About Admission
Q: When can I start studying at YAMASA?
A
For the long-term programs AIJP and the 2-year Japanese Language and Culture Course, there are four admission periods each year (April, July, October, and January). If you need to obtain a student visa, you must apply approximately eight months in advance.
For those who wish to study for a shorter period, we offer the “SILAC” course, which can be taken for 2 to 12 weeks. The SILAC course begins every Friday.
For application periods and detailed information about each course, please refer to the AIJP and SILAC course pages on our website.
Q: Is there an age limit for students?
A
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. There is no upper age limit.
If you are under 18 and wish to study at YAMASA, please contact us directly.
About Classes
Q: Are the classes conducted in Japanese?
A
Yes. All classes are conducted entirely in Japanese. Please learn hiragana and katakana on your own before starting.
Q: Please tell me about the textbooks used. Is it necessary to purchase them?
A
We mainly use textbooks that are widely used in Japanese language education, along with supplementary materials developed by the school.
For the AIJP course, the cost of textbooks is included in the initial fees.
For the SILAC course, textbooks are not included and must be purchased separately.
Q: Which countries do most students come from?
A
Students from about 100 countries and regions have studied at YAMASA.
Although the nationalities of students vary each term, people from many different countries and regions come to study here.
Q: Are there extracurricular activities?
A
Yes. Cultural experiences and various events are held during the term.
About Entry and Daily Life
Q: Can I find accommodation near the school?
A
One of the major features of YAMASA is that we provide our own accommodation for all students.
A comfortable living environment during your stay in Japan allows you to focus on your Japanese studies.
YAMASA accommodation options include the dormitory-style “Student Village” and apartment-style housing where you can cook for yourself.
All accommodation is directly managed by YAMASA and located in quiet and safe neighborhoods.
Supermarkets, restaurants, post offices, convenience stores, and large shopping centers are all within walking distance.
Requirements that are common when renting housing in Japan, such as a guarantor, key money, or a security deposit, are not required for YAMASA accommodation.
In addition, all YAMASA accommodations are fully furnished with the necessary household items, so you can begin your studies immediately after arrival.
The living environment is an important factor for a successful study experience in Japan.
For this reason, YAMASA provides safe and comfortable accommodation to all students at a reasonable price.
Q: Do I have to use the school’s accommodation?
A
No. You are not required to use the accommodation arranged by the school, but you must inform us of your residence before enrollment.
If you arrange your own accommodation, please note the following:
• Utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and internet are often not included in the rent
• Initial costs such as key money and security deposits can be expensive
• Depending on the distance to the school, commuting time and transportation costs may increase
Please note that the school does not provide referrals for external accommodation or support for checking rental contracts. These matters are the responsibility of the student.
Q: What is included in the rent for the school’s accommodation?
A
Water, electricity, gas, and internet are included.
For details about furniture and appliances, please see the Accommodation page.
Q: Are bedding and mattresses included in the accommodation?
A
No. Futons are not included; only a platform for placing the futon is provided.
The following options are available.
Rental: ¥370 per day
Rental is available for stays of 2 weeks or longer. The rental fee for 1–14 days is ¥5,500. From the 15th day (14 nights), the cost is calculated at ¥370 per day.
Purchase: ¥25,900
If you stay for more than 70 days, purchasing is cheaper than renting.
Set contents: mattress pad (futon), sheet, comforter, comforter cover, pillow, pillowcase.
For rentals, the bedding is already made on the bed. For purchases, the new bedding is placed on the bed in a sealed bag as proof that it is unused.
You can sleep on it from the first day without buying anything additional.
Q: What is the size of the bed frame?
A
It is the standard Japanese single size (97 × 195 cm).
Q: Is it allowed to invite visitors to the accommodation?
A
Yes, visitors are allowed. However, overnight stays without prior permission are not permitted.
If a visitor wishes to stay overnight, you must contact the school in advance and pay the accommodation fee.
If parking will be used during that period, please also contact the school in advance.
Q: Is parking available if I purchase or rent a car or motorcycle?
A
Yes. The school’s accommodation has dedicated parking spaces available for a monthly fee.
For availability and detailed pricing, please contact the school directly. Please note that conversion to a Japanese driver’s license may be required.
Q: How can I get to the school after arriving in Japan?
