TLDR: Is language school better than cultural immersion?
I’ve been learning for about 4-4.5 years now, and for “formal” education have completed through quartet 2. These days I mostly study with the usual (wanikani Anki bunpro) and by engaging with native materials.
Last year I spent 3 months in Japan, including a month long hiking trip in tohoku. I’m at the point where I can strike up an ok conversation in a bar, hitchhike, have made Japanese friends who don’t speak English. Obviously Im great at making mistakes, but good enough to bash my head against it and persevere.
I have some time off coming up and I’m trying to decide if language school in Japan is the move. I have no shame in talking to whoever wherever, or going to language exchanges etc. I’m sure I can grow from it, but also really enjoy the exploratory immersive aspect of being in Japan. It’s half the reason I love it. Are there any recommended resources for Japanese language exchange in Japan?
Obviously this is very personal (and too long) but would love some feedback!
by sgt_leper