“I was very satisfied by the services of JMW (Yappa Nippon). You helped me a lot by guiding me to make the right choices, for the paperwork, my application, plan my stay and etc. step by step from the beginning.
I studied in Osaka. Quite a change from my small town ^^. There are skyscrapers all over the place. Everything is huge but there are many nice places to visit, such as temples, parks… Once getting farther from the center of the city, there are traditional houses – always nice to see.
Studies were great. I came back to France with a JLPT N3 level. I improved so much, especially my speaking skills. Before I came to Japan, I had studied by myself for a year. Yet when I arrived, I was lost. I could not express at all what I wanted to say, not even a basic conversation.
J国際学院 is such a great school! Teachers are very attentive. They always help us improve. Aya-san is there to help us. She is very friendly and always helpful, for example to open the bank account, for the insurance, get a phone plan, find a place to practice one’s favorite sport and etc.! Also there are a lot of activities at the school or organized out of campus.
My advice: “Don’t hesitate and just do it! You have so much to learn by living this experience. You will discover so many things (gastronomy, history, culture, you name it). On a personal level, I grew up so much by living this experience. I am much more mature, more independent (it was the first time I was living by myself away from my family). Also don’t be shy and speak. It is no big deal if you make mistakes, you are here to learn and this is the best way to improve !”
Alexis V.
Studied in Osaka
“You were very attentive and responsive despite the time difference. You helped me all the way, thank you very much!
My studies went very well. Started at JLPT N5 level. Within 9 months I tackled half of the N2 level program. The school in Osaka is great. The teachers are very attentive. I found that there was a good atmosphere even among the students.
My typical day? I’d get up around 8 a.m. to go to class from 9 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Then I’d eat (bento or restaurant), go to baito (3 days a week) from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. with an hour’s break. In my free time, I’d revise my lessons or go out with friends (walking, arcade room, restaurant… lots of choices in terms of things to do in Osaka!)
To me, Osaka is the best city in terms of livability in Japan. There are many things to do for all tastes (shopping, restaurants, arcade, zoo, park…). From Osaka you can go very easily to Kyoto, Nara, Minoo… to spend the day there. I find that Osaka is well located in Japan. I was able to travel to Fukuoka, Tokyo, Okinawa … or even South Korea without spending too much. The people of Osaka are sociable and kind. Life is really cheap compared to Paris or Tokyo.
I think Japan is really a beautiful country with breathtaking landscapes. I was lucky to be able to travel across the country and was not once disappointed. I really advise future students to save as much money as possible and to travel, not only to the most famous places in Japan. My favorites in Japan are Nagasaki, Shizuoka or Enoshima.
If I had to do it again I would do it again without hesitation, it was probably the best experience of my life.
I will continue my studies in international trade and try to pass the JLPT N2 in December.
I advise you to save well beforehand, to be diligent in your studies and above all not to hesitate to leave your comfort zone! Having worked in a restaurant during my studies helped me improve my speaking skills and make Japanese friends.”
Sonsavanh, 21 years old, Instagram : @sonsavanh
Studied in Osaka
“You were caring, patient (setting up this project lasted 3 years because of the covid and I could very well have given up), fast and very efficient. I’d very easily recommend your services (and I have already done so!). Your explanations and facilitating the communication with the school was the most useful.
My studies went as smoothly as it could. The teachers came from all over the country. That allowed us to learn the language with the different “accents”. The teachers are also involved in what they do and the lessons are very interesting. We started the lessons by learning 10 new kanji then we continued on lessons of grammar/vocabulary/oral and verbs. The ideal way to improve your speech is to make local friends because it is difficult to have a long conversation with the teachers (classes up to 20 students). I am not bilingual but I am quite satisfied with my progress. I started at level N5 and in 6 months I passed N4 and some notions of N3.
Classes were held in the afternoon from 1:10 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. That already leaves quite a lot of time to sleep, generally I got up in the morning around 9:30 am and went to a cafe to study for around 2 hours until lunch and then lessons. Classes finished, we were going to enjoy the streets of Tokyo with a small group of friends.
