As the title says, I’m hoping for any language school recommendations for someone planning to apply to Japanese university. I would like to be begin studying this October or earlier. I applied to Waseda University’s SILS, and language school into university is my backup plan in the case that I am rejected.
The aspects that I’m looking for are that the school is located in Tokyo, offers EJU preparation (meaning it’s accredited by the government?), and is very intensive. Preferably, the school would have partnerships with universities as well, as I have heard that teachers can assist with recommendation letters and make the entrance process easier. It would also be beneficial to be able to interact with university students.
My language ability at this time is intermediate, probably JLPT N3 or (maybe) low N2, although I have not taken any official tests. I plan to consider self-studying the language until I go to the school itself, and I will study outside of classes when I am there, as well.
Additionally, I have contacted GoGoNihon previously, and the person who assisted me recommended the Yoshida Institute of Japanese Language. If anyone has insight into this particular school and/or GoGoNihon’s service, I would greatly appreciate it!
Thank you greatly to anyone who can provide help! I plan on doing more research while I wait for my Waseda results.
(I apologize if this post is written poorly or is lacking in details, I am rather anxious about my application and might not be thinking straight LMAO).
Edit: Adding a little bit of information that I forgot to include, I’m hoping to study for around a year or a year and a half (or shorter if my progress permits it). JLPT N1 is the end goal, but from what I understand, N2 is enough for university entrance.
I feel like there’s something else I’m forgetting, so if I remember then I’ll edit this again lol
1 comment
There are a few people here who recently posted about entrance into Japanese university so those might provide some colour. There are not many westerners going this path and it seems difficult.
My Tokyo language school teachers said that the partner universities & trade schools “expected” incoming students to be above N2 level (also for speaking & writing, which are not really tested on the JLPT exam). Both the language schools and universities/trade schools took the “recommendation” responsibility very seriously.
Language schools often start first day with placement exams which test reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Placement might be lowest-common-denominator. There is strong pressure to start all students in the beginner class (I was told so all students have a solid and similar foundation, plus it is unfair to fill advanced classes with people that are “behind”). During second semester, we saw some students pass N3 and a few pass N2; they were far ahead of the class obviously.
Self-studiers might not focus on output but I don’t know your situation; a tutor could be helpful for guidance and shoring up weaknesses. Good luck!