We have 4 long breaks annually. The spring break is about 2 weeks long, summer is 4 weeks, fall is 2 weeks and winter is 2 weeks. You are welcome to go home or take trips during these long breaks, but please leave us with your contact information.
月別: 2016年2月
How often do I move up the level?
We typically evaluate each student after completing a textbook or taking a final exam. Students typically move to the next level every 6 months. As a general rule, you are not allowed to move to the next level at other times, but if you have a pressing need, please talk to us.
Do I have opportunities to meet Japanese people except NILS teachers?
Yes, we conduct regular field trips to museums, shrines, etc. for you to use Japanese outside our classrooms. Our school also has established a partnership with the Ogori International Exchange Association, and we participate in a variety of cultural events as part of the regular activities. They include summer festivals, rice-cake making, friendship parties, etc. In addition, we host a joint Christmas party with our group high school, Hitotsuba High School. We believe NILS provides a lot more opportunities to meet outside Japanese residents than average Japanese language schools.
Do you have Wi-Fi on campus?
Yes, both Ogori and Fukuoka campuses have Wi-Fi, and it’s free of charge to our students. Please ask the staff for a password.
Do you have a cafeteria on campus?
No, we do not, but there are convenience stores, supermarkets, and family restaurants nearby. You can buy a lunchbox and heat it up at the school. We have microwave ovens and hot water dispensers.
Is smoking prohibited?
Our school is a smoke-free environment. Please go to a designated smoking area if you wish to smoke. Please be aware that some municipalities such as Fukuoka may fine you if you smoke in a public place.
Can I obtain a cell phone or a smart phone?
Yes, you can purchase a cell/smart phone after receiving a residence card and opening your bank account in Japan.
You cannot purchase a SIM card, so you will need to purchase the phone itself.
Do I have to register with the National Health Insurance?
Yes, those who will be staying in Japan for over 90 days must register with the National Health Insurance. It covers 70% of your medical fees, so you would owe only 30% of the fee.
The school will help you to apply for health insurance.
Am I allowed to do a part time job?
If you have a pre-college visa, after receiving “Permission to Engage in Activities Outside the Scope of the Visa” from the Immigration Authority, then you will be eligible to work for up to 4 hours per day. It is not possible to receive this permission soon after entering school. Following entry on a student visa, you may apply for this permission and a test, if you pass the test given by school one month later.
Can I work part time while attending NILS programs?
[Full-time Intensive program]
Yes, you are permitted to work part time after you obtain a work permit issued by the Immigration Bureau of Japan. You can apply for the permit at the time of entry into Japan. With a student visa, you are permitted to work for a period not exceeding 28 hours a week during a semester, and for a period not exceeding 8 hours a day while you are on a long-term vacation.
[Short-Term Program]
No, you are prohibited from working in Japan on a short-stay visa.
When can I start working part time?
Most of students are able to start working part time within 3-4 months after the program begins, depending on the student’s Japanese language skills.
How much can we earn per month by working part time?
Many of our students earn 60,000-90,000 yen per month.
How much do I need for living expenses?
You will need US$600-700 for living expenses such as meals, utilities (water, gas, electricity, cell phone), and miscellaneous.
Compare the cost of living in Japan:
| Average | Tokyo Area | Osaka Area | Fukuoka Area |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$745
(89,000 yen) |
$850
(102,000 yen) |
$710
(85,000 yen) |
$600
(72,000 yen) |
The above fee includes monthly rent, meals, utilities, medical and other personal expenses.
Are dormitories available?
Yes. Dormitories are located near the Ogori campus with 2 to 3 bedrooms, a dining/kitchen area and a bathroom.
Each bedroom is well-furnished with desk, chair, bed, bed linens, small shelf, and air conditioner. There is no internet connection provided in the dormitory, but students can set one up by making a contract with one of the private internet service providers (for intensive program students only).
Is internet access available in the NILS dormitories?
No, you would have to arrange a contract with an internet service provider. We can assist you in making a contact.
How much travel time should I allow from a Leo-Palace apartment to the school?
[Full-time Intensive program]
Leo-Palace private apartments are everywhere in the city. We try to arrange your apartment near the school.
If the apartment is located in Ogori City, it takes about 10 minutes by bicycle.
Otherwise, it can take one hour by train.
[Short-Term Program]
It takes about 15-30 minutes by train.
How much travel time should I allow from the NILS dormitory to the school?
It takes about 5-10 minutes by bicycle.
How many meals do I have with the home-stay program?
You have two options:
<One-meal plan (Breakfast)>
30 days: US$1,190／60 days: US$2,150／90 days: US$3,110
<Two-meal plan (breakfast and dinner)>
30 days: US$1,310／60 days: US$2,390／90 days: US$3,470
Can I choose a non-smoking family? Is internet access also available?
Yes, you can. You are required to submit to us the Home-stay Application Form.
We will arrange for a host family according to your needs regarding matters of smoking, pets, allergies, meals (for example, vegetarian) and children.
The school will arrange for a family with wireless internet access in their home.
When is the deadline to apply for the home-stay program?
The deadline is two months prior to your arrival date. The payment is required as well.
We will provide you with information about the host family as soon as we locate one which fulfills your requirements.
Can I change host families in case of a mismatch?
Please don’t hesitate to tell us about any problems with the family. We will try to solve your problems, including switching to another family.