Kobe Toyo Japanese College thread

[Seffica]

I looked a bit around on the forum, but it seems like there barely is any info about the language school Kobe Toyo Japanese College. So when I saw someone made a thread for Naganuma, I figured making something like that for Kobe Toyo would be useful for anyone who is interested in applying there. I've studied there from April till July in 2011. It would be great if anyone else would like to put in their 2 cents. Also, do not hesitate to ask any questions!

Situation:

• Studying at Kobe Toyo was part of my curriculum in university. I was supposed to go to a university near Tokyo, but due to the tsunami and earthquake things went a different course. I managed to get into Kobe Toyo at the last moment thanks to a friend of mine who works there.
• Studying Japanese (major), international business (minor), at the time 3rd year university student. I had already studied Japanese for about 2,5 years before going to Kobe Toyo. Level at the time was a bit lower than intermediate, now near N2.
• Didn't participate in any kind of part-time job.

Pros

• Class: The school's target is to have everyone pass JLPT N1 or N2 in order for the students to move on to universities or vocational schools. The basic classes start with books like Minna No Nihongo, but the intermediate/advanced classes aim at teaching grammar and vocabulary for JLPT. Every period deals with a different subject, but all related to practical Japanese. Small kanji test everyday and a small grammar test once (sometimes twice) a week. They actually keep records of your results and attendance rate.
• Teachers: Classes are taught by different teachers during a week; I liked that, because every teacher has a different way of explaining things and if you don't understand something you can just ask another teacher for help. Teachers were also available after class if you had any questions about grammar/etc. I expected a strict typical Japanese relationship with them, but they were quite open and friendly. I also went out with them a few times for dinner or drinks.
• Teaching method: Depends on level. I have no idea about the beginner's classes, but on intermediate level you will have to study 10 kanji+words every day from Monday to Friday. It might be a bit fast paced for some, but I found it motivating cause without those small daily tests I'd prolly lag a bit.
• Quality: I thought the quality was good; it felt like I was actually improving (having little confidence stalled my progression a bit before I went to Japan). JLPT exam preparation starts early and a month or 2 before the actual test you will mainly practice JLPT reading and listening comprehension + the necessary grammar. They will provide a mock exam.
• Facility: They have a huge collection of educational books on Japanese. There's no cafeteria, but there's a restaurant on the 2nd floor which will give you a 50% discount for being a student at Kobe Toyo (you'll pay about 490 yen for a meal + all-you-can-eat rice or bread). A few convenience stores around as well.
• Location: It's close to the city centre (Sannomiya). It's only an 8-minute walk (underground tunnel system makes it a quick walk). There are a few subway stations and bus stops near the school if you need to come from far.
• Activities: Every other month or so the school would hold an event or activity. There was a bus excursion to Awaji-shima (we were able to see a puppet play!). Got to experience a few school festivals and sport activities with students from the medical school. I've heard they do BBQ's as well, but I was already gone by that time of the year.
• Language partner: The school will hook you up with a Japanese person who is interested in foreign languages and friendship. I have to admit that I didn't participate in this, but one of my friends did and she met a nice Japanese girl she would occasionally hang out with. Seems like a good thing, kind of regret not doing that.
• Dormitory: It really depends on which dorm you get placed in. I've experienced both of them and I think the Shinkobe dorm is better and more relaxing. Feels more like a spacious apartment.
• Cost of living: Living in Kansai is cheaper than living near or in Tokyo. On the downside, Kobe seems a bit more expensive than Osaka I suppose. The school helps students with getting a part-time job, but I don't have any experience with this.
• Application is pretty straightforward, but for any questions you can easily contact them since they have two staff members who speak English to a near-native level.

Cons

• Facility: The building is very small. Facilities like computers are very scarce. When it's crowded you can't always use the elevator, so you might have to take the stairs (and there are a few stories ^__^').
• Other students are mostly Asian. It can be difficult to get into contact with them, but if you try they will usually open up to you. Wasn't easy for me, but my other Dutch classmate had no problem at all to fit right in.
• Classes are from 9:00 till 12:30, so that's not really a long day at school. There are afternoon classes, but they're mostly preparation classes for university entry, writing ﾂ催ｬ窶｢ﾂｶ(essays) and some JLPT practice. Might be possible to enter these classes anyway.
• Teaching method: Kanji might be a bit fast paced at intermediate/high levels. I'd suggest e-mailing them with questions about lower levels.
• Dormitory: The Misaki dorm is a bit further away (35 minutes by bike), quicker by subway but that costs more money than buying a bike.

I apologize for the extremely long post (o.0...), but I hope I was able to inform anyone who is interested in studying Japanese in Japan, ﾂ'cause language schools do cost money and you need the right one for you. I cannot speak for anyone else, but I never even once regretted going to Kobe Toyo. I had a great time there due to all the nice teachers and office staff.

Questions and opinions are welcome!