Hey all! I’ve seen a few posts about Japanese language schools in Japan, but most are from years back and people don’t usually update with their experiences post-Japan. I’m a language-lover and pick things up fairly quickly. I’ve watched anime for years, and have been self-studying Japanese for about 4 months. I can read hiragana and katakana, and understand a fair amount of basics. I’m wondering if people who have gone to language school in Japan could share their experiences here. Specifically I’m looking at GenkiJACS and Meiji Academy in Fukuoka (I’m interested in Fukuoka because it isn’t huge like Tokyo, and is much cheaper to live in). I’d love to hear how long you stayed, how you liked your school (please give the name!) and things you wished you would have done differently. Since most of these types of posts are a little aged, I’m hoping for some more current info on the learning climate and recent experiences.
Genki has already told me their October 2023 intake is full, so I’ll probably need to wait for April 2024. I’m hoping to go for 1 year. I’ve read some reviews that said their beginner program is great, but the intermediate program falls a bit short. If I wait a year before I go I’m worried I’ll be too studied to really take full advantage of the beginner’s course. Is that ridiculous or is there some sense to that?
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Thank you all in advance!
3 comments
Kyushu Foreign Language Academy. They have specialized teachers that might help with specific words in an industry you’re interested in.
You’re interested in Fukuoka, but I don’t know much about the area.
I went to KCP International in Shinjuku, Tokyo and I lived in Ikebukuro. Housing is actually pretty affordable near the school, as well as away from it. With transportation being so efficient, living a good distance from the school wouldn’t be a problem (as long as you don’t mind a little bit longer of a train ride).
I could not recommend KCP international enough. A fantastic school. I did a short term summer program July-SEPT 2022. I cannot express fully just what being in that school did for my Japanese skills. I’m happy to talk about it in more detail, if you’d like.
I know you’re looking outside of Tokyo, but I’d recommend opening your options a little more and checking out KCP.
Live in Fukuoka but haven’t been to language school here. It’s a great place to live and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to use your Japanese as there’s much less of an English speaking bubble here. In terms of schools etc maybe ask in /r/fukuoka as many people on this sub don’t live in Japan.