How long it takes to prepare for studying in Japan: Japanese language school

Summary

When do you want to start studying in Japan?

You might think it’s early to enter Japanese language school if you want to go to Japan by fall, but if that’s the case, you have to start preparing by winter of the previous year. If you want to study abroad at a language school in Japan, you must begin preparations at least six months prior.

This article will discuss when to enter a long-term (1 year+) Japanese language school and introduce detailed preparation timeframes.

Agenda

1. When to enter Japanese language school
2. Preparations and processes for studying abroad at a Japanese language school
3. Winters in Japan: What to wear if you’re arriving between autumn and winter

1. When to enter Japanese language school

For long-term study abroad at Japanese language schools, you’ll most likely be able to choose from four starting months during the year: April, July, October, and January.

However, regardless of which starting month you choose, you’ll probably end up graduating in March.
In other words, the length of your course depends on when you enter the school.

Most students looking to attend a college or university in Japan study for at least 1 year and 6 months (if starting at JLPT N5).
Choose the course length that fits your study abroad goals.

2.Preparations and processes for studying abroad at a Japanese language school

Once you choose your entrance month, it’s time to prepare.
In most cases, the deadline for long-term Japanese language school applications is 5 months prior to the entrance month.

Decide on your course by six months prior, and start preparing the documents required for your application.

The application results are usually announced two to three months prior to the entrance date.
Afterwards, you’ll have to deposit your tuition and apply for a visa at your local Japanese embassy by submitting a letter of acceptance and a Certificate of Eligibility.

It’s not easy applying to a Japanese language school from your own country, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. The required documents are mostly the same across all schools, so knowing which documents are required beforehand will help reduce the burden. (We’ll introduce these documents in a separate post.)

3.Winters in Japan: What to wear if you’re arriving between autumn and winter

If you live in tropical areas or regions, winters in Japan may be exciting. The cold and snow it’s part of winter in Japan. Be sure to keep warm!

For example, the average temperature in Tokyo is around 20 degrees, but in January, it drops to below 10 degrees.
So if you’re entering in October, prepare a light jacket. If you’re entering in January, bring a heavy coat or down jacket.

Winter clothes are available in Japan at affordable prices, so you don’t need to bring too much when coming to Japan.

Lastly, I’ll recommend some of my favorite items for the winter season. UNIQLO’s Heat Tech.

It’s thin and meant to be worn under your clothes. Some research shows that it raises the surface temperature by around 3 degrees. (*1)

The price varies depending on the type and thickness of the fabric, but the standard ones can be bought for under 1,000 yen.
Try it when you come to Japan!