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.
投稿者: nils-faq
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.)
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.
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.
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.