Hey all, been meaning to put in my app for October semester at a JP language school, specifically in Nagoya.
Mostly starting from absolute beginner since, despite passing N5, I definitely didn’t feel like I actually did. Basically guessed my way to success in many parts. Also took a several month study break and half of what I DID memorize has been lost.
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I’ve mostly narrowed my choices down to YWCA or Yamasa (EDIT) or Genki Nagoya as I’ve seen them recommended the most.
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In both YWCA and Yamasa’s cases, I’m aiming for 2 years.
While I’ve seen mostly positives about both, I’ve also seen recommendations about YWCA not being as good for long-term and better for short-term/part-time. For Yamasa I’m seeing complaints of feeling left behind with the teaching being on a strict path. Also they have electives which could be a bonus or negative depending on if you’re required to take some.
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(EDIT) With Genki, I was more shooting for 1 year and then doing another at a different school as all the info I’m getting about Genki is that it’s great for beginners but kinda useless in the late-intermediate and advanced levels.
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Hoping to get some thoughts from experienced ppls to help narrow things down. Other recommends are welcome, though these two are the most in my budget and can’t afford to get too crazy with tuition costs (money isn’t an issue, just not interested in spending another 60k on school).
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Thanks!
1 comment
Imo doing elementary in schools is a waste of time and money, you spend one year doing basically nothing at snail pace then during the second year they ask you to learn 20 kanjis a day, ton of grammar and vocabulary at chinese student pace (they know the kanji already and can guess a ton of words meanings)
Living in a dormitory that provide breakfast and dinner is far cheaper than getting a room, it has cons (can’t bring boys/girls to your room, curfews…) but many pros. Schools normally work with those dormitories or even own them.
If you are short of money I would self study up to their second year level (ask about textbooks, kanji, grammar equivalent), then you will have money to “live” a bit better for that second year.
Also If I were you I would ask about mask policies cause maybe you will be asked to be using one during classes right now… (If you watch any stream of people walking Japan most people still use them and don’t be surprised if they will ask you to use them.)
5 hours a day of lessons wearing a mask… what a pleasure… what a memorable experience xD