Immigration. Travel. Living.

Japan: learning the Japanese

Flag of Japan

Samples of monuments of ancient Japan are scattered everywhere. Because Tokyo is an enormous city, the different neighborhoods are very different from each other, from the old imperial gardens, the shrine of the Chiyoda area, the ceramics shops, and the Asakusa temple complex, to the more modern areas of the city such as the Shinjuku area.

It is known as the “second center” of Tokyo and serves as a business, shopping, and nightlife destination. Students interested in Japanese language courses in Tokyo will find many activities and places to explore. In this city, both students and tourists will always find somewhere to go, and thanks to the high rate of population, they will also have the opportunity to practice Japanese with many people.

Features of admission and training in language schools in Japan

Anyone wishing to take language courses in Japan should register for short-term courses before closing about a month before the start of classes, and for long-term – 4 months. In many schools, there is late submission of documents, but this will have to be paid for separately. Such early deadlines are associated with the lengthy procedure for obtaining a Japanese visa.

When choosing a language school in Japan, students who travel to the country without knowing Japanese should check if the organization has staff who speak English. Unfortunately, in Japan, not everyone knows the international language at a sufficiently good level.

Since the Japanese way of life is significantly different from the Western one, students who decide to live with a family should inquire in advance about the etiquette and rules of decency in the country. For example, the Japanese are judgmental towards those who eat and drink on the go, or tip is not customary in Japanese restaurants. There are dozens of articles on the Internet advising on how foreigners should behave in Japan.

The education system in Japanese language schools

Japanese language teaching method

In the Japanese language school, the main subject of instruction is Japanese. Teaching Japanese is carried out in the following areas:

  • Grammar, colloquial, essay, listening;
  • Hieroglyphics;
  • Reading;
  • Preparation for the exam “Nihongo noryoku shiken”;
  • Preparation for the Nihongo Ryugaku Shiken exam;
  • Preparation for exams for admission to colleges, universities, postgraduate studies;
  • General knowledge of Japan.

three bicycles parked in front of building

Terms of training

Short term programs:

  • 3 months (200 hours at Nichigo school, 220 hours at Futaba, East-West, Samu schools);
  • Arbitrary from 2 weeks to 3 months.

Complete programs:

  • 1 year;
  • 1 year 6 months;
  • 2 years.

If the student finishes his studies earlier than the deadline agreed upon, it is necessary to obtain permission from the school principal to explain the reason for the premature graduation. You are not allowed to change schools during your studies.

Visa to study language courses in Japan

The procedure for obtaining a Japanese visa will take quite a long time since the documents must be provided not only by the student visiting the country but also by the language school. Therefore, you should start collecting the package of documents as early as possible.

For those wishing to take language courses in Japan, there are two visa options. The first is a short-term visa, which is issued for 90 days. Students planning to attend Japanese language courses lasting up to 3 months can safely apply for them. The second option is a student visa, which allows you to stay in the country from 6 months to 2 years (the duration of the visa depends on the duration of study in language courses in Japan).

Documents that the student must provide:

  • Completed visa application form;
  • A foreign passport valid throughout the trip;
  • Copy of the internal passport;
  • 2 photos;
  • Certificate from the place of study or work;
  • Booking air tickets.

Documents required from the language school:

  • a letter indicating the reason for the invitation;
  • Stay program;
  • A letter guaranteeing that the student will leave the country within the specified period;
  • Information about the school: certificate of registration of a legal entity, a copy of the quarterly report of the company, and information on the activities of the company.

Advantages and disadvantages of language courses in Japan

Language courses in Japan attract more and more students every year. 

This interest is due to several features of studying and living in this country:

  • The opportunity to immerse yourself in the peculiar culture of the country;
  • Availability of government scholarships and grants for Japanese language learners in Japan;
  • Easy to improve pronunciation: Japanese is a phonetically poor language;
  • Japanese language schools help long-term students looking for part-time work.

But at the same time, it is worth considering the following disadvantages of language courses in Japan:

  • It will be difficult for a European student to adapt to the country;
  • Possible culture shock;
  • Living in the country will be expensive;
  • Too many people in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto;
  • High probability of natural disasters: earthquakes and tsunamis.

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