Tokyo is a fantastic city. It’s a clean city (it shocked me), pleasant despite the high population and very convenient with its public transport. You can eat at almost any time and for really cheap. The country is much safer than France in terms of security. It’s a whole bunch of little details that make Tokyo a very pleasant city to live in.
I intend to redo this project but this time I aim to work on it. If I have the possibility I would like to settle in Japan.
I recommend to learn some basics before going to Japan. Thanks to this, the N5 was a breeze for me. Then I advise going to a sharehouse where it is possible to practice Japanese with the roommates. Finally, don’t be afraid to want to do things, everything I was able to do in Japan was an unforgettable experience. “
Limacher Hugo, 21 years old, Instagram : @hugo.lmchr
Studied in Tokyo
“I was very satisfied by the services. Before contacting you, I didn’t expect to be taken care of so well.
What contributes to the quality of the service is that from the beginning a rapport of trust was built up. Again, thank you.
Kobe is a very international city, small and large at the same time. So many culinary specialties and a myriad of restaurants. People are quite welcoming compared to Tokyo. Oftentimes people would approach us to discuss. When one can start speaking a little bit Japanese, the experience is even better.
I was using the JR train to commute – trains in Japan are so efficient. The big plus in Kobe, I think, is being near the ocean and having the mountains on the other side providing such a wonderful view.
Regarding the studies, as I was completely immersed in the Japanese language I could improve very quickly, more than I expected in just one month. I loved the school, the teaching method, the teachers’ kindness – the teachers are so devoted – and exchanging with other students. This school was without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life so far. Class was very intensive, taught all in Japanese as teachers can hardly speak English.
If I had one piece of advise for all those thinking about living this adventure, it would be: “Do it!”. You will get a real opinion of the country. I could discover many great things about Japan but also some not so great things. The bottom line is that I could make an opinion about Japan, whether I really like it or not – I am actually still in awe of this country!”
Nans C.
Studied in Kobe
“I was very satisfied by your services, in particular the facts that you guided me to find the right school, you took
care of the paperwork with the school and the fact that you were quick to answer and always reachable, even when I was in Japan. I also appreciated that you have a lot of choices of schools. It would just have been better if I had had the information of router rental of the accommodation in advance.
J Kokusai Gakuin is a great school. I loved the program, and it went really well. Teachers are competent and friendly. Lessons are well-prepared, and lively too. My classmates were nice. It was easy to make friends. I would recommend that school 100% also thanks to Aya-san (staff) who is there to help everyday. It was comforting.
In 6 months, I reached JLPT N4-N3 level. I am very happy because I improved beyond my expectations although the pace of studies was more intensive than I expected. Every day we learned 3 or 4 grammar items + vocabulary + kanji. One has to get used to that, but if you are into it, it is not so difficult to learn and keep pace. However, it is not easy to combine studies and part-time work. There are also homework and tests. I had to study at home at least 2 hours every day. If you work part-time, it affects your studies.
I tried to make the most of my free time to visit new places, especially on weekends. Whenever I had the opportunity, I went to Matsuri (local festivals) not really to pray, but to enjoy the great food and also to understand the Japanese traditions better. I have always been interested in Japanese culture, food, Shintoism, tattoos. What I found most interesting was the contrast of Japanese society: how traditions are so present while the country is technologically advanced (though I was shocked to see that they use fax still now!).
If I am to give one piece of advice to those who plan to come, “Save money before coming so that you won’t have to work”. When I had a baito, my days were so busy that it kept me from making the most of the Japanese lessons.”
Rejane M.
Studied in Osaka
“I was very satisfied by your services. Each time I had a question, you answered quickly. It made the process easy and smooth.
The school was perfect. The teachers were very patient and instructive, taking the time to explain. The school staff were helpful as well, when needed. In 6 months, I feel I improved my Japanese a lot. I started from almost no knowledge at all. Now I can understand when someone talks to me in Japanese, and I can reply (though sometimes in a simplistic manner).
In Japan, I was very surprised by people’s kindness. Before I came to Japan, I expected people to be cold but it was the opposite, most of the time.
