School Information

The Shin-Osaka Foreign Language Institute was established in 1985 as the Shin-Osaka Preparatory School as a Japanese language institute for foreign students going on to Japanese universities or technical schools. Since the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) was started a year before in 1984, the school was one of the first Japanese language institutes that prepared students for the JLPT. Since then, the school was renamed the Shin-Osaka Foreign Language Institute in 2009. Our school was recognized by the Osaka Immigration Bureau for having students who maintain proper visas over the many years. Our teaching approach does not only cover the Japanese language, but also maintaining responsibilities as guests living in Japan.
The school is conveniently located just 5 minutes away on foot from JR Shin-Osaka station. The Shinkansen bullet trains also stop at JR Shin-Osaka station, making travel to farther locations easy. While Umeda, Osaka's bustling commercial center, is just a 5-minute train ride away, the commercial streets of Shin-Osaka have a more relaxed atmosphere, meaning you can focus on your studies in a quiet environment. Furthermore, our school is also located very close to the Midosuji subway line (Shin-Osaka station) and the Hankyuu Train line (Sozenji station).

You can choose a duration of study that fits your plans from our many courses; the Long Term Course builds up Japanese ability for further Japanese education or employment, the Short Term Course gives a good experience of Japanese study, and lastly, a course for students who are already residing in Japan.
Classes are divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes so that you can comfortably study in a class that suits your Japanese ability. You can definitely improve your Japanese ability in an average class size of less than 18 students. Classes are taught by a team of about 4-6 teachers with 1 homeroom teacher who not only teaches classes, but also provides support for each individual's studies. Since all our teachers are certified Japanese teachers and many of them have majored in Japanese education in university or have done Japanese language research in graduate school, you can take courses that are both practical and well-structured.

Since our school used to be a post-secondary preparation institute for Japanese students, we have experience helping students progress onto higher education. We have gathered a vast amount of information about entering Japanese universities, graduate schools, and technical schools, meaning students can quickly and easily find information about the school they wish to enter. Also, our students can also receive thorough, personal advice and counseling about school applications and documents, interview strategies, study tips, and entrance examination strategies from their homeroom teachers.
Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) cannot be overlooked as a measure of one's Japanese ability and Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is a requirement for higher educational institutes in Japan. Our school addresses both examinations by focusing classes on examination preparation well in advance of the examination dates.
Our school offers help and advice on complicated procedures and applications such as visa renewals, application for work permit (under a student visa), and various student discounts e.g. for registered students studying 1 year or longer, a discount on student commute passes is also available. Also, students can temporarily leave small parcels or documents for safekeeping at the office, acquire information about dormitories, borrow books, audio, and video resources, and take advantage of the many other services we provide.