Good schools in Japan?

[Realism]

I would want to move/live in Japan sometime during the next year.

Hopefully money won't be a problem. I have a degree in Economics from a pretty well known school, however, I really have no desire to purse an economics career.

I would be living in Tokyo, and I want to look for good schools in the area (language schools) where there are good teachers, and good students in which you can learn Japanese.

Of course, I know that learning Japanese I would have to talk to Japanese people but I need some sort of visa so that I can stay for more than just 3 months.

I know some of you had gone to these language schools, can anyone offer any suggestions?

Thanks a lot.

[ozkai]

Student Visa

[Firebird]

I went here Kudan Institute of Language & Culture, study Japanese in Japan, Japanese school in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japanese language school, Japanese, nihongo school,nihongo, kanji, hiragana, katakana, kudanshita, jimbo-cho, study Japanese in Tokyo and i was really happy with the teachers, the other students and the homestay. I booked here Geos Kudan Institute of Japanese Language & Cultur Tokyo Discount Booking. Japanese Language School in Japan (i dont mean to advertise, i dont get anything if you book there!) because it seemed reasonable priced.
I did 5 weeks in the beginners class. I could already write Hiragana and Katakana so i choose the Conversation course wich worked really good for me. I can only recommend to learn a bit before you go, it can be quite fast sometimes.
I did the homestay and even so i was far outside i can only recommend it!
Have fun

Edit: oh yeah, if you are from Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, New zealand, Denmark or South Korea you can also get a working holiday Visa for 1 year.

[Realism]

I know a decent amount of Japanese already

I can read a manga in Japanese and understand 80-90% of it. I can watch a Japanese movie without subs and probably understand around 30-40%.

So in that case, I think I need something a little more advanced to really push me.

[Firebird]

Well, this school has higher levels as well. Most of the higher level where either Korean or Taiwanese but there where a few Europeans as well. When you arrive there, you will do a test and they will put you in the appropriate level. If you can understand most of a manga i guess you can read Kanji? Than i´d go for a conversation course!

Ive just seen that there is the intesive course for advanced. They have specific starting dates but you can also join in the middle (except for beginners).

[GTJ]

Originally Posted by Realism

I know a decent amount of Japanese already

I can read a manga in Japanese and understand 80-90% of it. I can watch a Japanese movie without subs and probably understand around 30-40%.

So in that case, I think I need something a little more advanced to really push me.

I think you should start from the basics and fill in the holes.