Hi everyone!
I’m currently studying an online Diploma of Languages (Japanese) through the University of Newcastle in Australia and planning to spend a year in Japan starting October 2026 to immerse myself fully in the language and culture.
One option is doing a university exchange at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies (NUFS). Since it’s a partner university, tuition is lower and the credits count toward my degree. However, I’ll be 36 years old by then, and I’m worried the cohort will be mostly early-20s students. I’m not expecting to party or anything — just hoping not to feel completely out of place.
The other path I’m considering is attending a language school, where the average age is often higher and there’s more diversity in student backgrounds. I’m mainly interested in improving communication skills, not pursuing university or employment in Japan, so I’m leaning toward programs that aren’t too JLPT-heavy or overly intense (I’m a slower learner). I just sat the N4 and am aiming for N3 by the time I go.
I’ve been researching schools that seem better suited for mature students and a more laid-back pace. These are a few on my radar:
- Yu Language Academy (Sapporo)
- UNITAS Kofu
- Okayama Institute of Languages
- Hokkaido Japanese Language Academy (Sapporo)
- Richinomori Japanese Language School (Hakodate)
- Matsumoto International Japanese Language School (though age requirements may apply)
- IAY Japanese Language (Sapporo)
- Naganuma School (Tokyo) – especially the Interactive Communication Course
If anyone has experience with these programs (especially as someone 30+), or did an exchange like NUFS as a mature student, I’d love to hear:
- How was the social and learning environment?
- Was age ever an issue — socially or academically?
- Do any schools stand out for having a more age-diverse student body?
- Is it worth sacrificing the cheaper NUFS exchange for the community/comfort of a language school?
Any thoughts would be really appreciated — thanks in advance for your help!
by Curious_Hovercraft_8