I'll be coming up on my fourth year here in Japan, and I realized it is high time I learn Japanese properly. Yes, living here has improved my listening immensely, and I've picked up loads of vocabulary. However, I realized that there's only so far I can go without sitting down and opening a textbook.
Having a full-time job, and later on, being a wife and having a daughter, prevented me from creating a solid daily routine that would allow me the predictability of studying on my own. Therefore, I had to do something drastic in order to make up for the past three years, and that was to quit my job and enroll in language school!
It was not an easy decision to make but with my husband's support, and the support of other family and friends, I knew that this was something I wouldn't regret doing! In this post, I'll be sharing how I found a language school, and what things I needed to think about before enrolling!
WHAT IS A JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL?
In Japan, a language school is, a private or non-profit, educational institution that students can attend to study the Japanese language. Most institutions require their students to be over the age of 18 and ideally have JLPT N5 equivalent Japanese. Most do not require you to have any college education or a degree to attend. You will need a valid visa, however, that allows you to study. Most language schools will often sponsor student visas for those coming abroad.
Some language schools go over and beyond and have student accommodations and you may also receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course, but you won't be able to use the lesson hours or "credits" to transfer to a college or university.
If you would like to do an official study abroad or earn qualifying credit hours and a diploma, you will need to enroll in a traditional college or university's language program.
In short, a language school will teach you the language and give you the opportunity to learn specific skills related to the language, such as how to pass a language proficiency test, entrance exam, and so on.
WHERE ARE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOLS LOCATED?
Japanese language schools are often located in urban areas and one of their main selling points is being in the "center" of all of the action. However, to be honest, there are language schools located all over Japan, urban and rural. The most popular locations are, of course, schools that are located in sprawling metropolitans, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. In those cities, you'll find the most variety of schools, and have a better chance of finding a school that is the perfect fit for you.
If you are overseas and haven't a clue where to begin, and need help looking for a language school, you can visit GaijinPot Study, and they can help you with the process. GoGoNihon is also an option as well!
If you are already in Japan, a simple Google search will get you started! I live in Yokohama, and while Yokohama is a fairly big city, there aren't as many options due to being so close to Tokyo. Therefore, I had to really search to find my perfect fit.
I didn't want to go too far due to needing to be near my daughter in case something happened, and I also didn't want to deal with the commute from Tokyo to Yokohama if I could help it. Therefore, I reached out to about four schools in Yokohama that fit my criteria.
After you find a location that you'd like to study in, it is time to start reflecting on your goals.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND LANGUAGE SCHOOL?
Of course, the cost varies widely depending on location (Tokyo will be more expensive than say a language school in Gunma), how often you'd like to attend school, and also whether your classes will be in person or online.
After doing some research, for a full-time, meaning five days a week 3 and a half hours a day, in-person classes for one year, on average, will cost somewhere between 6,000 to 9,000 USD. Tokyo has some of the highest tuition costs, whereas rural places, run about half of the cost.
The tuition will go up for one-on-one lessons or other fees, such as excursions or extracurricular classes. Of course, this cost does not include transportation, lodging, or anything other than tuition and books.
If you are a "domestic" student, meaning you won't need visa sponsorship or lodging, many schools offer discounted prices! So, definitely ask about that, and also look into schools that are transparent with their contract and fees.
Some schools also offer a discount for paying in full. Also, some schools offer installments.
WHAT IS MY GOAL?
Many language schools are geared toward those coming from abroad, and they really sell the "immersive" part of the language school experience. This marketing tactic doesn't actually work though if you already live in Japan.
Therefore, if you already live in Japan and are considering attending Japanese language school, you most likely have a purpose or reason. Maybe you want to get a better job, or you want to enter a Japanese university. In order to know what school would be the best fit for you and your dreams, you're going to want to think about exactly what you want to do with your language skills.
Most schools have five basic courses:
Conversation based (focused on using everyday Japanese and how to improve listening and speaking), JLPT Prep (prepare you for taking the Japanese language proficiency exam), EJU (prepare you for taking the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Student), Graduate School Course (Help you write thesis and proposal for getting into a Japanese Graduate School), and Business Japanese/Job Searching Course (Help you find employment in Japanese or conduct business in Japanese).
As for myself, I am taking a general course that is heavily conversation-based. While one day I would like to take the JLPT, I am not too focused on that and instead would love to improve my conversation skills so that I can better communicate with the people in my community.
Once you finish the beginner levels and move onto the intermediate level that is when you're path will be the most important, so think deeply about exactly where you want your Japanese skills to take you!
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REACH MY GOAL?
That will depend on how often you attend school and the pacing of the school's curriculum, but generally many schools follow this timeline if a student attends full-time.
0 Japanese to JLPT N5 - 3 Months
JLPT N5-N4 - 3 months
JLPT N4-N3 - 3 months
JLPT N3-N2 - 6 Months
JLPT N2-N1 - 9 Months
JLPT N1 - 3 Months
This of course varies, as many schools use different textbooks and techniques, so if you would like to achieve your goal in a certain time frame, then definitely bring that up in the vetting process!
I FOUND A SCHOOL I LIKE. WHAT IS NEXT?
Contact the school and schedule a placement test. Almost all schools require a placement test, which will allow them to place you in a class that best fits your ability. If they have availability for that level and it fits your schedule, then they will introduce the course texts and materials. If all goes well, you'll fill out an enrollment sheet and need to pay the tuition.
The process was incredibly simple, and I went from being unenrolled to being enrolled and attending the entrance ceremony the next day!
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS?
- It doesn't help to contact the school super in advance. Many schools cater to their overseas students and they want to fill as many spots as they can with overseas students ($$$). As a domestic applicant that pays a discount, we are often the last priority. There is no concept of first pay first serve. Most schools will take care of their visa sponsors first, make sure they get their first pick of classes, and you'll be placed in whatever spots are left. So, don't feel pressured to contact a school super early.
- If you can, try to join a school at the beginning of JLPT N4. N5 level classes have the most incoming overseas students, and therefore, class space is limited. If you come in at N4, then you'll have a much easier time finding a class that fits your schedule.You may also be able to save a few coins.
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