprising speed. By using English every day with friends and teachers in the destination country, it is easier to reach a real-world level that goes beyond theoretical study.
• They become familiar with other cultures from an early age: life abroad and contact with friends of different nationalities foster an international and flexible mindset, which is a great advantage for their future studies and career.

2. Benefits for parents

• They improve their own English level: besides supporting their children, parents can also attend a language school. It is not unusual for their motivation to study to increase considerably, driven by the wish not to "fall behind" their children.
• They can combine child-rearing with study: in programs designed specifically for families, parents and children take classes in the same building or in nearby areas, which creates a calm environment that is conducive to learning.

3. Benefits for the whole family

• A shared growth experience: not only school life but also everyday activities such as shopping or sightseeing become opportunities to practice English. Facing new challenges and supporting each other as a family becomes a memory for life.
• A life event that strengthens family bonds: sharing as a family a cultural setting and activities that cannot be experienced in Japan makes this experience a "special time" of great value.

Although family study abroad is a very attractive experience, there are also practical aspects worth keeping in mind.

1. The financial burden is considerable

Because both parents and children take classes, the total cost is higher than for individual study.

• Tuition (parents + children)
• Accommodation costs (school dorm, hotel or condominium)
• Plane tickets and insurance
• Living expenses

Especially on long stays, the total cost can reach several million yen, so it is essential to prepare a detailed budget in advance.

2. Attention to children's health and daily habits

Since food, climate and hygiene conditions abroad are different from those in Japan, taking care of the children's health becomes an important challenge.

• Picky eating because they are not used to the local food
• Worry about the medical system of the destination country
• Tiredness caused by the change in daily rhythm

Especially when the children are young, it is important that parents are always available to support them.

3. Parents' study time is limited

Although "parents can also study," in practice the time spent taking children to and from school or looking after them may keep you from devoting enough hours to your own learning. This is especially important when traveling with young children or children in the early grades of elementary school.

4. The stress of adapting to the culture and environment

• The child may not manage to adapt to the local school or friends
• The parents themselves may feel stress because of English or local customs
• Feeling more homesick than expected

To overcome these adaptation challenges, it is important that parents and children get an idea beforehand of "what life there will be like" and keep a flexible attitude.

One of the biggest obstacles to family study is "cost." Because tuition and accommodation are needed for two people (a parent and a child, and sometimes three or more if there are siblings), the expense is considerably higher than for individual study.

1. Tuition

• Language school (parents + children): 200,000 to 400,000 yen per month
• If the child attends a local or international school, the cost goes up and may add 100,000 to 200,000 yen more per month
• For summer schools or short programs, the reference cost is around 50,000 to 100,000 yen per week

2. Accommodation costs

• School dorm: relatively inexpensive, and often has rooms designed for parents and children (100,000 to 200,000 yen per month)
• Condominium or apartment: offers more freedom in daily life, but rent plus utilities is around 150,000 to 300,000 yen per month
• Hotel stay: comfortable for short stays, but expensive if it goes on for a long time

3. Plane tickets and transportation

• Philippines (Cebu): round trip for two people, approximately 100,000 to 150,000 yen
• North America and Europe: round trip for two people, approximately 300,000 to 500,000 yen

In addition, you must budget separately for transfer costs to the school and for getting around at the destination itself.

4. Living expenses

Food: varies depending on whether you cook at home or eat out, but for two people it is around 50,000 to 100,000 yen per month. If you include everyday items and leisure expenses, the figure rises even further.

5. Insurance and visa procedures

• Study abroad insurance: 50,000 to 100,000 yen per month for parents and children
• Student visa: the cost and procedures vary by country (in the Philippines it is enough to extend the tourist visa, whereas Canada and Australia require a student visa)

Estimated budget by country (per month, for two people)

On short stays (one to two weeks) the cost may come down somewhat, but in long-term study it is not unusual for the total to reach several million yen. When considering family study, it is essential to always calculate a total budget that includes "tuition + living expenses + reserve fund."

Family study is offered in countries all over the world, but each has its own features, cost level and living conditions.

Philippines (Cebu, Clark, etc.)

Canada (Vancouver, Toronto)

Australia (Sydney, Brisbane)

Malta

Singapore

As you can see, the "cost," the "education system" and the "living conditions" vary greatly by country. In general, the Philippines is chosen when cost is the priority, Canada or Australia when safety and educational quality are sought, and Malta or Singapore when priority is given to the cultural experience.

Although we talk about "family study abroad" as a single concept, there are many different types of programs.

1. Family course at a language school

Parents and children attend the same school together and take classes adapted to their age and level. Some schools even offer activities in which both can share the same class. It offers peace of mind and is also suitable for short stays.

2. Summer school and short programs

Programs of one to four weeks that make use of the summer or spring holidays. During the day, the children take part in activities and classes, while the parents can take another course or enjoy free time. It is very popular among families who want to have the experience in a short time.

3. Parents at a language school, children at a local school or daycare

The parents attend a language school while the children go to a local school or daycare. The children learn in a fully English environment, and the parents can devote enough time to their own study. It is a suitable option for families planning a long stay or for the child to continue their studies there.

4. Homestay (staying with a host family)

Parents and children stay with a local family and learn English through daily life. It is often combined with attending a school. Recommended for those who want to reduce costs or experience the local culture in depth.

5. Tailor-made programs

A style that freely combines the school, accommodation and activities according to the family's wishes. It is used when there is a large age difference between siblings or when there is a specific goal, such as exam preparation or admission to another educational institution.

For family study abroad to be a success, preparation before departure is essential.

Moving forward with these preparations step by step considerably reduces problems once you are at your destination. In particular, we recommend starting as early as possible with "defining the purpose," "choosing the school" and "handling the visa and insurance."

Among the many possible destinations, Cebu, in the Philippines, is especially popular with Japanese people. For family study, it is usually chosen for three reasons: the "cost," the "distance" and the "educational style," and it offers a calm environment even for those traveling abroad for the first time.

1. A relatively affordable cost

Compared with the United States or Europe, tuition and accommodation are cheaper, and it is possible to study as a family for between 350,000 and 600,000 yen per month. Because one-on-one classes predominate, you can learn effectively even in a short time.

2. Close to Japan and easy to reach

There are direct flights from Narita, Kansai, Nagoya and Fukuoka, with a flight time of about 4-5 hours. Travel is little burden even when traveling with children, which makes it ideal for short stays or summer vacation plans.

3. A wide variety of programs for families

Many language schools have "family courses" and "family dorms," which lets you take part with peace of mind. Parents can take English classes while the children enjoy children's programs or learn English through play.

4. Safety and living conditions

Cebu has developed into one of the main tourist cities in the Philippines and has everyday infrastructure such as shopping malls and hospitals. Some schools also offer a transport service and have resident Japanese staff, ensuring a complete support system.

5. Tourism and activities to enjoy as a family

Beyond the classes, there is a lot to enjoy: beautiful beaches, island-hopping trips and water sports. Being able to have a resort experience as a family while studying is one of its great attractions.

All in all, Cebu offers an ideal environment for family study thanks to its "balance of costs," its "closeness" and the "strength of the support available." It is a destination especially recommended for families looking for their first study abroad experience or a short stay.

Cost and preparation

By destination

By length

By age (Cebu)

Cebu special

Testimonials and real experiences

Problems and frequently asked questions

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