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INTRODUCTION

The Advanced Japanese Studies Program (AJSP) is an intensive but flexible Japanese language acquisition program for learners who already have JLPT Level 2 proficiency, a recognized equivalent level or higher. The intense interactive schedule is designed to prepare students for professional careers where a high level of Japanese proficiency is required and for successful entry into leading undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Japanese universities and colleges.

The program has a strong emphasis on preparing academic skills in Japanese and fluency in Japanese conversation. The AJSP is taught by designated teaching team selected from Yamasa's faculty members who will provide considerable variety, although one faculty member will be designated as your academic advisor. The curriculum particularly stresses reading and oral proficiency. All students have the opportunity to use Japanese language software and send/receive email in Japanese. Internet access is free and unlimited.

The AJSP is available in 3-month quarters for 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The maximum period of study is 12 months. Students can choose which quarter they wish to graduate in. The AJSP is taught from pre-advanced level only (Japanese Language Proficiency Test level 2). All applicants will need to demonstrate proof of proficiency by forwarding a copy of their JLPT results, presenting a letter of recommendation from a Professor or Japanese Faculty member of a university recognized by Yamasa, or passing an entrance examination either on arrival in Japan or after a minimum of 1 quarter (3 months) of studies in Yamasa's Academic Intensive Japanese program (AIJP).

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The AJSP commences in January, April, July and October.

There are up to 24 classes per week. 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 most intensive programs in the country, and yet retains the same low at-cost tuition rates. An optional culture program is also available on Friday afternoons.

Core classes start at 9.00am and finish at 1.30pm from Mondays to Fridays. There are no Saturday classes. Each quarter (term) also includes 32 classes of electives that allows you to customize the program to suit your linguistic strengths and weaknesses. Electives are taught from 1.40pm to 3.30pm from Mondays to Thursdays as per the schedule you will receive on arrival. You may choose 4 classes from 8 time slots - 2 time slots are offered each day with a minimum of 2 options per time slot.

PROGRAM DATES

*Japan has a large number of public holidays. The dates listed in the "Holidays" are public holidays occurring on weekdays. The only exception is the 1 week break in August (the Obon festival). As all weekends are holidays they have not been listed.

AIJP students are required to arrive in Okazaki at least 1 day prior to commencement. If you will be travelling across 6 time zones or more (ie there is a time difference of 6 hours or more between your location and Japan) then we advise you to arrive 2 days early. Students who need to arrive earlier than 3 days prior to the program commencement should also contact our offices as early as possible so that your accommodation can be confirmed. Students arriving at Nagoya International Airport can arrange to be met by our free pickup service. Students arriving by train can be met at Okazaki Station (also a free pickup).

LEVELS AVAILABLE

Students entering the AJSP classes are graded via a placement test and placement interview at the beginning of the quarter so that faculty have a detailed score profile of their proficiency level. Usually the AJSP would consist of only 1 or 2 classes, so the test isn't so much for placement purposes as for faculty use. If there are 2 classes, the classes will be split accordingly to proficency level and not age, nationality or other criteria. Once you enter the program the materials you will be using are usually advanced texts for students of Japanese combined with materials initially written for native Japanese speakers - for example newspaper and magazine articles. If a student entering the AJSP finds the level too difficult, it is possible to enroll for 1 quarter in the Pre-Advanced level of the AIJP, and apply to re-enter the AJSP 1 or 2 quarters later. In addition to our regular classes, private or semi-private (2-4 students) classes are usually also available on demand. Private or small classes can be scheduled flexibly.

PROGRAM COST

The low cost location, non-profit status and long-term financial support provided by the Hattori Foundation enables Yamasa to provide the AJSP at cost price to international students.

Application Fees:

NOTE 1: There is no application fee if you are enrolling for 1 quarter only, or if you do not require a student visa.
NOTE 2: Students requiring a student visa are usually required to enrol for a minimum of 2 quarters (6 months). If your university or other scheduling requirements are such that you need to enroll for longer than 1 quarter but are not able to enroll for a full two quarters then please contact our offices as soon as possible and explain your situation.

Tuition fees:

Frequently Asked Questions regarding costs: