Learning Japanese abroad: what is it, why should you do it and where is the best place to go?

What is a Japanese language course?

• A Japanese language course is a series of lessons in which you are taught the basics of the Japanese language in a short period of time.
• Course levels range from level A1 for beginners to C2 for the highest level; the Japanese standard for certification is called JLPT, going from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced). For some visas and jobs level N2 or even N1 level is required.
• A Japanese language course lasts an average of 50 to 100 hours spread over several weeks or months.
• A Japanese language course normally costs an amount that is comparable to other courses.

Why should you learn Japanese and take a Japanese language course abroad?

• Networking: Japanese is an important language for people who want to work internationally, especially in tourism, trade and technology, for example.
• Helpfulness: as soon as you speak a local language to some extent, you are immediately better able to communicate with the person you would like to help, and you can also get help yourself better.
• Involvement: as soon as you speak the language of someone else, you become closer to that person. It strengthens your feeling of being involved and being part of the local culture. Experience: going abroad to learn a language is one of the opportunities to step out of your comfort zone.
• Creativity: learning a language is a way to learn to use your creativity better. For example, when searching for descriptions or using hands and feet.
• Empathy: you train yourself to immerse yourself in another way of speaking, and often it will lead to a different way of thinking.

What do you need or can you do to learn a language and take a language course abroad?

• Being aware of your surroundings: wherever you are taught, you will always have to take your surroundings into account. Every country or region has its own rules and customs that you will have to adhere to to a certain extent
• Being aware of your organization: every school or educational institution also has its own teaching method or vision on education. Also consider the limitations/challenges some schools face due to lack of funding or facilities.
• Communication skills: some prior knowledge of the local language is not a must, but it is a great advantage

What is the best place to learn Japanese abroad?

• Japan: You will find a wide range of language schools in Japan, especially in cities with a university, such as Tokyo, Kyoto or Fukuoka.

What are the risks of a language course or a language year abroad?

• The coverage of your health insurance may be cancelled when, for example, you go and work abroad.
• You may suffer from homesickness and want to go home earlier (but there is a lot you can do about it and prepare for!).
• You may have problems with the organization with which you are going abroad (read more about solving problems abroad).
• What are the consequences if, for example, you end up in the hospital? If you end up in the hospital, you may have to pay the costs yourself if you have not taken out insurance that covers your activities.

Are you insured for a language course abroad?

• A language course abroad will be covered by your current travel and health insurance if you are not going abroad for too long, and are not going to do paid work or undertake special activities. In other cases, special insurance is often recommended or sometimes necessary.
• Read more: Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
• Read more: Verzekeren van een taalcursus of schooljaar het buitenland (NL)