A significant number of Yamasa's long term students (usually around 20-30%) continue studies after graduating from Yamasa. These include students wishing to do Masters or PhD programs at Japanese graduate schools, but also a small number of students who enroll in undergraduate programs.

If this is one of your objectives, then you will be able to make use of Yamasa's free advisory services. We also arrange for the representatives of universities or gradschools to visit Yamasa so that you can interview then in regards to your preferred program.

As preparation for university/graduate studies, we recommend that you enroll in one of the 3 academic programs. Ideally you should reach the AJSP prior to matriculating to a graduate school - as much of the research material will be available to you in Japanese only.

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. 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. Long term students would usually transfer from this program to the AIJP after 3 or 6 months. If you want a rapid start, especially if you are a beginner, this is probably the best starting off point.

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. The program has many proficiency levels and is where most long term students would spend the majority of their studies at Yamasa.

Advanced Japanese Studies Program - (AJSP)
This 24 class per week program is specifically designed for advanced learners. 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. Although some students are able to start in this program, most students transfer to the program after studies in the AIJP.