I am worried about living abroad.

At NILS, we make sure each and every one of you has a successful experience both personally and academically. Our guidance covers wide areas of potential concerns for you. For example, we invite a police offer to talk about basic laws and regulations in Japan. We also go to a bank and the municipal hall with you to complete necessary procedures. Additionally, we conduct student orientations during the initial 3 months in order to make sure you are satisfied with your routine.

Can I establish a bank account in Japan?

You can open a bank account either at a post office or a bank. A Postal Bank is very convenient since you can use its ATMs anywhere in Japan. In order to open an account, you need to show your passport, the Residency Card, and your own Hanko (seal). We help you with all the steps.

What is the weather in Japan?

We have distinct seasons in Japan, and as such, the temperatures and precipitation vary greatly depending on the season. We have a rainy season during the months of June and July. In Fukuoka, the summer temperature can reach between 30 degrees and 35 degrees (Celsius). In winter, the low temperature can dip to 0 degrees and 5 degrees (Celsius).

How can I make friends with Japanese people?

We hold a variety of events throughout the year so that you can meet and make friends with Japanese people. You can also be friends with your neighbors and co-workers.

Can I withdraw cash from my bank account that I opened in my home country?

If you have a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or JCB) or a debit card with these affiliations, you can withdraw cash from an ATM in Seven Eleven stores. You can also use ATMs at Postal Bank branches. Please check with your bank in advance.

Can I easily find part-time employment? What types of jobs are available?

It depends on how well you can speak Japanese. If you don’t speak Japanese at all, it is not easy to find work. We collect help-wanted information in our areas and help our students find work. Currently, our students work in distributions centers, bento (lunchbox) assembly plants, meat packing plants, convenience stores, restaurants, and English language schools.

Can you be a co-signer if I wanted to rent my own apartment?

No, we cannot be a co-signer if you decide to rent your own place. You need to find your own co-signer. However, there are some apartments that do not require co-signers. Please ask your realtor.

Please describe all the NILS’s student housing options and amenities.

[NILS Student Dormitory]Room features:

  • Bed
  • Blankets
  • Desk
  • 3-shelf bookcase
  • Air-conditioning
  • You need to share the kitchen and the bathroom with other students.
  • The shared space has a refrigerator, a washing machine, a microwave oven, and a large hot water thermos. Please use your own cookware and dishes, etc. For Internet service, you need to have your own contract with a provider.

[Leo Palace]Room features:

  • Bed
  • Futon
  • Table
  • Chair(s)
  • Closet
  • Air-conditioning system
  • TV
  • Washing machine
  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave oven
  • Internet ready
  • Please your own cookware and dishes, etc.

[Shared housing]Room features:

  • Bed
  • Futon
  • Desk
  • Chair(s)
  • Closet
  • Air-conditioning system
  • Refrigerator
  • Bathroom
  • Internet ready
  • Shared Kitchen
  • You can use the cookware provided
  • You can use the washing machine and dryer

[Home-stay]Room features:

  • Bed
  • Futon
  • Desk
  • Chair
  • Closet
  • Internet Usage

Can I have a pet?

Pets are not permitted either in the NILS dormitory, Leo Palace, shared housing, or in the home stay option. If you would like to bring your pet, please contact us. We can put you in touch with an apartment owner that allows pets. However, there are not many properties that allow pets, and it may take you 30 minutes to an hour to commute to school. In addition, pet friendly apartments usually cost $6,500 to $9,000 annually excluding utilities.

Can I rent a Leo Palace apartment with a friend?

Yes, the maximum occupancy at Leo Palace is 2. If you share a Leo Palace apartment with another person, you need to pay an additional $130 if you are staying for one month, $160 for 2 months, and $190 for 3 months. We can provide you an extra set of futon but not a bed. Either you use the extra futon on the floor or take advantage of a loft apartment if such a unit is available.

Can I stay with a host family with my friend?

Yes, you may. Please note  that we do not guarantee to find a host family willing to have 2 students, though we try to follow your request. If you and your friend wish to stay with a host family, please contact us at least 2 months before the start of your classes. We will check for availability. By the way, even if you “share” a host family with your friend, you pay the same rent. (There is no discount.)

How expensive are the utilities?

The NILS dormitory, Leo Palace, shared housing or the home-stay option all include utilities. However, Leo Palace may charge you for extra if you use more than what is considered the ordinary amount. Please try to save energy. When you have your own apartment and pay utilities separately, you will end up paying approximately, 10,000 yen to 15,000 per month.

Do you have a curfew?

No, we do not. However, if you come home after 22:00, please be considerate of your neighbors and try to be very quiet. Otherwise, your neighbors may complain to the school or the apartment management companies. If a resident continues to create noise even after repeated warnings, he/she may be asked to leave.

What can I do if I have trouble with my neighbor?

Please talk to us first. We will try to help you with your situation. In any case, we ask you to be a good neighbor by greeting your neighbors and being generally considerate.

Do you provide meals?

No, we don’t provide meal services at either our dormitory, Leo Palace (an apartment for our students), or the shared housing. You need to prepare your own meals. You can buy groceries and cook, purchase take-home items, or eat out. Around our housing options, there are a number of supermarkets, fast food restaurants, and convenience stores. You can save a lot of money by cooking your own meals.

[Home-Stay Students]
If you are a Short-Term student staying with a family, you can select one of the two options: breakfast only, or breakfast and dinner.