Program Reviews

Life in Japan is so different from the U.S. But I got used to it quite easily and adapted to my host country. I enjoyed making friends with classmates from all around the world like Germany, the UK, France and other parts of America. There were also several opportunities to meet with Japanese students during the language exchanges, and the Japanese volunteers during the cultural activities. The teachers were truly lovely people, some of them could speak English and some others only spoke Japanese so it was interesting to alternate between them for the classes. The language program was a bit challenging but not too much. It allowed us to make progress quickly while not being completely lost. There was plenty of time to visit the city and participate in the cultural classes that were incredibly interesting. I am glad that I took the traditional culture course so that I could take part in the Geisha experience that was unforgettable.

The staff was very welcoming in Fukuoka. They greatly encouraged and supported all students and the teachers were remarkably thoughtful and skilled. Everyday was something new. I learned so much about the Japanese culture. Fukuoka had many shops, restaurants, and museums so that there was always something to do or some places to explore.
I made so many Japanese and international friends that I still keep in touch with today. The struggles of language barriers were something I got to experience for the first time and I learned a lot about myself through it. Thanks to all the challenges, my Japanese improved greatly after my stay abroad.
Here is my best advice: You have to speak Japanese! That's the only way you are going to improve. The classes are very productive and worthy, but the best way to remember all that you have studied in class is to speak with locals and don't be afraid of making mistakes.

This course was exactly what I needed in order to stay focus on my goal: passing the JLPT N3. I was already studying at home, but going to Japan to study was a chance to learn about Japanese culture at the same time.
Meiji Academy staff is amazing and helpful, they provide many opportunities to discover Fukuoka. I really recommend you to take part in the weekend trips and activities they organise on weekdays because it enhances your experience. Fukuoka is a great city with a lot to offer, you won't regret going there.
I chose to stay in a sharehouse which was nice, it was a chance for making friends and having breakfast together!

My stay in Japan was one of the best times of my life. It was short, but intense and memorable. I met inspiring and wonderful people there, I hope we can meet again in the future.
The classes were very efficient and my Japanese level is really good now. I don't want to show off, but I really improved a lot, more than I was expecting, and I am able to speak about many topics now. I would say that the most complicated part is the vocabulary, because you have to remember a lot of new words every day. My teachers suggested buying some vocabulary flash cards that Japanese students often use for school. I found some at the 100 yen shop and indeed, it was a good idea.
The business classes were really cool too. Working in Japan seems very strict but I think I would love to live there.

Studying with Meiji is pure joy!

I studied at language schools in Spain and England before. While they all had their pros and cons, studying at Meiji Academy definitely stood out the most! Not only because it feels really special to study Japanese in Japan, but also because it felt just right. From the first day onwards, everyone was so incredibly nice and warm and it actually felt more like a study group at a friends place rather than attending classes in a school. The other language schools always had these "you're just one in a 1000" feeling to it. So while I learnt a lot, it was not like anyone apart from the teachers knew my name or cared all that much. Meiji is very different. They care. and it shows!

If you consider studying Japanese, trust me, it is soooo worth it to go with Meiji. They really have a special place in my heart now.

And on a side note, I did learn a lot (and in an easier, more fun manner than in other schools!).

I had so much fun here. I took an intensive course for 7 weeks. During that time I learned a lot about Japanese lifestyle, culture.
Teachers were funny and kind to me, they helped me to understand Japanese language logically.

Usually language schools in Asia are oriented to Chinese people. But since majority of students in this academy are from Europe and US, the classes are easy to understand for English-speaking students. I have a Korean friend who studied here, he also was able to understand everything with no problems.

Fukuoka city is not big and crowded as Tokyo, but despite that, it has everything you need. There’s a lot of bars, restaurants, cafes nearby the academy.
Every week Meiji academy holds different events such as Takoyaki party, Nabe party, strawberry picking and etc.

I was worried that I would have difficulties to follow the classes as I was a true beginner but the school provides lessons for all students and for every level. Some of the students already had a good Japanese level, but I really didn't know anything in Japanese ! (only the hiragana and the katakana) I am not really good at learning foreign languages, but I really want to be able to speak Japanese, so I decided to apply for a language school in Japan. I thought that maybe I can improve more easily if I am in Japan, so I can use the langage everyday, when I go shopping, when I eat at a restaurant and when I speak with friends.
I improved my Japanese a lot so I am very proud and happy ! This is thanks to Meiji Academy !

The majority of the students were around 20-22 yo and everyone had different periods of stay. I stayed for 1 month but there were students staying for 1 week to 3 months. There were new students every week, so that was great to get to know so many different people from different backgrounds. There is a "city tour" every Monday when a new student arrives, I was always happy to join it and get to know them!
The traditional culture course was crazy. It was exactly what I expected thanks to the reviews I read before applying. I love the traditional culture of Japan, kimonos, matcha, geisha... well, meiji academy was amazing on that point. Cultural immersion is guaranteed!

This program was a big opportunity to interact with Japanese people and get used to their captivating culture. We had nice and fun activities in the evenings or on the weekend. I became friend with the Japanese volunteers that participated in the outside activities and events at school. It was a great opportunity for them and for us to talk about each other's cultures and practice languages.
I loved the city of Fukuoka. My favorite places were the Maizuru Kouen, Itoshima and the Hakata City Hall. My favorite restaurant was Shin Shin, it's a ramen restaurant and it was so delicious!

The lady from the front desk was so cute and nice. She couldn't speak English very well, but she really tried to talk to us. She seemed very invested in us having enough fun and making improvements in Japanese. It was actually a good thing that she wasn't able to speak English because we could practice our Japanese easily. Everyone at Meiji was nice and open-minded!
The Japanese Business Course was really interesting, I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in working in Japan someday, or anyone with a job relating to Japan. The Japanese classes were fun and interactive, I was attending those classes with great pleasure!