As an international student looking to study in Japan, one of the most important aspects to consider is the curriculum offered at the school of your choice. Understanding the curriculum is essential to ensure that you are getting the education you need to achieve your goals. This article will provide you with an in-depth guide to the curriculum in Japanese language schools, including examples of what you can expect to learn.
Understanding the Japanese Language School Curriculum
Before delving into specific examples of curricula, it is important to first understand the structure of Japanese language schools. Japanese language schools can be broadly divided into two categories: those that focus on preparing students for university and those that focus on preparing students for work.
Language schools that focus on preparing students for university generally have a longer curriculum, spanning several years, and are geared towards preparing students for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and university entrance exams. On the other hand, language schools that focus on preparing students for work generally have a shorter curriculum, spanning several months, and are geared towards teaching practical business Japanese.
Example Curriculum for a University-Focused Language School
For a university-focused language school, the curriculum can be broken down into several levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. The following is an example of what you might expect to learn at each level:
Beginner Level
At the beginner level, you can expect to learn basic Japanese grammar and vocabulary. This includes learning how to read and write hiragana, katakana, and some kanji, and being able to hold simple conversations in Japanese.
Intermediate Level
At the intermediate level, you can expect to build on the foundation laid in the beginner level. This includes learning more complex grammar structures, expanding your vocabulary, and being able to read and write more kanji. You should also be able to hold more complex conversations in Japanese.
Advanced Level
At the advanced level, you can expect to achieve near-native fluency in Japanese. This includes being able to read and write complex kanji, understanding advanced grammar structures, and being able to hold conversations on a wide range of topics. At this level, you should also be prepared to take the JLPT N1 exam, which is the highest level of proficiency.
Example Curriculum for a Work-Focused Language School
For a work-focused language school, the curriculum is generally more condensed and focused on practical business Japanese. The following is an example of what you might expect to learn:
Basic Business Japanese
At this level, you can expect to learn basic business Japanese, including common phrases and vocabulary used in a business setting. You will also learn how to write emails and give presentations in Japanese.
Intermediate Business Japanese
At the intermediate level, you can expect to build on the foundation laid in the basic level. This includes learning more complex business Japanese vocabulary, being able to negotiate in Japanese, and understanding formal Japanese used in business settings.
Advanced Business Japanese
At the advanced level, you can expect to achieve near-native fluency in business Japanese. This includes being able to communicate effectively with Japanese clients and colleagues, understanding complex business documents, and being able to give speeches and presentations in Japanese.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking to study in Japan to prepare for university or work, understanding the curriculum of Japanese language schools is essential to achieving your goals. By taking the time to research the curricula of different language schools, you can ensure that you find the one that best suits your needs. Good luck on your journey to mastering Japanese!
