Hi all,
I am looking at enrolling in a Japanese language school from April 2025 for 6 months – 1 year. I am N4 level but I passed that 7 years ago.
I eliminated Tokyo language schools from my search because I am from a large city (London) and tired of large city life and find it overwhelming. Plus, Tokyo would be expensive unless I did a sharehouse. I do not want a part time job. My focus is to study Japanese and get fit (join a gym).
With this in mind I have narrowed it down to 3 schools:
Hokuriku University, Kanazawa.
Pros:
- Known as Little Kyoto.
- Smaller city, can join student clubs, less people speak English in Kanzawa.
- The course itself seems quite robust, many contact hours (9 am – 3pm most days).
- Very affordable cost of living.
Cons:
- My research shows Kanazawa weather is very rainy and very hot in the summer compared to other parts of Japan.
- I'm a bit older so may not fit in with students.
- Most students on the language programme are from China so course may be tailored to them.
- Not a lot of information on the internet on this university/course.
- 1 year course so I really have to commit.
Kyoto University of Foreign Languages
Pros:
- Lots of extra curricular activities, the school also does field trips. * Japanese students at this university are interested in foreign languages so may be more open to converse.
Cons:
- Kyoto has an over tourism problem, so I'm not sure if I would find it overwhelming. Though the school itself would be away from the touristy area.
- Would locals be less friendly?
- 1 year course so I really have to commit.
Yamasa Institute, Aichi
Pros:
- Reddit's favourite LS. Lots of good reviews on this.
- Located in small town so good for immersion.
- More diverse student body.
- Flexible start dates / can do 6 or 9 months if wanted to.
Cons:
- Most expensive out of all choices.
- Smallest town population.
- Have heard Aichi / Nagoya is quite boring?
Please could someone help with any thoughts! Also in terms of length, would it be a waste to only for 6 months so should I be doing 1 year minimum?
by whataledge