“Japanese language school or university in Japan, where should I study first?”
That was the question I asked myself when I decided to move to Japan in order to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. To do that, however, I needed to decide where to study first to achieve my dreams. After much deliberation, I decided to study at a language school instead of enrolling in university.
In this article, I’ll talk about the reasons why I decided to enroll in a language school first, as well as the process of applying to the school. I’ll also talk about my experience at the language school and the benefits of studying at a Japanese language school.
The Reason Why I Went to Language School instead of University in Japan
So you might be thinking, why did I go to language school first instead of studying at a university like my other peers in school? Well, when I initially contacted a third-party school finder service about studying at the vocational school of my choice, they recommended that I study at a language school first, since I needed a JLPT N2 level to study there.
Either way, going through language school was a pathway that opened up to many opportunities after graduating, such as studying at higher institutions in Japan or finding a job in Japan.
The Process of Enrolling in Janguage Language School chool
For me, my Japanese language school application process began in January 2019, more than six months before I was set to depart for Japan. You can apply directly to the school, but I used a third-party school finder service. The paperwork was handled by them, so there was no stress.
After contacting the service about applying to the language school, they asked me some questions, such as:
- Whether I studied Japanese previously
- My plans after finishing the language program
- How intense can I study at that particular school
This was a way to check whether I was committed to studying Japanese at the language school, but they also wanted to see which schools would be best for me based on my study style, though the questions may vary from service to service.
In addition, they also listed out what documents to submit to them so they can submit it to the school. The list of documents included:
- A copy of my passport (including pages with previous entry into Japan)
- A high-quality passport-style photo of myself
- Diploma or academic transcripts
- Bank statements (as required by immigration)
- Income tax returns (or proof of annual income of my financial sponsor)
- My birth certificate
- Sponsor’s employment certificate
- Letter of intent to graduate (because I was still a high school student at the time of applying)
The school also requested additional documents, such as a Japanese studies certificate and bank transaction history. Some documents, such as my birth certificate and income tax return, needed to be translated into English as requested by the school. After all the documents were submitted, all that was left to do was to wait for confirmation of my acceptance into the school (which I did receive).
If you’re looking to go through a similar process, I highly recommend that you go through Coto School Finder. They can help you with the application process if you’re looking to study at a Japanese language school.
Getting My COE and Japanese Student Visa
The process to get my COE (Certificate of Eligibility) and student visa wasn’t really a hassle. After I submitted my documents and was accepted to the school, they submitted them to immigration to obtain my COE. The waiting process took about two months, but your mileage may vary. Either way, I got my COE in August, and the original copy was sent to me as soon as I paid the tuition fee.
After that, I had to go to the local Japanese embassy to get my visa. Because I had my COE, the risk of my student visa being rejected was low, and the process was pretty quick; I received it within a week of applying. All that was left to do after that was to prepare to leave for Japan and get settled into my new life.
What Was Studying at a Japanese Language School Like?
My experience studying at a language school was eye-opening. When I arrived in Tokyo, we went through the regular orientation process, including class placement tests. I was put into a class that best matched my skill level, along with other people as well. I met classmates from all over the world, including Korea and China, but the main language in the classroom was Japanese. Classes were small, allowing for personalized support according to the student’s level.
The support I got from the faculty and administration was immense. From helping me open a bank account to visa renewals, they helped me when I was struggling to understand important documents (including my pension book). While having a higher language skill later down the line can be beneficial, it did help to have someone help me get a second opinion.
In terms of cultural activities, I participated in the school’s cultural festival, where, alongside other international students, I ran a cultural exchange booth. Some other cultural activities involved throwing beans on Setsubun, origami, and even trips to Disneyland and Disney Sea.
As for accommodation, I stayed with a host family for the first three months, which allowed for maximum exposure to the language. I ate my meals with them and tried my best to practice my Japanese, especially with my host mother. After that, I stayed in an apartment close to the school, which saved a lot on travel costs.
The Pros of Studying at a Japanese Language School First
Now, what are the benefits of studying at a language school first? There are a few reasons why studying at a language school can benefit you, according to my experience:
1. Navigating daily life in Japan is easier
When you’re in Japan, there’s a chance that you’ll need to deal with important procedures on your own, such as filing tax returns at the ward office. Going through a Japanese language school not only helped me to deal with daily life in Japan, but also helped me to understand bureaucratic documents. In addition, there’s a good chance that you’ll also learn certain aspects of Japanese culture, which is useful if you’re planning to live in Japan in the long-term.
2. Enrolling in higher institutions in Japan is easier
Studying at a language school helped me understand the important tests and interviews required for enrolling in Japanese higher education institutions. When I was enrolling in vocational school, I had to take an entrance exam and go through an interview process. Thanks to my language school, I was able to prepare for the entrance exam and the interview. As a result, I was accepted into the vocational school of my choice.
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What if I Wanted to Go to a Japanese University Instead?
There was always the option to study at a university instead, so what if I took this option? Back then, the 150-hour language study requirement hadn’t been established yet, so I could have decided to study at a Japanese university first.
While some universities offer English-language programs, most Japanese institutions teach exclusively in Japanese. Even if I wanted to attend a university that teaches in English, I wouldn’t be able to focus on developing the language skills needed to navigate life in Japan and prepare for a career there.
As I didn’t have the language skills to enroll in a university program at the time, it made more sense to enroll in a language school first.
Final thoughts: Should you go to language school first?
So here comes the big question: Should you go to language school first? My answer: yes. Thanks to my language school, I was able to enter the vocational school of my choice, even after I decided to go to university soon after.
I haven’t achieved my dream of becoming an artist yet, but I highly recommend going to language school first, just so you can have the foundation needed to navigate life in Japan smoothly. I don’t regret my time in language school, and I think I made the right decision.
Still deciding which language school to enroll in? Study at Coto Academy!
Did you enjoy reading this article? If you’re still deciding which school to attend, I highly recommend Coto Japanese Institute!
As a recently MEXT-accredited school backed by over 25 years of Japanese teaching experience, Coto Japanese Institute takes a different approach from most language schools. Rather than focusing purely on academic progression, the curriculum is built around real-world communication and practical Japanese — the kind that actually helps you land a job and build a life here.
Applications are now open for the October and April intakes. You can get in touch below.
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FAQ
How can I apply to a language school in Japan?
While you can technically apply to a language school directly, we recommend going through a school finder service such as Coto School Finder since they can help you with any paperwork needed for your application.
What is the language requirement needed to enter language school?
Generally, you will need a language level of JLPT N5 or have evidence that you have 150 hours of Japanese language study to enroll in language school.
How long are Japanese language school courses?
They usually last for at least one year, but there are courses that last up to two years. Check with your language school to see what course suits your language learning goals.