Language-school/homestay advice?

[DewarHolmes]

Hi,

I may take a two-week trip to Japan in late April and if I do, I'd like to take some Japanese lessons. (I speak a very, very little now.) I've been looking at intensive 1-2 week programs, language schools, and I've even read about...free lessons in Tokyo?
Can anyone share with me some information on an affordable school, if it's too late to sign up for late April/early May classes, where the free lessons might be found/how effective they are, etc.?

If I do end up taking the trip I'd like to take in as much of the culture/daily routine as possible. If anybody could fill me in on homestay programs or something similar I'd be quite grateful!

Doumo Arigatou gozaimasu!
-Seth

[Wagamama]

Originally Posted by DewarHolmes

Hi,

I may take a two-week trip to Japan in late April and if I do, I'd like to take some Japanese lessons. (I speak a very, very little now.) I've been looking at intensive 1-2 week programs, language schools, and I've even read about...free lessons in Tokyo?
Can anyone share with me some information on an affordable school, if it's too late to sign up for late April/early May classes, where the free lessons might be found/how effective they are, etc.?

If I do end up taking the trip I'd like to take in as much of the culture/daily routine as possible. If anybody could fill me in on homestay programs or something similar I'd be quite grateful!

Doumo Arigatou gozaimasu!
-Seth

Hello,Trust me if ur gonna be there and only for 2weeks don't waste time going for classes it would be a huge waste.However i do highly reccomend going for homestays,its a really good experience.Tryhttps://www.homestayweb.com/becomeaguest.html.
cheers,hope this helps

[Firebird]

I have posted something to this school before
Kudan Institute of Japanese Language & Culture Co. Tokyo Discount Booking. Japanese Language School in Japan

i stayed in Japan for a year and i spent 5 weeks in this language school. I had only basic knowledge but the school worked out fine. Teachers are good, the fee is ok and my homestay was awesome (tough a bit outside).
If you don´t need japanese for school or work i´d recommend a half day conversation course with a homestay. With this you´ll go to school 4 hours a day and can hang out with all cultures visiting this school afterwards and explore Tokyo.

I did learn alot and i think the teachers fit the language levels and are good.

Enjoy
Firebird

[Sangetsu]

There are "free" lessons available in most places, though they aren't really "free". You need to pay an entrance fee of 1500 yen or so, and purchase a textbook, so even though there is a cost, it isn't very much. The bad thing is that these free schools tend to be crowded, with few teachers, so you don't get much individual instruction, but still, they are better than nothing.

Larger schools which charge a fee are more intensive, and offer more one-on-one time with instructors, but these tend to be expensive, and they usually want you to pay your tuition up front, rather than on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis. You will learn more Japanese, and more quickly, but at a cost.

I think Metropolis magazine ("Tokyo's Largest English Language Magazine") has a list of Japanese language schools with contact information. You should be able to find it on the web.

[Neffiline]

If you're only going for 2 weeks, I would suggest your travel and visit Japan instead of going to school. I went for 2 weeks and didn't have time to see everything I wanted.

BE A TOURIST!