The Reality of Relocating to Malaysia for Kids' Education: 6 Years In

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"Moving abroad for the children's education"—you hear it more and more these days. Our family did exactly that, living in Malaysia for about six years, from 2019 to the summer of 2025. This article shares the "reality you only see once you live there"—the good and the hard—honestly.

What you'll learn

Why many families choose Malaysia
The reality of international schools, the visa (MM2H), and costs
Who it suits, and who should think twice

1. Why Malaysia?

A few reasons families pick Malaysia for education:

English environment: English is one of the official languages and widely understood day to day
Plenty of international schools: many follow Western curricula
A balance of cost of living: more realistic budgeting than moving to the West (tuition aside)
Distance and time difference from Japan: relatively light on both flights and jet lag

*Directly beneath the towers. This was where we were going to live.*

2. The reality of international schools

Our children attended a local international school. The caring environment and international friendships are a real asset. On the other hand, tuition varies widely by school and is by no means cheap (it changes by campus, curriculum, and grade). Since the school makes or breaks the move, it's important to visit in person and check it fits your family's approach.

*A school concert—an event where you really feel your child growing*

*The walk to school runs through a lot of greenery.*

3. Thinking about the visa (MM2H) and costs

For long stays, a visa such as MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) is one option. But the program and its requirements change from time to time, and conditions have tightened compared with when we moved. Always check the latest official information.

Costs center on "tuition + housing (a condo, etc.) + living expenses." The total shifts a lot with the grade of school and housing you choose.

💡 Tip: Visa, school, and housing are closely linked. It's easier to decide the school first, then look for housing within commuting range.

4. The reality of daily life (the hard parts)

Here's the "gap" you don't see on a holiday, told honestly.

Tap water: it can come out yellowish, so bottled water and water dispensers are the norm for drinking
Home construction: unexpected issues like leaks can happen
Delivery and service quality: Japan's "normal" doesn't always apply

*Inside our condo. Until life found its shape, this room was the whole of it*

A "when in Rome" mindset goes a long way toward reducing stress.

5. Who it suits—and who should think twice

Suits you if: you want an international education / you can enjoy change / you don't demand perfection
Think carefully if: you require exactly Japan's standard of living / you want quick results

Looking back on six years, there was plenty that was hard—but spending such a big part of raising our kids abroad was an irreplaceable experience for our family.

📌 Last updated: July 2026. Visa rules, tuition, and living info change. Always confirm the latest details on official sources when considering a move.