Program Reviews

I came to Kyoto for the culture and historical sightseeing spots and stayed for the people.
In the three month, I took classes at JALS I could improve my Japanese drastically. The teachers at JALS were always very patient and, even though strict at times, they encourage their students to speak Japanese which makes learning a fun and rewarding experience.
Thanks to the teacher and staff, I was able to make friends by only using Japanese and was able to see parts of Kyoto's life that wouldn't be possible as a normal tourist. The love and support I received from the people here make this stay really unforgettable. Only heavy heartedly I will leave this city and JALS to venture for new experiences to other parts of Japan. But I'm sure, that someday I will return to Kyoto to visit all the friends one more time.

I stayed at jals in Kyoto for 7 weeks and it was one of the best experiences ive had since I started university. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming, the classes were easy to understand and the teachers made it feel like we were more like friends rather than teacher/student. The activities that take place after class ends are well done and give lazy people like me an easier time planning where I want to go. During my time I felt like I was able to go everywhere I wanted to go sightseeing at with the school.Overall it was a great experience for me making friends from all over the world, from places like India, Venezuela, Britain, Germany and so on. I would highly recommend this to anyone slightly interested in learning Japanese and about the culture.

It was an awesome experience in JaLs. Staff is friendly and teachers are professional. The pre-course examination has assigned me to the correct level. At first, I was very worried that the level will be too difficult because I have not studied Japanese for a long time. Just half a year. However, the class was suitable for me. I just need to study and prepare well previously that will be fine.

Teachers are also very professional an willing to explain. Many of them have traveled overseas so their English proficiency is quite high. In this situation, they can communicate fluently with students whose mother language is not Japanese but can speak English. That's highly appreciated. Besides, there are many cultural activities for students to participate so that they can make use of the chance to practice their conversational English.

This is my second time at studying at JaLS and both times it has been fantastic for my Japanese studying. The teachers are very knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere of the lounge is perfect for relaxing or studying. The activities provided by the school provide great opportunities to meet new people and practice Japanese. Kyoto JaLS is located in the heart of Kyoto, one of Japan's most historic and beautiful cities. Even outside of the classes and activities, the city itself is filled with so much history and culture. There is endless sightseeing and delicious food to eat. Aside from that, Kyoto is centrally located in Japan and weekend trips to other cities like Osaka and Kobe are very easy. If you are looking to learn Japanese in a casual, international environment in Kyoto, I highly recommend Kyoto JaLS.

I came for the third time! The balance between studies and fun activities is great. The support of staff and teachers cannot be better and you get to talk a lot in Japanese. Sapporo in Winter and Summer is very pretty and easy to get to know. The food is wonderful, for seafood lovers especially. Skiing and hiking is easily accessible, sometimes it is better to rent a car or go on an organized trip. Look for Travel Hokkaido. Jals will help you if you have special request. The support between student is very high so even when traveling alone you will find an interesting partner to talk to. It is really international at Jals and various age groups are present. Go and enjoy fresh air, good food and the greatest Japanese Language school I know!!!

Jals is awesome. I was very scared to learn a new language, but jals staffs and students helped me to continue to study. I felt amazed how much I was learning everyday during winter in Sapporo. Teacher knows how to be not assertive while not losing authority during the class. I enjoyed following sensei’s instruction and truly moved by consistency of leading students into adopting Japanese language in daily lives. Also, with a private lesson I could shorten time for progression decisively. It was never felt boring during either of classes I was participating. Sometimes, I got lucky to become a single student during morning group lessons. Staff me beers are well equipped to handle very emotional journey which students are partaking from time to time. Sapporo has a lot to offer during winter festival seasons for skiers, etc.

Living in Kyoto, going to Jaals every day for four weeks was not only one of the most important things that I have done in recent memory but it also drastically made a difference in my language learning abilities. From the onset of reaching out, they were very responsive.Once I got to Japan, they had me taxied from the airport straight to school and gave me direct support after the first day with detailed hand-drawn instructions and call support any time I needed it. Once I met my host family I felt right at home. We really connected
I share some of my most cherished memories with them. We spoke Japanese every day during breakfast and dinner and we even took weekend trips together. Without Jaals I wouldn't have the host stay experience that I had, I wouldn't have felt as comfortable, and I certainly wouldn't have learned Japanese as fast I did. Immersed in Japanese life is exhilarating, Jaals process and support make it seamless. They support you from the moment you apply to the moment you leave. The people's generosity, personal generosity, touches and warms my heart.
Once school started I easily found myself making friends in the international environment as well as getting very close with the professors. Whether you are here on vacation or before your study abroad experience, like I was, Kyoto Jaals was the best decision I could've made. They are efficient, incredibly friendly, and provide more than enough in every aspect. 10/10 would recommend.

JALS Hokkaido is a wonderful study environment to be in if it’s your first time studying Japanese abroad. You are treated very well by the staff and the lounge area is perfect for both socialising and studying.

The teachers were especially patient with everyone and made the students feel at home it felt very comfortable.

It was appreciated that books and vocabulary is provided.

It was also very fun to be able to talk to so many different races and learn about their language compared to my own and Japanese itself. More than most students were enjoyable to have fun with outside of class, which was shoring within my own counterpart since I do prefer to be alone.

It was a very relaxing experience and I do want to come back in the near or far future.

I spent four weeks learning Japanese at Kyoto JaLS, taking part in the Winter Course. Not only did I improve my Japanese but I had such a great time and made friends for life. The staff were super supportive before, during and after the course and made it really easy for me to move to Kyoto. The atmosphere in the lounge is fantastic - the staff are always happy to talk (in Japanese and English if you need it) and it's great to have a relaxed study space available. It also creates a lovely community between everyone at JaLS, the Japanese students, English students, teachers and staff. The teachers are all lovely and have their different teaching styles, but they all make sure the students learn in a fun, easy-to-understand way. I really enjoyed the cultural activities too; I lived in Japan for 18 months before studying at JaLS but it was the first time I really immersed myself in traditional culture like tea ceremony and kimono. The housing arranged by the school was lovely and good value for money. I can't recommend JaLS enough.

I had a 9 weeks course a JALS Kyoto, of which includes a cultural course and standard course. I went with zero knowledge of the language and the teachers were very patient with students. Even though they speak minimal English, I am still able to understand the lessons. The staffs were also very helpful to assist with the housing and school arrangements before I reach, and I felt that they have done a wonderful job given that this is the first time I have stayed in Japan for such a long duration. The staff were also very friendly and will always make sure that you are comfortable within the school premises and your stay. There were also after-school activities for students, of which include cultural activities or mini tours to places of interest within the prefecture. The school premises is also very modern with a cohesive space where you can do your work quietly without much disturbance. Overall, the experience at JALS is wonderful and I am glad to have meet new people from all around the world.