Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Q1. What nationalities are the international students?

    Students from Taiwan, Myanmar, and South Korea account for over 70% of the total student body, with students from various other countries around the world also enrolled, including Vietnam, Nepal, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

  • Q2. What is the age range of the students?

    The majority of students are in their 20s, but there are also students in their 30s, 40s, and older.

  • Q3. How many students are in each class?

    The number varies by class, but it's generally between 15 and 20 students.

  • Q4. What are the advantages of attending a university-affiliated school?

    Tokyo International University offers numerous opportunities to interact with Japanese students. As a university with a strong focus on international exchange, it has students from many countries, providing chances to receive diverse advice from seniors from your home country. Furthermore, if you plan to enroll at Tokyo International University, you can utilize the Special Recommendation Entrance Examination, which is easier to pass than the general entrance exam. Upon admission, you will receive numerous benefits, including a 50% reduction in the admission fee and exemption from tuition and facility fees for the first semester of the first academic year.

  • Q5. I'm torn between studying abroad in the U.S. or Japan.

    Many universities in Japan offer study abroad programs in the United States and other countries, making it possible to pursue both options without having to choose one over the other. Specifically, Tokyo International University has a U.S. campus in Oregon, and many students experience studying in America each year. Moreover, it is a program designed to allow students to graduate in four years. While studying in the U.S. is typically very expensive, this program enables students to study abroad at approximately 70% of the usual cost. Additionally, it is possible to earn graduation qualifications from both the U.S. and Japanese universities. For details, please contact the university administration office or the international office.

  • Q6. What is full-time education?

    Many Japanese language schools operate on a half-day schedule, either mornings or afternoons, but our school conducts full-day classes from morning through afternoon. Language learning progresses in proportion to appropriate instruction and study time. With more study hours than other schools, even beginners can steadily improve their Japanese language skills.

  • Q7. Please tell me about the enrollment period and duration of study.

    For April enrollment, there are one-year and two-year courses available. For October enrollment, the study period is one year and six months. Please select your study period based on your individual Japanese language level at the time of enrollment.

  • Q8. What are the class hours?

    Morning classes are from 9:30 AM to 12:45 PM, and afternoon classes are from 1:35 PM to 4:50 PM. There are four 45-minute periods in the morning and four in the afternoon. Depending on the day of the week and the time of year, the schedule may include either four or six periods per day.
    Class schedules are divided according to program and Japanese language level. Please check the sample schedule on the program introduction page. Details will be explained during the orientation after enrollment.

  • Q9. How are classes determined?

    A placement test will be administered upon enrollment. Comprehensive evaluation will be based on both written examination and interview.

  • Q10. Are there classes every day?

    Monday through Friday. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Other holidays include summer vacation, winter vacation, spring vacation, etc.

  • Q11. Does the school have a cafeteria?

    No, there isn't. There are many convenience stores and restaurants nearby. You can eat a purchased bento in the classroom. Inside the school, there are microwaves, hot water dispensers, and beverage vending machines.

  • Q12. Does your school have computers available for free use?

    Yes, we have a computer room available for use by all students of this school. Additionally, if you have a laptop or smartphone, you can use the wireless internet (Wi-Fi).

  • Q13. Is there a study room?

    Yes. It is available from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays.

  • Q14. What kind of person is the teacher?

    All of them are Japanese. They are all highly experienced and excellent teachers.

  • Q15. In what language are classes conducted?

    All instruction is conducted entirely in Japanese. We generally do not use English or other intermediary languages. Rest assured, all lessons are taught by trained instructors.

  • Q16. What textbook will you use?

    The primary textbooks are as follows: Beginner: *Dekiru Nihongo Beginner* (Alc), Pre-intermediate: *Dekiru Nihongo Pre-intermediate* (Alc), Intermediate: *Dekiru Nihongo Intermediate* (Alc), Advanced: *New Approach Upper-Intermediate Japanese [Completion Edition]* (Gobun Kenkyusha). In addition, we use supplementary materials such as textbooks on grammar, kanji and vocabulary, listening comprehension, and writing. We may also use newspapers and other materials as teaching resources.

