Let me give everyone reading this a little bit of context. I was last in Japan when I was in kindergarten, and ever since then I’ve been living in a foreign country. Due to family circumstances, I am now moving back to Japan after 10 years, just in time for my first year in High School.
You might have guessed by reading this that my Japanese is not very good, and you are absolutely correct. I only know conversational Japanese, I can only read hiragana and katakana, my kanji level is the same as an average third grader. And don’t even get me started on my handwriting, I think a first grader can write better Japanese than me.
I heard that Japanese High Schools require entrance exams in order to enter unlike Elementary and Junior High. Not to mention all of the lessons, academics and exams being in Japanese.
Do you think it’s a good idea for someone like me to go to a Japanese High School? My alternative plan is not going to school for an entire year, instead spend that time learning Japanese at home and with language lessons. Do you think that is a better plan?
2 comments
>My alternative plan is not going to school for an entire year, instead spend that time learning Japanese at home and with language lessons. Do you think that is a better plan?
Frankly: Yes. Unless you/your parents are willing to shell out for an international high school you are going to struggle immensely with your limited Japanese literacy.
Either that or find some way to do high school in the country where you’re currently located.
There are schools with special programs for returnees. If I was you I’d investigate those programs.