Study Japanese in Fukuoka, Japan with Meiji Academy

Studying at Meiji Academy was a wonderful adventure! I enjoyed every single second I spent there and two months later, I am still thinking about it. I appreciated to be able to speak English with some of the staff member because my level at the beginning was really poor and the English speaking staff helped me to adapt to my new environment. Meiji offers really nice services and excursions and I could learn Japanese while visiting Kyushu and experiencing Japanese culture. The teachers and the staff were all very motivated and dedicated to us.
It was my third time in Japan and studying the language was a good alternative to be able to travel, make friends and get a better undertanding of the culture. This time I didn't feel like a "normal" tourist which is nice :)

We had classes everyday from Monday to Friday and they also gave us homework to study at home. The classes were small which allowed us to practice efficiently and remember easily new grammar structures. I am happy that during my time at Meiji Academy, I expanded my vocabulary very quickly thanks to my nice and talented teachers! I made great connections with local students in Fukuoka because I took part in the weekly activities and social events at Meiji, and also because I tried to be outgoing and talk to everyone! I loved the whole experience in Japan and I was constantly immersed in Japanese culture, which was my goal from the beginning!

My Japanese proficiency improved every day. The teachers were exceptional. They were patient with us, always smiling and sincerely cared about our progress in Japanese. I loved how they explained some cultural things about Japan to us, I learned many things thanks to them and not only about Japanese language but Japanese culture and habits. I felt more and more confident with my language skills and enjoyed a lot the everyday interactions with the local people.

I had a great time with the other students in the school, especially during our karaoke parties after school!

We had a great living situation and the sharehouse was located in a nice area with many shops and restaurant options.

This experience exceeded all of my expectations and I can't wait to visit Japan again.

I decided to study 6 months with Meiji Academy and it was definitely one of the best experiences of my life! The teachers and staff were so friendly and sweet that I felt comfortable straight away with everyone. When I first started I could barely understand a sentence in Japanese and now I can communicate with locals and have made a ton of Japanese friends. I took a separate Kanji class alongside the normal course, which I really recommend as reading is so difficult especially when you’re trying to get around the city or order from restaurants. Being able to understand even the most basic of kanji made everyday life here in Fukuoka so much easier.

For my first month I stayed with a host family and then moved into the sharehouse for my other 5 months. I can’t thank my host family enough for helping me quickly get accustomed to life in Fukuoka and boosting my Japanese from the start. It was a once in a lifetime experience and although it’s a little pricier than the other accommodation options, it’s definitely worth it!

We followed the textbooks Genki I & II and Chuukyuu e ikou, which got me from an N5 level to around an N4/N3 for the JLPT. Although some of the teacher’s English was a bit difficult to understand in the start, the classes were easy to follow and really fun. The school also organised a lot of events, such as Tea ceremonies, Okonomiyaki, Nabe, and Takoyaki parties, trips to festivals, etc. I loved all of it and, as a bonus, got to learn so much about Japanese culture and way of life. I would 100% come back to study with Meiji Academy if I get the chance!

Traveling to Fukuoka was a lot of fun. It was a very productive time for me. I achieved my goals while traveling, gaining confidence in Japanese and meeting fantastic people. It was reassuring to know that the staff was available at any time in case we had any problem. I had a little Japanese test to know which class I should attend and I was placed with two other students. The classes were always fun and interactive. I had a great time with the professors and my friends. I also had private classes that were the best chances to focus on my weaknesses.
I was looking for an authentic experience, far from the touristic and expansive Tokyo. I am more than satisfied with the experience I had! Fukuoka has a really unique atmosphere with all the street restaurants along the streets and the river in Hakata that pop up at night.

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.

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 !