After school, I would go to a cafe or to karaoke. In my free time I would also go shopping, to exhibitions, restaurants, movies, concerts … Lots of things to do!
Now I am considering going back to Japan to study more! After that I will return and look for a job where I can use my Japanese language skills or, if possible, work in Japan.
If I had to give you a piece of advice, I’d say “make the most of your time. Don’t stay home. Open up to opportunities because time flies!”
Cedric, 25 years old
Studied in Tokyo
“I was more than satisfied with your services. I honestly don’t know how I would have done without your help!
Besides, it’s kind of funny when you’re chatting with other French students from the school (a good part of us have become friends) to realize that we’re all here thanks to you. So thank you so much for everything. The most useful was definitely the administrative side, as it is simply impossible to understand and manage oneself when one cannot speak Japanese.
I study in Chiba. It’s a quiet city but it’s still a big city with everything you need and cool places to see. Going to Tokyo is a bit expensive so don’t expect to be able to get there all the time, but it is not far, that’s for sure!
My studies have been going very well. The teachers are very nice and one can count on them if needed. The program is ideal for going to higher education, perhaps less for exploring the culture as there were not many activities in this school.
My schedule is: wake up at 6:30, train at 8:30, arrival at school at 8:45 and start at 9:00. End of classes at 12:30. Return home around 1:00 p.m. then either study/go out with friends or work depending on the day. I work at a 7-Eleven on weekdays either from 5 to 10 p.m. or from 2 to 10 p.m, and two 7-hour days on weekends. I advise against doing as much unless there is no choice because the pace is hard to keep up with. Schedule is quickly filled: studies, work, shopping, cleaning… Still, there is time to be found for traveling around (Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara…) as there are may holidays! I also spend at least two afternoons a month with classmates (at billiards or karaoke).
What I find most interesting in the end is all the little details of everyday life. Many new habits: taking a bath every day, eating rice every day, drinking almost as much tea as water, going to the konbini late at night… and many other things.
I went from N5 to N3 in nine months (and counting! I started studying for N2).
Yes, I would do it again. I was admitted at a hotel school in Kyoto. I’ll start in April for three years. I’ll continue studying Japanese one year; then will be in the same class as Japanese. So I’m not ready to leave the country! Just give it a try, don’t be afraid. Once here, it’s much easier to decide what you want to do next and while waiting to decide, you learn and enjoy!”
R.Y., 19 years old
Studied in Chiba
“Your services have been perfect. The exchanges I was able to have with you were always quick and extremely efficient, so keep it up!
My studies have been going very well, I’m happy with my current level (N3/starting N2).
However the only problem I have with the school is that it focuses too much on obtaining the JLPT as opposed to advancing and improving the conversation skills. In any case, I have had a very good year of study.
I was able to study in Tokyo, more precisely in Ikebukuro. It is a very lively area. A million things to do after class (though it is recommended to revise one’s lessons each day!).
Regarding my life in Japan, I could see that the cultural differences are very strong, compared to the West. However, I quickly got used to life in Japan and felt very comfortable here. It is therefore a country that I highly recommend.
Regarding my Japanese level, I have gone from a “beginner” level to a N3/beginning N2 level, which was facilitated by my knowledge of kanji (I learned many kanji before coming to study in Japan). So if I have one thing to advise before coming and living this experience, it is to study as many kanji as possible because these are an important part of the course. The more you know kanji, the more you can spend time on other items learned in class (grammar, vocabular …).
I am currently looking for a job here in Japan. So the Japanese will be useful to me for the future. After my program is over, I intend to study by myself to have at least an N2 level and pass the JLPT.”
Aymeric I., 27 years old
Studied in Tokyo
“I was completely satisfied with your services. Very good communication, great involvement. What was the most convenient, I think, was the ease of getting in touch with your agent, whether for questions or minor setbacks to solve.
My host family was very warm and very welcoming. It was a real pleasure to meet them.
