By Declan Murphy,
Director - International Office

12 weeks is usually the longest period of time that a student can spend in Japan without needing a student visa. It is also sufficient time to complete a full stage of the curriculum, which is why the Yamasa Academic year is divided into 4 terms of 3 months each. If you are able to study for 12 weeks, then will be able to select from a very range of options - both from the Academic curricula and also from Continuing Education. These options include...

ACADEMIC:

Acceleration Program - Ultra Intensive Japanese Language Studies
This ultra-intensive 28 class per week program is the most intensive academic program available in Japan and is available in two formats. All 4 skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are taught, class sizes are usually small and progress is rapid. The program is best suited for beginners and people wanting to rapidly improve their grammar knowledge, reading skills and conversational proficiency. If you are only going to be able to study for 3 months, this program will let you get the most out of your investment of time.

Academic Intensive Japanese Program - (AIJP)
This intensive 24 class per week program is Yamasa's largest program. All 4 skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are taught and a strong grammatical base provides a good foundation for further studies.

Advanced Japanese Studies Program - (AJSP)
This 24 class per week program is specifically designed for advanced learners. As a minimum, you will need to have the equivalent of JLPT Level 2 (approx. 1000 hours of classroom study). All 4 skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are taught and the curriculum is best suited for students aiming for very high levels of proficiency.

CONTINUING EDUCATION (EXTENSION):

Discovery Program (Study tour)
Option C of this intensive Japanese communication skills/conversation program that includes 10 weeks of study (adjustable) combined with an adventure tour of 12 days duration (also adjustable in length that will introduce you to a wide sampling of both traditional and modern Japanese culture. Very popular in the summer due to special festivals such as the Gion Matsuri etc included in the tours. The tour will also allow you to explore areas of Japan that usually can't be reached by public transport. The program is best suited for language travellers, beginners in the language or first time visitors to Japan.

SILAC - Short Intensive Language Acquisition Courses
This is an intensive Japanese communication skills/conversation program that includes 12 week program lengths. It is offered all year round and has 15 or 23 classes per week depending on your level. The program is best suited for people wanting to rapidly improve their conversational fluency.

Internship Program (Experiential)
This program includes an option with 6 weeks of intensive Japanese communication skills/conversation studies followed by a 6 week internship placement in a Japanese speaking workplace. It offers the opportunity not only to put your Japanese skills into practice but also to experience Japanese culture in its most natural day-to-day routine.

Private Lessons
Private lessons are less expensive than many think, and you can START ANY DAY except on Sundays and Public Holidays. The schedule and curriculum is designed by faculty with you to provide a fully customized program.