Yamasa questions

[PuppetMaster]

I have decided to go to yamasa now after I finish my BA in july 2008.

Though I am wondering what is the best time to apply for the next available course after that date, and when would the next course start?

Also how far is yamasa from tokyo?

Also I live in england, so do I need to geta student visa, and how do I go about getting one?

 

[Nall-ohki]

All of the answers to your questions can be found on Yamasa's website: The Yamasa Institute - Study Japanese in Japan

If you need a student visa, the only times you can get one are April and October.

You get a student visa through applying to the school and specifiying it in your application.

Yamasa is in Okazaki , near Nagoya. It's roughly 60% of the way from Tokyo to Osaka. It's not a place you could afford to just drop by on weekends (Osaka is closer, and it will cost you between 6500 and 9000 yen to take the Kintetsu or Shinkansen there/back).

 

[PuppetMaster]

^^' yeah I was looking around the site and kinda got lost.

When does there academic year start?, as I cant seem to find it on the site.

 

[Catwomisen]

I know, their site is a bit... confusing at times
well... The academic year practically starts whenever you want it to start That is... you can begin your studies on whichever term you want. Me and my fiancé for example are beginning our studies April 4th. You can find the dates for the starts of the terms in their online catalog. Click a program and then on the right you'll get a little menu. Just click "program dates".
Only problem is that if you need a student visa for your studies you need to plan how long you'll be away. For example if you're studying 18 months or less you can apply for the certificate of eligibility that's announced in the end of august, thus beginning your studies in October (autumn term), but if you're going for 24 months you need the certificate announced in february, thus starting your studies the spring term (april).
Hope I was to some help

 

[PuppetMaster]

Ah okay, that makes more sense now=)

So I am guessing the class are mixed with people of different skill levels?


I am planning to go after my course, so july 2008, I am guessing they have there summer term off? If so I guess I will start in october 2008.

Hmm whats the best time to book, as I am from england, and I hear they fill there england quota very fast.

 

[Mike Cash]

Another firm adherent of the internet tradition of asking questions of random strangers instead of directing them to the people/institutions best suited to provide useful and authoritative information, I see.

Good Lord, man....ask Yamasa.

 

[Catwomisen]

Ah okay, that makes more sense now=)
So I am guessing the class are mixed with people of different skill levels?
I am planning to go after my course, so july 2008, I am guessing they have there summer term off? If so I guess I will start in october 2008.
Hmm whats the best time to book, as I am from england, and I hear they fill there england quota very fast.

They have like... maaaaany classes, all with different skills. It's not too uncommon with like... G H I J etc. classes with the A class then being the furthest ahead. But Mike is very correct ya know. Yamasa is pretty damn good with answering questions And there's a "answer within 24 hours" policy (for working days ofcourse).... hehe, their good service is the main reason me and my sweetie choose to study there

 

[Penny4em]

Hmm whats the best time to book, as I am from england, and I hear they fill there england quota very fast.

Seriously, PuppetMaster, you should ask Yamasa all these question. They are wonderfull at replying. As for their England quota, I'm from England too and I start there this April so as long as you apply early enough (i.e. immediately after the application date opens) you should be fine.

There is no summer holiday, it's just that the Student Visa (as apposed to the Tourist one) is only issued twice a year - in April and October. The Tourist Visa I think can commence at any time but you'd probably have to leave Japan to change it to a Student Visa which allows you to stay much longer (max two years).

Another firm adherent of the internet tradition of asking questions of random strangers instead of directing them to the people/institutions best suited to provide useful and authoritative information, I see.

Good Lord, man....ask Yamasa.

Good Lord, Mike Cash. Rein in the derision.

 

[cosmicferret]

I've just got to Yamasa and they saying that they are fully booked until Oct or something for most courses (i think). So I know you're thinking of next year but it might be worth bearing in mind that the sooner you apply the better - at least get your foot in the door

That said it's peak season approaching so it might be quieter in Autumn.

One more thought: I'm a brit and here on a working holiday visa. Might be an option for you if you are not planning on studying for 1 whole year or fancy mixing study with work and/or travel.

Oh and as far as i'm aware the quotas are for language rather than country. In the group of new students today there were actually only 3 native English speakers out of 24.