Which program is better for further studies at Japanese colleges, universities and vocational schools?

For further studies at Japanese colleges/universities/vocational schools, you will be required to reach the JLPT N2 level. Therefore, we strongly recommend you take the 18- or 24-month Intensive Program. This program includes the JLPT and EJU preparation.

You do not need to sign up for another programs that are JLPT/EJU preparation courses.

At which campuses do I take classes?

[Full-Intensive program]
Student in Intensive programs takes classes at etiher the Ogori campus or NILS Anex Shiroz campus. Ogori campus takes about 30 minutes to get to Fukuoka City by train (Nishitetsu Omuta Line)
Shiroz campus takes 15 minutes to get to Fukuoka City by train.

[Short-Term Program]
Students in Short-Term programs take classes at the Ohashi campus, five minutes from central Fukuoka by train (Nishitetsu Omuta Line).

How many hours of lessons are there per day?

[Full-Intensive program]

Each class has four lessons per day, each lasting 45 minutes. A total of 800 study hours are spent over the course of the year. Morning classes are conducted from 8:40 to 12:10 and afternoon classes from 13:00 to 16:25.

[Short-Term Program]

Each class has three lessons per day, each lasting 45 minutes. Only morning classes are available (from 9:00 to 12:25). There are no classes on national holidays and some designated school holidays such as the “Obon” period and the “Shogatsu” period.

How do you determine the class level for new students?

[Full-Time Intensive Program/Short-Term Program]
We administer a placement test to all new students in order to determine the best level for each student. The test is consisted of an interview and a written test. We have 3 levels – the advanced, the intermediate, and the beginner’s level. We take into consideration your educational goals, length of stay, etc. and this enables us to place you in the most appropriate class even if you have never learned the Japanese language.

I have never learned Japanese. How long does it take for me to understand the language?

[Full-Time Intensive Program]
It usually takes 3 months for a complete beginner to reach the N5 level in the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. It takes about 6 months to reach the N4, and a year to reach the N3. Needless to say, you can achieve these results only if you attend all your classes and do your homework. It’s also important to try to speak Japanese in your daily life routine.

 

What is your average class size?

[Full-Time Intensive Program]
It differs depending on the class, but we have approximately 15 students in each class.

[Short-Term Program]
It depends on the level and the starting date of each session, but our class is small – between 3 and 8 students(Average is 4-5). We offer the perfect setting for students who wish to learn the Japanese language in a short period of time.

Can you tell me my level if I email you my proficiency test results?

No.Our level placement is both a written test and a speaking test. A written test is available on line. Therefore you can take it prior to the starting date.

However, a speaking test will take place at the first day of your program. The school will determine your final level after checking the total score.

 

Can I take classes in English or another language other than Japanese?

We teach all our classes in Japanese. Even if you have never been exposed to Japanese, we can effectively teach you using our proprietary teaching method. Our experience shows that this teaching method greatly improves one’s ability to learn the Japanese language compared to using both Japanese and another language. You are welcome to ask questions in English.

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.