Programs to study Japanese in Tokyo could be your gateway, not just to fluency, but also to a life changing experience. You could hone your communication skills while living in one of the biggest and most fascinating cities in the world. And you might even be able to earn university credits while you’re at it! (Programs vary.) You may want to learn a language for business, travel, culture, or just because it’s fun. Whatever your reasons, if you want to learn Japanese in Japan, great programs could be available in Tokyo.
Why Study Japanese in Tokyo?
Opting to study Japanese in Tokyo could be one of the most exciting ways to learn. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced speaker, going straight to the source could be just the way to gain experience. Want a fast and intense crash course to get you past the basics? Japanese language schools in Tokyo could offer you the support you need to dive straight in. Need to perfect your advanced skills? Advanced programs might help prepare you for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), while still being fun, exciting, and giving you unique cultural insight.
Learn Japanese in Tokyo Through Immersion
In fact, if you study Japanese in Tokyo, it might be a perfect way for you to advance your Japanese skills and knowledge quickly and effectively. How so? Immersion is considered one of the most effective ways to learn a language. On top of having the support of a formal language program—helping you understand the basics, and providing cultural and educational resources when you need them—you get to see it in action wherever you look. You could take your education outside and into the world, putting it into practice right away. Whether you’re socializing with your local friends, studying in the classroom, or exploring the city as a tourist, you could practice reading and speaking Japanese wherever you go.
Study Japanese in Tokyo Through Culture
Another potential advantage of studying Japanese in Tokyo? Exposure to the culture. Considering the unique challenges of learning Japanese, experiencing the culture first-hand might take your education to the next level. After all, language is closely tied to cultural experience, and living there is one solid way to get that experience. Japanese history, customs, and etiquette all inform how to use the language in different situations. And for Japanese, that could be pretty important, considering how different the culture can be from what you might be used to.
There might be no better way to get to know all that than by living in Tokyo. Tokyo is a thriving city—one of the largest and most populated in the world, in fact. It spans over 770 miles and twenty three wards—and each of those wards is itself made up unique districts, each with its own distinct character. That’s a lot of city. So it’s no surprise that studying here could offer a diverse range of options, no matter what you’re interested in.
Did You Know? The Japanese language has three writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. You might need all three of them to write one sentence!
What to Look for in Japanese Language School Programs in Tokyo
When choosing programs to study Japanese in Tokyo, pay careful attention to how those programs are laid out. You might find a variety of unique experiences available, depending on which program you choose. Here are some options you might be looking for:
- Residency Programs: Want to live alongside your fellow language students? Some Japanese intensive language programs, especially those associated with universities, might offer dorm living options. On top of being a social bonus (what better way to get to know your fellow students?) it could also have some educational perks. You might study and practice your conversational Japanese in a safe space with other learners, all while bonding with new friends and exploring a new country.
- Home Stay Programs: If you’re looking for a fuller Japanese immersion school experience, you might want to look for a home stay option. Home stay means you might live with a Japanese family in Tokyo. You could get an up close and personal perspective of what it’s really like to live a Japanese lifestyle. And by living in a Japanese household, you’ll be able to practice the language around the clock with native speakers.
- Travel Opportunities: Of course, there’s one big motivation for learning Japanese in Tokyo that can’t be overlooked. The travel opportunities! Luckily, some programs build this into their program itineraries. That could mean free time to explore Tokyo yourself, or more elaborate guided trips to see other parts of Japan.
- Special Interests: This is a pretty big category. It could include different kinds of language education—learning Japanese for business, for example—or the other activities or subjects. Whether you want to learn about culture and history while you study Japanese, immerse yourself in Japanese media, or something else, programs could be out there that cater to your needs.
These are all solid examples, but they’re not the only ones. Some programs might have other elements, and might not offer some of the ones listed above. Whatever programs you apply to, make sure you review the program materials closely. Whether you’re looking for fun and travel, or serious, goal-oriented studies, finding a program that works for you could help to ensure your stay in Tokyo is unforgettable.
Exploring Tokyo: What To Expect
Tokyo is the capital of Japan. With over thirteen million people living there, it’s also one of the most populated cities. But that wasn’t always the case. In fact, Tokyo started out as a small, remote fishing village called Edo. It only began to grow into the city we know today in the early 1600s, when it became the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate.
But what does that have to do with your experience today? Well, one unique aspect of living in Tokyo is its characteristic blend of past and present. Modern culture, like the famous karaoke bars, shops, and restaurants, exist alongside centuries-old shrines and architecture, not to mention the fascinating arts, history, and cultural museums. And that’s not even touching on the unique culture of each district within the city!
Luckily, with Tokyo’s elaborate public transportation system, getting around shouldn’t be a problem. (As long as you remember to avoid rush hour, anyway.) If you have any questions about how to get around—from what train to take, to how the fares work, or how to find your destination—make sure you ask your program for more information or assistance.
Search for Japanese Language Programs in Tokyo
Eager to study Japanese in Tokyo? StudyAbroad.com wants to help you find programs! If you need to filter your options down a little bit, you can do that using the menu. Just select your preferred program length, which could range from a week or two to more than a year. Then read up on your potential programs. Once you find some that sound promising, click on the program names to read more, and to get in touch!
