Students entering the AIJP classes are graded via a placement test and placement interview at the beginning of each quarter. The testing is very extensive. This ensures that faculty can place you in a class with students who have attained a similar score in the placement test and are of similar ability. You should not find yourself in a class too easy or too difficult. The placement test measures all skills including listening. It is possible to change classes after consultation and re-assessment with your academic advisor. 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.

Classes are usually offered at the following levels.

Absolute beginner (foundation)
Beginner
Upper Beginner
Lower Intermediate
Intermediate
Upper Intermediate
Pre-Advanced (JLPT2)

There are usually a minimum of 7 different levels of proficiency, though in the Autumn and Winter quarters it isn't unusual to have 10 to 12 levels. The maximum class size is 15. The average class size is 12.4 students. If there are 16 students or more at the same level, the class is divided into 2 classes for the duration of the quarter. There are no composite level classes.

The AIJP employs a rolling curriculum. At present the curriculum is divided into the following broad sections. Foundation classes commence from zero Japanese, Pre-advanced classes usually reach Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 2 (JLPT2) by the end of a quarter. Students of proficiency levels higher than JLPT2 automatically transfer to the Advanced Japanese Studies Program.

Yamasa uses the placement testing procedure to separate the class levels, each of which then proceeds along the curriculum. For example one class will usually commence the foundation level during the early stages of each quarter, while no classes would normally be at the pre-advanced level until mid way through a quarter.