Hi there,
I am planning on moving to Tokyo for a year in April 2025 to study Japanese. I am currently at an N5 level, but have previously studied in high school and expect to be around an N4 level when I arrive in Japan. This trip for me is more of a long holiday than a pathway into living in Japan. I am hoping to do some travelling around Japan while I am there, and hopefully get to China in my year away.
I have been talking to Go!Go!Nihon! and was initially looking to study at either Kai or ISI, however, they suggested SJLI/SNG as it has a slightly lower intensity (given that I am looking to not spend all of my time in Japan studying Japanese).
I have a few questions/points that I was hoping to get some input on:
* I am planning on studying for 1 year, but I had heard some people suggest to sign up for 6 months of language school and then extend if it’s something I wanted to continue doing. Does this sound like a good idea?
* I was hoping to hear anyone’s experiences on either of KAI, ISI or SLJI. I am hoping to get my Japanese to an N2\~ level in 12 months, with an equal weighting between speaking, reading and listening.
* Does anyone have any recommendations on great neighbourhoods in Tokyo? I have heard that around Kichijoji is ideal. I would be looking for a private apartment and my budget is around 100k yen per month.
* My hobbies are running (I was hoping to join a run club in Tokyo), chess, reading, live experimental music and basketball.
* Any general language school or accomodation advice!
Thanks in advance!
by BarQuiet4531