To give you an idea of the intensity of the AJSP schedule, please note that.....

In each academic year there are 4 start dates with a total of up to 972 classes including 128 classes of electives. Maximum class size is 15. The average class size is 11.2 students per class.

By comparison, the APJLE regulations require a minimum of 800 - and most institutes deliver 810-820 program hours a year with the permitted 20 students per class format in use.

Yamasa has retained the low at-cost tuition rates only possible through a non-profit institute and so the intensity and smaller average class sizes is a further reason why Yamasa's programs are good value. Not only will your budget for public transport, accommodation costs etc be lower than for alternative education providers, but you will receive far more actual instruction in Japanese than anywhere else.

The program includes core classes and electives. Core classes start at 9.00am and finish at 1.30pm from Mondays to Fridays. There are no weekend classes. Elective classes are offered each day from 1.40pm to 3.30pm. There are a minimum of 16 electives to choose from and you can select up to 4 elective classes per week. Each elective is offered in a course format and runs for 8 weeks each quarter. A class period is of 50 minutes duration. An average weekly schedule would resemble something similar to the following:

The above schedule is only a sample and would not apply across all classes. You will also need to allocate self-learning and preparation time. In addition, all students enrolling in the AJSP will be able to learn how to use Japanese language browsers and send/receive email in Japanese during their FIRST quarter. The objective is to further improve the suitability of using the AJSP as a springboard to employment or further studies.

The maximum class size is 15, the average class size is 11 and varies a little depending on the time of year. This maintains the AJSP as one of the more intensive programs in the country, and yet retains the same low at-cost tuition rates.

The electives vary slightly from quarter to quarter but usually include additional Kanji classes, Japanese language software (word-processing, spreadsheets and making homepages in Japanese), history, Japanese culture, preparation courses for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, amongst others. Students aiming for placement into national universities usually take Mathematics, English or World History. An optional culture program is also available on Friday afternoons as well as the weekend tour program.

NOTE 1: *"Program Hours" are usually defined as classes - each class is a minimum of 50 minutes. It includes time spent in essential tasks such as placement testing etc, but does not include ceremonies, social events or other activities even when such activities are integral to the program and combine with language learning.

AJSP students choose their electives in consultation with their academic advisors. Students who have a Japanese proficiency level between beginner and intermediate will usually be allocated electives by their advisors in order to target gaps in grammar, conversational or kanji skills. Students at upper-intermediate levels and above will usually be able to choose their own electives, although consultation with your academic advisor is still recommended. Depending on the schedule of the electives you choose, you would normally finish at 1.30 pm on two afternoons per week, and at 3.30 pm on 2 afternoons. On Fridays classes are from 9.00am to 1.50pm. Optional tours and activities including excursions and sports are available in the afternoons for those who wish to participate.