You've decided to attend a Japanese language school in Japan, but with so many options, it's hard to know where to start...
Today, we’ll share how professional Japanese language teachers recommend selecting the best school for you.
Key Points for Choosing a Japanese Language School
When selecting a Japanese language school, there are several aspects to consider. There are approximately 600 Japanese language schools in Japan, so how do you choose the right one? Below are some common criteria students often look for:
Affordable tuition fees
Preferred location (urban or natural setting)
A relatively large school
These are, without a doubt, important factors.
However, from the perspective of a Japanese language teacher, there are other key points you should be paying attention to.
1: Does the School Have Enough Teachers?
Currently, many Japanese language schools are facing a shortage of teachers, especially the larger schools.
Even if a school offers attractive programs and curriculums, if they don’t have enough teachers or rely on inexperienced instructors, you might find the quality of the lessons or support lacking.
Don’t just focus on the size of the school or the number of programs—be sure to also check the number and quality of the teaching staff.
2: Is the School Recommended by a Trustworthy Agent?
If you’re searching for schools through an agent, the quality of the agent is crucial.
Unfortunately, some agents are more focused on profit than finding a school that matches your needs. They may introduce schools without thoroughly evaluating whether they are a good fit for you.
When using an agent, make sure they are knowledgeable about Japanese language education and that they are trustworthy.
3: Understand the School’s Characteristics Through the Nationality of Its Students
The nationality distribution of a school’s students can give you insight into the school’s characteristics.
For instance, if many students come from one particular country, it’s likely the school owner is from that country, and the school’s rules or policies may align more closely with that culture. If you’re keen to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and rules, this may be something to consider.
Schools with a high proportion of students from countries with a strong exam culture (like China, Korea, and Taiwan) may have a wealth of knowledge about preparing students for entrance exams to Japanese universities or graduate schools. If you’re aiming for higher education, these schools may be a good fit.
If the school has a large number of students from North America or Europe, it’s more likely to have expertise in job placement with Japanese companies. Additionally, such schools often focus more on practical conversation and activities rather than exam-focused study, offering a more relaxed learning atmosphere.
Schools with a significant number of students from South Asia, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East may have strong knowledge of jobs related to the Specific Skills Visa and vocational schools. If you already know what type of job you want in Japan (e.g., nursing, construction, hospitality), it would be wise to select a school that offers programs teaching Japanese specific to your desired profession.
If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact the school directly.
Many Japanese language schools now have multilingual staff. If you’re unsure or have concerns, reach out to the school proactively! The way the staff responds to your inquiries can be a great indicator of the school’s quality.
I hope everyone finds a Japanese language school that fits their needs!
At J-CALP, we offer personalized Japanese lessons for those preparing to study or work in Japan.
In addition to EJU and Business Japanese preparation, we provide support for crafting personal statements, essay writing, and interview preparation. Our experienced and specialized Japanese instructors will provide you with thorough guidance.
If you’re considering studying or working in Japan, feel free to contact us via the link below!
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