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The original was posted on /r/learnjapanese by /u/tesseracts on 2024-04-09 02:28:02.

Basically, I have done some research and reached out to Go! Go! Nihon but I still need to make up my mind about what I actually want. They asked me some questions like if I am planning to live there “long term” which I don’t really know at this point.

I’m in my 30s, I have visited Japan but never lived there, I’m studying Japanese in college and independently, and I’m below N5 level. I’m also interested in doing a homestay at some point.

Here are my questions about language schools:

  • There are schools like GenkiJACS marketed as “good for Western students.” I’m American but, is this really necessary? As far as I can tell the only difference is they focus more on kanji. (Also, according to a post I found here, sometimes the difference is they get away with charging Westerners more for the same product.) Personally, I have no background in Chinese characters or Asian culture but kanji is not a problem for me, I happen to have a good visual memory. If schools like this offer additional support in regards to translation, finding a job, or whatever, that might be useful though.
  • From what I understand there are 3 types of language schools: ones focused on the JLPT, ones focused on preparing you for university, and business oriented schools. I’m having trouble deciding which type of school I should choose. I’m unsure if I want to live in Japan long term, but I would like to be fluent, and I am interested in working in manga. I have an art background. I have no degree so working toward a BA in Japan is a possible option, and/or vocational school.
  • Is it even worth it to do this trip at the beginner level? I will probably learn more if I do it at the intermediate level.
  • How easy are the “easy” schools? How hard are the “hard” schools? I don’t want to be working 24/7 but I want to make use of my time.
  • Is it best to stay in a large city like Tokyo or a small city like Fukuoka? Tokyo is obviously more expensive with a more complex commute, but it might be easier for me to make friends in an area where I can find more people with my interests. I know people say to avoid English speakers but I wouldn’t mind making expat friends. There would also be more tourist stuff to do. However a small city might get me closer to the local community and I might make friends more easily there, I don’t know.
  • I was considering going this summer, but the summer semester is short. I can get 3 months as a tourist. However I was thinking, how much can I really learn in 1 or 2 months? Is this even worth the effort or should I just go for a full fall semester instead? It’s also April already so I’m not sure I can get in for summer anyway.
  • How annoying is it to get a student visa?

So any advice would be appreciated.