Hello!
I am in my mid-30s and due to a combination of professional burnout and wanderlust, I am thinking about quitting my current job this autumn and spending my garden leave/non-compete period on a 6-12 month stay in Japan. I have two goals for this stay:
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To learn Japanese to the N4 level so I can read manga and comprehend anime like "Case Closed".
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To try and experience as many tourist attractions as possible with the priority order being Kansai, then Kanto, and beyond. This may be my only trip to Japan until I retire.
Could you please help me plan this future trip?
Should I complete a N5-based course in order to qualify for a 30+ student visa?
I have the liquid assets to qualify for the designated activities visa. However, it requires maintaining private medical travel insurance. Would medical insurance be as outrageously expensive as health insurance in the US?
Should I take an intensive course at a school in the boonies like Yamasa or a relaxed course at a school in Kansai/Tokyo so I can split my time doing touristy things? Are there language schools for westerners that you'd recommend?
I don't plan to work in Japan and afterwards, I plan on returning to my profession in the US.
Thank you for your help!
by Nadaam