Began learning Japanese at 21, but I have never been able to go to Japan. I'm 32 now, and working on getting my career first, and then going to Japanese language school at 35. I only want to experience Japan for 2 years that's it and attend a language school for that time frame of 2 years. However I feel sad due to my age. Would 35 years old be too old to experience Japan and study at a language school for 2 years only? I was young and naive back then with no money, so I couldn't go when I was younger, but will be ready to go at 35.
by AnimeFan4992
30 comments
There’s no age limit to language school or experiencing Japan. Why would you be too old?
I’ve lived in Japan in my 20s and in my 40s. Honestly I prefer my 40s because I have more money and less self-consciousness.
One of my classmates was 40.
If you can afford it and it’s what you want to do I’d just go for it.
Heck no. Do it!
I’m applying for 2027 and I am 42 now.
I moved countries and did 3 months in a German language school at around age 24, it was okay and i enjoyed it but i never really used it after, wasnt confident enough and it was easier to use English.
The time where i learned the most was later between about 28-33 because id been around it much more and thrown myself into it… Swiss German at home, Swiss German at work, being in a sports team + parties etc. Dont think age makes a huge difference just the attitude and depth of submersion, its a great feeling being able to communicate in another language you’re learning, go get at it 🙂
I’m 40 and going this summer
I’m 39, and I just started language school in Japan last month
I moved to Brazil when I was in my late 30s and learned Portuguese. It can be done.
Follow your dreams!! It’s never too late. If you can afford it it’s an amazing experience. I have classmates who are dumb 18 y/o and very serious guys who are grandparents!!
I went to language school at 37 and had a blast. Easily the most memorable and romantic period of my life.
I’m 39. I’ve had classmates in mid 40s to 60s. So yeah, don’t worry.
Sounds like a good plan. There are people who do it all the way up in their 50s. It’ll be a good 2 year experience.
Spent last summer ay language school in Tokyo. I’m 58
(I think I win this thread?)
Had a classmate in his 60s. Not too late
I moved to Japan at 49. I am not 58. So no, you are not too old. You are going to think about it, if you don’t do it. If you do it and it doesn’t work out, you move on but have some interesting memories and stories.
Now I spend half the year in California and half in Japan.
These are a couple of sayings I have come across:
You don’t change Japan, it changes you.
People come to Japan for one year, five years or forever.
I am at about that age and also thinking about it. Are there any threads to get information on language schools? Cost, accomodation, what it involves?
I would highly suggest visiting before making a major move. Age doesn’t matter but expectations do
One of my friends (half japanese/american) went to language school in his early 30s. There’s no age limit so go for it
I went at 35 with my husband who was 37. Had a blast. Lots of younger students, but also several older students. A lot of the young people were nervous and embarrassed to mess up in front of people. As someone older, I didn’t give a fuck and had better study habits than them (or myself at 20).
No, language schools have been instructed to cull any student over the age of 35 as a measure to bring down the average age of the population.
It’s NEVER too late, definitely go now! I am also an older student and I can say it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Quit a stable software development job in my home country, now living off savings (might get an arubaito but not in a rush), and I can say I’m far happier, calmer, and I am in disbelief that I’ve finally accomplished my dream to live in Japan!
If you have the money, just go for it, we only live one life!
If you can, and you have the money and time, do it. There’s only one life.
I’m 42 and considering going to langauge school too
You only have one life. Such things won’t matter when you’re old and at your deathbed. Live your life
Don’t worry about age. We all go through life at different paces. I’ve also been dreaming about Japan for as long as I can remember. I remember every year I would say I will go. I wasn’t able to go until this year at 35 y/o.
I’m even studying Japanese right now too, though I’m using a tutor online.
You are the youngest you’re going to be, so just do what you want.
However I should warn you that a student visa only allows you to work part time. No more than that and the wages are not good. So have savings and a solid career plan for after that.
It is only too late if you were dead …
Do it. It’s not too late. You have plenty of time left.
Better late than never. I did it at 32 and it went well. Probably you will be grouped with students of an age close to yours, so no worries! (That was my case too). Cheers
I’m 40 and planning to go in the next five years. You’re fine to consider going whenever you want.
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