Coto School Finder | Study in Japan

If you’re already studying Japanese in Japan, you can come across a few problems like facing culture shock, managing language barriers, and making new friends. One challenge you might not expect is feeling dissatisfied with your current Japanese language school.

When it comes to learning Japanese in Japan, finding the right language school can be tough as there is no one-size-fits-all course. However, even after selecting a language school, you may find yourself unhappy with the classes for various reasons, such as the curriculum, class intensity, location, or a change in your plans. The question then arises: is it possible to transfer to a different language school in Japan? The short answer is yes! While it’s not a common practice and may involve some risks, international students have successfully transferred to different Japanese language schools. In this article, we will provide a guide on how to transfer schools, the conditions that must be met to do so, and how we can help.

What You Need to Before You Change Your Language School in Japan

Check if Your School Allows Transfers 

The very first thing you’ll need to do is check if your current school allows you to transfer to a different school. The sad reality is that some Japanese language schools do not allow this at all. Reasons can vary, but it’s probably that Japanese language schools fall under the authority of the Immigration Bureau. These schools are responsible for managing the residency of foreign students and have been given the authority to oversee their activities. As such, having a track record of having a lot of transferring students can cause the immigration to raise a few concerns.

When a school denies your transfer, you have two options: continue studying there, or return to your home country and reapply for a new school for the next available term. 

Transfering to a Different Japanese Language School is Expensive

Next, you might want to check your school’s refund and cancellation policy. When you’ve applied to your (first) Japanese school in Japan, it’s typical that you’ll pay one year’s worth of tuition before you receive your COE

Schools are usually more lenient when you’re withdrawing your admission before the start of the course, or when your student visa got denied by the immigration. However, when you’ve started your studies, some language schools might offer to return your tuition based on the remaining days you have left within the year-long course, while some schools might also impose a cancellation fee. 

It’s more common that you will not receive any refund for the time you have left. Typically, application and admission fees are non-refundable at this point, too.

Besides that, you’ll also have to pay for the application and tuition fees for your new school as well, making the entire process more costly. 

Your Options for New Schools Can be Limited

Why are you suddenly changing schools? Will there be any particular concerns the school will need to know? Is your attendance rate high? Your next school might raise these questions just because how rare it is for a student to transfer from one Japanese language school to another. 

Either way, will need to be transparent from the start to your new school that you are a transfer student on a student visa. Even if you keep it a secret, the school will eventually know because everything will be processed by the Immigration Bureau.

How to Change to a Different Language School on a Student Visa

As mentioned, the very first thing you need to do is check with your school to see if they actually allow their students to transfer to a different Japanese language school.

Once you have a solid answer, you might want to look for a new language school and inquire if they accept transfer students. 

The good side of it all is that now that you’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to study in Japan, you have a better idea of what you like and don’t like. Think about: location, lesson intensity, curriculum, goal after graduation, and the class demographic. 

If you decide to change schools, Coto School Finder can consult with you about the best school options based on these criteria and support you throughout the application process. As the middle person between student and school, we’ll help explain your situation to the new school and give you advice on what to do next. 

Pro tip: It’s important to avoid being too negative about your current school during this process. Instead, provide reasons such as “the pace of the classes is too slow for me” or “I’m looking for a course that aligns with my interests.” Criticizing specific individuals, such as a homeroom teacher, may give the impression of a character issue and negatively affect your chances of being accepted into a new school. 

Once we’ve confirmed that the new school can accept your transfer, you will need to get a transfer permit from your current school first, and ask for them to provide a few things.  

The first will be your attendance rate report. The new school might want to see your attendance rate at the current school. A low attendance rate means that a student is having problems in their studies — problems that will more likely to transfer to the new school as well.

Even though you might be dissatisfied with current language school, do your best not to skip class. You should aim to maintain a 90% attendance rate

In some cases, your new school might want you to submit your grade certificate. Again, this is for them to see that you’re truly a great student! 

Next, it’s also recommended to request a written consent or transfer permit to prove that they’ve agreed to let you change schools. This is better when you have decided on your new school.

The new school will inform the immigration, who will process your application after you’ve submitted all the correct documents. 

Conclusion

Transferring to a different Japanese language school can be challenging, but it is possible. The first step is to inquire if your current school permits transfers. Then, you should search for a suitable school and consult with them regarding the transfer process. Once you have found a suitable school, you must obtain a transfer permit from your current school. It is important to maintain clear and open communication throughout this process between all parties involved to ensure a successful transfer.

Coto School Finder has helped students transfer to a new school, and we will find you the best possible match and restart your application process.  If you decide you want to change language school, please contact us for free support!

Fill out our inquiry form below to get free support for your school transfer!

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Get Started

With so many things to explore, are you considering living in Japan — perhaps to go to university or work? Enrolling at a Japanese language school might be the perfect option for you, as it will prepare you to get to your next goal.

If you are ready, let Coto School Finder assist you in finding the right program in the city of your choice and applying for a student visa — for free! Contact us by filling out the form!

Contact Us to
Get Started

With so many things to explore, are you considering living in Japan — perhaps to go to university or work? Enrolling at a Japanese language school might be the perfect option for you, as it will prepare you to get to your next goal.

If you are ready, let Coto School Finder assist you in finding the right program in the city of your choice and applying for a student visa — for free! Contact us by filling out the form!