What to Look for in a Japanese Language School

 

According to an international study released in early 2014, there are 127 million native Japanese speakers around the world, and Japanese companies are hiring over 250,000 workers skilled in robotics. Even more interesting is that this number is expected to increase to 1 million jobs by 2025. As the world’s top sixth language, knowing how to communicate in Japanese will undoubtedly open more doors that will then provide greater income and opportunities. To work for a Japanese company, knowing the language is a huge advantage, but being able to study abroad in Japan and immerse yourself in the language’s subtleties as well as the country’s deep culture is an even better investment.

 

Why study abroad in Japan?

If you are seeking a bright future, one way is to do so is by expanding your knowledge through acquiring a new language abroad. However, you must be careful in choosing which language school you attend and weigh each factor carefully.

 

With most Japanese language schools, the primary objective is clear: students should feel comfortable with conversing and understanding the language in as little as three months, and courses that last 12–24 months should result in a level of fluency that provides minimal issues when communicating in a Japanese workplace or traveling around the country. Beyond this objective, there are additional factors to consider when choosing the best school for your needs:

 

– A safe and friendly environment where students are treated with respect and made to feel welcome and secure.
– A structured but personalized curriculum that allows for social integration so every student graduates from the program able to communicate effectively and fluently, whether formally or informally.
– A location within easy access to public transportation and accommodations.
– A place where teachers are skilled communicators with patience and professionalism.
– Credentials and training that guarantee you are learning under a monitored system that works on behalf of international students.
– Reasonable course packages with options that include meals, accommodation, and extracurricular activities.

 

NILS proudly offers all of these benefits, as well as being located in the best city for studying Japanese.

 

In Fukuoka, Japanese language takes center stage

The city of Fukuoka in Japan is highly regarded as a top choice for serious international study of Japanese. It offers fewer distractions, without losing the cultural charm or urban feel of larger Japanese cities, while still providing an excellent integration within the community that will extend your learning from the classroom to the streets.

 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Studying abroad is an investment, but one worth making. You will not only gain more knowledge, but life-long experiences, friendships, and opportunities afforded only to those fluent in the Japanese language. In fact, when you study abroad, you do more than just learn a new language, you expose yourself to a traditional culture where respect for others, dignity of self, and discipline are of the highest importance.

 

For more information on why Fukuoka is the best place to learn and live while studying in Japan, read our article “Fukuoka: Choosing the Best City to Study Japanese”.