School Information
Approved School of The Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education
Long-established Educational Institute
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.
Conveniently Located
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).
Educational Support
Study Duration Choices
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.
School Environment
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.
Support for Higher Education
Higher Education Information Support
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) & Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) cannot be overlooked as a measure of one's Japanese ability and the 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. On the day of the examination, our students are escorted to the exam location by our teachers to ensure peace of mind when they take the exam.
Student Support Services
Our school offers help and advice on complicated procedures and applications such as visa renewals, applications for re-entry permits, application for work permit (under a pre-college 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 surf the internet on our high speed internet connections, 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.
