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We're thinking of spending a year (or two) in Japan. I'm looking at several possibilities for dd10's schooling. One would be to throw her into a Japanese school which would be more than challenging due to the language. I speak Japanese and she has learned a minimal amount but could learn more before "immersion." Another option would be an international school but that would be very expensive and not necessarily good for gifted students. A third option would be some kind of online learning with a homeschooling situation. I'm looking for advice. Has anyone spent a year or more in a foreign country with their dc? If you entered your child in a local school, how did it turn out? Other forums I've checked include lots of information about international schools, but I've talked to several parents who had gifted kids in international schools and were disappointed with the complete lack of differentiation.
Thanks in advance.

Good luck.
My husband is Japanese and I spent several years living there, teaching in an English immersion school for Japanese kids (I taught 2 year olds.). Giftedness doesn't seem to be well understood or acknowledged in Japan, as my husband doesn't seem to get our kids. He understands "high IQ", but doesn't get how that doesn't necessarily equal "good grades".
As you're probably aware, Japan is very test-focused and success in school/life seems to be solely based on how well you can do on standardized tests. It's really unfair. Putting our son into a Japanese school would likely be a horrible experience for him, but he's not a schooly kid (We don't have him in an American school now. He's 6 next week.)
Homeschooling is not common -- and maybe not even allowed -- as far as Japanese citizens are concerned. However, I doubt that anyone would make a fuss about what you do with your non-Japanese kid. That's the somewhat good part about Japan. As a foreigner, you get to follow your own rules. I have a friend who homeschools while living on the American base in Okinawa. She loves it. I could put you in touch with her if you'd like.

I sent you a pm. Thanks!