  • Q17. I can't write kanji. Is that okay?

    Beginner-level kanji classes will be divided into classes for kanji-using countries and classes for non-kanji-using countries. Let's gradually learn even the difficult kanji.

  • Q18. How proficient will I become in Japanese?

    Most people who study diligently pass either the N1 or N2 level.

  • Q19. Are textbook costs included in the tuition fee?

    Textbook fees are not included in tuition. Depending on the length of study, they range from ¥15,000 to ¥20,000. However, for the preparatory program, an additional ¥5,000 is required for basic subject textbooks.

  • Q20. I'm worried because I don't understand Japanese very well.

    Our school has staff who speak Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Burmese, and English. If you have any concerns, please feel free to consult them anytime. They also handle situations involving illness or accidents.

  • Q21. Can I transfer from another Japanese language school to this school, or from this school to another Japanese language school?

    As a general rule, this is not permitted. However, in cases of unavoidable circumstances, transfer to another school may be approved.

  • Q22. How much are the entrance fee and tuition?

    The admission fee is 100,000 yen. Tuition varies depending on the program and duration of study, so please refer to the " Tuition " section under "Admissions Guide" on this website.

  • Q23. Is there a tuition reduction system?

    There is no tuition waiver program, but we do offer an admission fee reduction based on your Japanese language proficiency at the time of enrollment. Please contact our offices for details.

  • Q24. Can tuition be paid in installments?

    For long-term courses lasting one year or more, payment can be made in installments every six months.

  • Q25. If I withdraw from school mid-term, will tuition and facility fees be refunded?

    If it is before the start of the semester, we will issue a refund in accordance with our school's refund policy.

  • Q26. Does the school offer scholarships?

    Yes, we do. In addition to our school's own scholarships, we also offer scholarships from external organizations that are available specifically because our school has a strong track record of student advancement. With various types of scholarships available, the chances of receiving one are quite high. Academic performance and attendance rates are key criteria for selection, so please strive to study hard and aim to receive one.

  • Q27. Is attendance rate important?

    Yes, it is important. It becomes extremely important when renewing or changing your visa, or when enrolling in graduate school, university, or vocational school. When renewing or changing your visa, if your attendance rate is below 80%, it may not be approved. Conversely, students with good attendance rates may pass the university's recommended entrance exam and receive scholarships or tuition waivers at the university. At our school, maintaining an attendance rate of 85% or higher is the minimum requirement.

  • Q28. Where is the school located?

    Located in the heart of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Takadanobaba Station, where the school is situated, is a cultural and educational hub home to Waseda University and other institutions, offering excellent safety and an ideal environment for learning. Shinjuku Station and Ikebukuro Station are both within a 5-minute train ride.

  • Q29. How is the traffic situation?

    Takadanobaba Station, where the school is located, is served by the JR, subway, and Seibu lines, making it easily accessible from any area. The school is also conveniently located within a 4-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station.

  • Q30. How many students are there?

    Approximately 300 to 400 students study here throughout the year.

  • Q31. I tend to get bored easily. Is that okay?

    From Monday to Friday, each class period is taught by multiple instructors rather than the same teacher. Having a new teacher each period creates a sense of change and tension within the classroom. Our school has a system that allows students to approach each class with a fresh perspective every time.

  • Q32. Do you have a designated teacher assigned to you?

    Each class, organized by Japanese language proficiency level, is assigned two teachers: a homeroom teacher and an assistant homeroom teacher. Additionally, classes are taught by a team of 5 to 6 teachers, including these homeroom teachers. This ensures each student is closely monitored by multiple teachers, providing peace of mind. Furthermore, having more teachers available for consultation offers students valuable emotional support.