I’m a 17 y/o, turning 18 soon. I’m thinking about applying to a language school in Osaka for April 2026. I have less than a month to decide what language school to go to. YMCA or First study are my top options, but I want people to give me advice on this. I’m currently around N4 to N3. My main goal is passing the EJU, JLPT N2, and getting 12 years of education to enter a Japanese university (also in Osaka).
I was told by the language school staff themselves that I needed to take a 2 year course.
YMCA: Full 2 year tuition for the Higher education preparatory course is around 12000 usd (1,700,000円). Includes Insurance, class fee, etc. Additional fee 5000円 per term for textbooks, and 60000円 additional fee for another preparatory course (which I need to take). Screening fee is 20000円 (included in the total). I’m pretty sure there’s no installments, and you should pay everything right away. Rent not included in the price (which is what worries me tbh). The school looks really good and compromising in my opinion. Has a great explanation of their education system in their application guide. Has uni admission recommendation for the university that I want. I don’t really trust Google maps reviews a lot but they had bad reviews which kinda threw me off, but a lot of people have recommended this school on reddit.
First Study Osaka: Full 2 year tuition for University prep course is around 7150 USD (1,027,000円) includes class fee, insurance, school materials, JLPT (4 times a year) and EJU prep, and most importantly, rent! (dormitory rent). They also offer payment in installments after paying the first 6 months. They also have job hunting support (for アルバイト) and support is available in Spanish (which is a huge help so my parents can understand better!). There’s a general description of their education system but not super detailed. I talked with the staff and they seemed nice. Like most language schools, majority of students come from SA/SEA countries which might be a culture shock at first but it’s interesting imo! The Google maps reviews are also positive too. The issue is that I’m overthinking because it’s suspiciously cheap, but my mom wants me to enroll in this school because it’s the most accessible (that’s true) and the one with the most “support.”
So… Which one should I choose?
by thelegendofdan
4 comments
[deleted]
I think First Study sounds better! 12 000 a year at the other school sounds REALLY overpriced. I don’t know anything about their academic programs, but you don’t want to have to worry about making rent when you’re studying either.
The second school (avoiding names on purpose) is visa factory, lol.
I guess if you put in the work, they may be a good option. I never saw any western students though.
The apartments, however, depending on where you are, are shared between 2 and 5 other students. If that’s ok with you, it could work? I guess?
(I did not study there. I was an outsider that had business dealings. Will delete this comment soon.)
Dude your best bet is just stay in your home country get the n2 then move to japan cuz those language school is kinda waste of money i mean not all of em are bad its you gotta be SUPER picky about it, that or you ady prepare for any mental pressure ur gonna face when youre in japan later trust me i speak from my own experience and my age is twice your age, so u might wanna consider it that first.
Oh one more thing, when youre finally made it to japan ALWAYS use ur head and down let ur guard down for anything
Cheers