A
For students using YAMASA accommodation, a pickup service is available.
Airport pickup from Chubu Centrair International Airport: ¥18,000
(Weekdays Monday–Friday, arrival time at Centrair between 9:00 and 15:30)
Pickup from JR Okazaki Station to the school (during office hours 9:00–17:00): free
After completing the check-in procedure at the school, the driver will take you to your accommodation.
If you come to the school on your own, please check the “Access” page on our website. After check-in, you will travel to your accommodation by yourself.
Q: Can I go directly to the accommodation and check in there?
A
No. All check-ins are handled at the school office. Please come to the office between 9:00 and 17:00.
Q: Are meals provided at the school?
A
No. Please prepare your own meals.
There are supermarkets, restaurants, and convenience stores near the school and the accommodation.
Q: Is it allowed to bring food to the school?
A
Yes. You may bring your own lunch.
Students can use the refrigerator and microwave.
Q: Is Wi-Fi available?
A
Yes. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas.
Q: Are there a library or study spaces available?
A
Yes. There are spaces available for studying and viewing materials.
Q: Can I print or make copies?
A
Yes. It is available in accordance with the school’s rules and the designated fees.
Q: Can international students work part-time?
A
Yes. It is possible if you obtain “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence.” Participation in a part-time job orientation and notification to the school are required.
Q: How many hours can I work?
A
Everyone at YAMASA is here to study. If a decline in attendance, homework submission, or academic performance is observed, you may be asked to stop your part-time job.
• During the term: up to 28 hours per week
• During long vacations: up to 8 hours per day, up to 40 hours per week
Q: Are there any restrictions on the type of part-time work I can do?
A
Yes. Student visas have legal restrictions regarding the type of work you can do. Failure to follow the rules may result in expulsion from school or revocation of your residence status. Please be sure to attend the information session.
Q: Does the school help with finding part-time jobs?
A
No. Finding a part-time job is the student’s responsibility.
The school does not provide introductions, mediation, or placement services.
Q: Is there any information regarding part-time work?
A
Yes. We hold an information session about part-time jobs at the beginning of each semester. Please be sure to attend.
Q: Is joining the National Health Insurance mandatory?
A
Those holding student visas or working holiday visas are required to enroll in the national health insurance system.
Q: What kind of system is the National Health Insurance?
A
While 70% of medical expenses are covered by insurance, not all treatments or procedures are covered.
Q: How much are your monthly living expenses in addition to tuition fees?
A
Assuming the cheapest accommodation cost of approximately ¥1,500 per day (including utilities):
Accommodation: ¥45,000
Food: ¥30,000 – ¥35,000
Entertainment/Personal expenses: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000
Miscellaneous expenses: ¥3,000 – ¥5,000
Estimated total monthly cost: ¥88,000 – ¥105,000
Costs will be higher depending on the dormitory and lifestyle.
Q: Can I bring medications I use in my home country into Japan?
A
It may not be possible to obtain the exact same medication in Japan. Please be sure to check the relevant regulations and necessary procedures in advance, and bring only the permitted medication in appropriate quantities.
Q: What should I do in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster?
A
In the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster, please remain calm and follow the instructions of your local government and relevant organizations. Disaster prevention maps are posted at schools, and disaster prevention drills are also conducted.
Q: How will I get to school?
A
If you live in the school’s accommodation, it’s usually about a 10-20 minute walk or bike ride from the school.
Q: How do students usually spend their time?
A
Students enjoy their free time in the following ways:
• Participating in school-sponsored cultural activities and events
• Sightseeing at temples, castles, parks, and natural spots
• Eating out and visiting cafes with friends
• Shopping at shopping malls and 100-yen shops
• Exercising at sports facilities, gyms, and parks
• Participating in seasonal events such as festivals.
Q: Is it okay to travel within Japan?
A
Yes. It is possible as long as it does not interfere with your studies and you adhere to the school schedule.
Q: Are there any things I should be aware of as an international student?
A
Frequent absences, poor academic performance, or violations of school rules may result in expulsion. If expelled, part-time work is prohibited, and regardless of the length of stay, students must return to their home country immediately.
Q: Where can I exchange currency?
A
Since there are no currency exchange offices in Okazaki City, please exchange your currency in your home country, at the airport, or in Nagoya.