Contrary to what you find on the internet, there is no such thing as the “best” Japanese language school in Japan. It all boils down to your goal and study plans. And while the best way to learn the language is to move to Japan, choosing the right school — and courses can feel overwhelming. It’s not easy to understand how to choose a school when all of them seem like they are offering the same thing.
We’ve matched students with a language school in Japan that fits their needs, and through one-on-one interviews, we’ve come up with a few important points you need to raise before you make your decision.
What lesson pace do you want?
Do you want a face-paced or slower-paced school? A fast-paced school offer support for university or employment in Japan. Homework is to be expected every day, and studies outside of school are required. Students who go to this school need to reach N2 or equivalent in order to move forward with their bigger plans in Japan.
Slow-paced schools offer a more relaxed environment. Homework is also to be expected every day, but studies outside of school can be very minimal. This pace is perfect for students who would like to focus on experiencing the Japanese culture, and what it’s like living in Japan for a certain period of time.
What do you want to focus on?
Some students want to focus on improving their speaking Japanese skills, while others would want to focus on studying for the JLPT to be qualified for universities and certain employment opportunities in Japan. Make sure that the school you choose offers the type of lessons and the type of learning environment you are sure to thrive.
Schools that support students with JLPT, higher education, and/or full-time employment tend to offer more traditional classes. They tend to follow textbook teaching and less conversation practice. On the other hand, schools that offer conversational classes tend to be more laid-back and slower-paced than traditional schools. They also offer a lot of opportunities for practicing conversation while in class.
What’s your goal?
We want to start this off by saying that it is completely okay if you haven’t figured out what you want to do in Japan in the long term, at least. However, you need to have a bigger picture of your life plan. Do you want to continue to study at university? Do you want to find a job?
If your goal is either of these things, a faster-paced school would be the best fit. Otherwise, if you are just looking at experiencing the Japanese culture and traveling while learning the language, a slower pace would be recommended.
Where do you want to study?
Do you prefer living in a big city, or away from the hustle and bustle? Are you a beach bum, or do you prefer cooler weather all year round? It is very important to consider this point as well, as you will need to choose a city you can call home away from home.
What’s your budget?
The bigger the city, the higher the cost of living. Consider your budget for accommodation, food, daily necessities, tuition fees, and the amount you are willing to spend during your studies.
For more information about this, we’ve broken down the budget and living costs in Japan.