My studies went very well with an equal share of oral and written participation, and a very good teaching method. I improved beyond expectations. The school provides a pleasant environment, the teachers are attentive and likeable. It is easy to go to the various places recommended by the teachers: restaurants, shops, etc. It adds something positive to the atmosphere of the school because there is really an exchange between students and teachers.
Kyoto is a lovely city! The modern aspect (tall buildings) contrasts well with the traditional districts, the temples. It’s a good mix and a very pleasant city to live in. Life is convenient and interesting with daily excursions to temples etc.
My whole experience was enriching. The Japanese people I met were benevolent when I spoke in Japanese. Once, when I was returning from a karaoke evening with friends, a charming lady sat next to me on the train and during the 30 minute journey we discussed a lot of subjects. All in Japanese; she was really sweet.
I went from a beginner level to being able to hold a discussion completely in Japanese. I have a much better oral comprehension than before. I’d do it again but for longer time because time passed incredibly quickly.
I am currently looking for work in order to go back to Japan as soon as possible, study again and find a job in Kyoto.
The only advice that comes to mind is: just get started and do it! I really experienced something exceptional that I didn’t think would be so interesting and rewarding.”
Solenn M. , 24 years old
Studied in Kyoto
“Thanks to “YappaNippon”, I had the opportunity to study without worrying about “administrative” works. Indeed, the support of my application was complete from the early planning of the project until the end of my studies in Japan. During my stay, I was pleasantly surprised by the support offered by the site. When I arrived in Japan, I thought I was on my own, but I had the opportunity to receive emails several times ensuring that everything was going well.
I chose to study in Osaka which is a city known to be pleasant to live in. It is near Kyoto and other prestigious places (Nara, Mie and so many other places …). And by Shinkansen, Tokyo is not too far.
The school where I studied (J国際学院) offered morning (intermediate/advanced level) or afternoon (beginner/intermediate level) classes. The textbooks used in class prepare for the JLPT and are in my opinion very practical. The teachers explain the courses in a simple way and provide individual follow-up to the students, allowing them to enter a Japanese university or the job market.
Since the classes took place in the morning or in the afternoon, it allowed me to work part-time and thus understand more about how Japanese society works. The location of the school is also, in my opinion, one of its strengths, as it is located in a quiet but also lively area. I could walk to the center where I could work in a restaurant.
Studying and working in Japan allowed me to progress in Japanese but also to reflect on my future.”
Anais D., 21 years old
Studied in Osaka
“I appreciated the responsiveness on your part. The exchanges were facilitated by WhatsApp and you were always very responsive when I had questions. I felt you followed up on my project from A to Z for the whole duration of it. The only point that I would like to underline would be the fact that you should put more emphasis on schools that are perhaps less “popular”, yet such great schools (like mine, at least!).
I had an extraordinary experience at that school. We were a very united group of 10 and always ready to improve our Japanese by speaking even outside of Japanese lessons. As an open-minded person, I found myself in the values that this school wants to transmit, through the courses, but in particular the extracurricular activities, sharing Japanese culture. Teachers were really involved in their mission. Not just teachers, but fully-fledged Japanese who took care to pass on and explain traditions or history, or even to recommend addresses in Kyoto to eat, have fun or simply visit. As a result, the lessons were always “lively”. We spoke in Japanese from the start of the lesson.
My advice? Go for it! The shy and withdrawn little girl who often told herself that she could never live this kind of experience like the others, did it and is living it. If I can do it, you can do it too. In the end, when you have the motivation, nothing is impossible. Get out of your comfort zone and dare to travel, explore, test, discover and simply live this experience, especially when you’re young. Whether you are lost in what you want to do later, whether you are on a gap year from your studies or simply whether it is a childhood dream that you want to achieve, you should not hesitate for a moment to take the leap. It’s no “wasted time” as I’ve too often heard, but a unique opportunity to surpass oneself, grow. For “older” people (I do not think that age is an important factor in this kind of experience), I would tell them it’s never too late, the oldest student in my class at my language school was 66 and she was just as legitimate to be here as anyone else.”
Emmeline, 24 years old – Instagram @emmeleene_bhn
Studied in Kyoto
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