First of all, you need to know that there are four school terms in one Japanese school year. And as we have mentioned earlier, part of preparing to study in Japan is to know which of the four terms work best for you. For instance, which term works best for you, and how long are you willing to spend your time studying in Japan?
This article will introduce you to Japanese language school terms and Japanese school schedules.
How Do Japanese Language School Terms Work?
In Japan’s school year, the terms, which usually last for three months, typically begin in January, April, July, and October. Bear in mind that while some schools have four terms, some only have two. So, before applying, we advise you to research the school thoroughly.
The student visa you can get for Japan is for two years. So, it is also important to check how long the courses will last. Usually, the courses will last for either 15 months or 24 months.
The good thing about Japanese terms is that you can join at the beginning of any term, January or even October. And if you cannot complete the term for some unforeseen or personal reasons, you can stop and resume whenever you can. This means that even if your student visa expires and you need to leave Japan, you can reapply and continue your course.
Also read: Tips For Learning Japanese Language
What does the Japanese School Schedule Look Like?
If you study in a Japanese language school in Japan, you will be going to classes Mondays through Fridays. The classes will typically last for half a day. Depending on the school, it could be in the afternoon or morning. The classes, usually divided into two blocks (4 x 45 minutes or 2 x 90 minutes), focus on Kanji, grammar, vocabulary, reading, speaking, etc. The lessons and teaching methods depend on your level of Japanese language skills.
Which Japanese Language School Term Would Be Best For You?
To decide on which term to join, you would have to take your Japanese language skills, what you aim to achieve, and time availability into factor.
If you want to study for the entire course for two years, you would have to join a Japanese language school term in April. This is also the perfect time for those who want to study in a Japanese university or college as the 2-years course will give you more room to improve your Japanese language skills.
For those who understand basic Japanese but want to learn more, or those who want to ace their Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), joining the January term will help you upskill yourself within 6-12 months.
For those planning to take the Examination for Japanese University, joining a Japanese language school in July would be the best option. This way, you will be able to sit for the EJU exam in November and receive the results in December.
You need to bear in mind that to clear the class tests and exams, you will have to put in the time and energy. Always keep up with your homework and classwork and set some time apart each day for self-study.
We hope this article helps you choose the best Japanese language school term to join.
We will leave you here with our best wishes.
Until next time, sayonara for now!
Also read: How Much Does It Cost To Study In Japan?
