So… Ik this is a really asked topics on this r/ but the more I read, the more confused I am, there are so many options, so many opinions and every school present themselves as the best… So I would kindly appreciate your help as someone that have never live overseas.
I'm Chilean, m24 (25 in November) and this year I finish uni as a Medical Technologist (not technician, technologist) in imaging and medical physics (long name, Ik). I would like to learn Japanese and then stay to study something related to robotics or maybe to architecture, industrial design or something related to that instead. My Japanese level is basic, I think I might be mid-point from N5. I've studied on and off for many years but just a few months ago I started seriously (with classes, books, apps, internet, and stuff).
I would like to study at least a year and get as advanced as I can while also having some social life and meet new people. The first thing that pops up when searching is GoGoNihon, so I give it a try and for Tokyo they recommended me with Toyo Language School, Tokyo Galaxy and KAI. The thing is that for Toyo there is almost no reviews online, Galaxy also doesn't have much info and KAI have a lot of mixed opinions and as far as I had read their study plan is not that updated to modern ways of learning and also fill students with homework and tests. Other options I've read a lot are ISI and Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute, but also found mixed opinions.
Just find out about GenkiJacs in Fukuoka and was wondering if leaving outside Tokyo as a young person would limit my social life or possibilities of getting to know new people? People have mentioned the no English teachers, it is that hard to start with something like that at my level?
I just want to read your opinions and recommendations on any school you've attended. Are there other platforms similar to GoGoNihon that could be maybe more useful? As I mention earlier, I would like to keep studying there… is one year enough? Can I extend the visa and studies without needing to came back and do all the paperwork from zero?
I'm really lost now and would really appreciate your opinions on this topic. Thanks in advance.
Edit: added the mention of ISI and Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute a few minutes after posting because I forgot to mention them.
by Lardram
1 comment
As far as I know, all of the major schools teach completely in Japanese. You want it that way, to be honest. Our textbook has the English to explain the grammar, but the teachers do a good job on their own. Our school has an office where staff speak English to help if needed.
I feel your pain, I was confused last year when researching schools. Remember that it’s rare for a person to attend more than one language school, so they usually only have an opinion on a single institution.
I see no issues not attending a school IN Tokyo. I chose one outside of Tokyo and am very happy. Tokyo is great, but it is more expensive and your commute might be very long, depending on your choices (and budget). Mine is a ten-minute walk.
Do you want to attend a university with classes taught in Japanese? You’ll need N2, and unless you get close to N3 before you start, a year likely won’t be enough. My goal is N3 in a year, then the second year for N2. If there is anything else I can answer, please ask. Best of luck to you!