After much deliberation and the fear that my trip to Japan might be canceled due to COVID or other factors, the time had come in July 2022!
The original plan was to travel to Tokyo just for a longer vacation – as this was not possible due to the corona restrictions, I decided to go on a language trip. I wanted to continue working on my language skills anyway!
Of course, detailed planning was necessary in advance. On YouTube and other platforms, it was always pointed out that in order to learn the Japanese language properly and sustainably, you should travel to the country and study there. Yes, I have already discovered that. My Japanese language skills were definitely rusty, as its use in Germany (apart from translating my anime series) is practically non-existent.
But what happens next? I had already made enquiries with a few language travel companies beforehand. The only result, however, was that I was consistently sent brochures and emails that didn’t really give me confidence. A trip to Japan is not a small or cheap undertaking, so it’s important for me to be well looked after so that I don’t have to worry about something going wrong.
Then I came across NipponCademy on Google! I didn’t have any great expectations when I filled out the small questionnaire for the information mailing. However, I was surprised because there was the option of contacting them via a Zoom meeting or phone call. It didn’t take long and I was contacted directly by email with the suggestion of a Zoom meeting to get to know each other and discuss my personal ideas for the trip to Japan!
And yes – the Zoom meeting went great and everything that followed! I was relieved of any doubts and was helped in detail in all areas, especially with visa matters, booking flights and finding accommodation. But now to my stay in Tokyo!
I had a short-term stay at the ISI in Takedanobaba. As I mentioned before, I studied Japanese at university in Germany, but the entry test at the Japanese university placed me in a basic course. But that’s not a bad thing, because the basics are simply important!
When I arrived on the morning of July 6, I went straight to my accommodation in Higashi-Shinjuku. From there it is only a 20-minute walk to the school! Originally I wanted to find my own one-bedroom apartment, but I’m glad I changed my mind and went for a share house! Everyone has their own room and the kitchen, bathroom and toilets are used as communal areas. At the Share House, I made a connection straight away and the owners supported me in all matters.
The following Monday was my first day of school at ISI. The school building was easy to find via Google Maps. My lessons took place in the new building, so everything was really modern and stylish! My class was made up of students from different nationalities and they were all really nice – we all have one thing in common: an interest in Japan!
The teachers at the language school were also all very nice and accommodating. The basic course really started from 0 (with learning hiragana/katakana) but in contrast to my lessons in Germany, it went faster. Because you really work with the language every day, you notice progress very quickly and after 2 weeks at the latest you have really arrived in this system.
Every now and then there is homework and small tests to show you where you currently stand. The tests are not difficult in themselves if you work hard in class! It’s also great that you get the textbooks in your own language, so you have no problem reading up on grammar or the like. The book is also structured in such a way that everyday situations and vocabulary are explained right at the beginning and you can use them straight away!
In addition to the language school, I often went out into the city with the people from my accommodation and visited tourist attractions and events!
Why Japan? For me, Japan is simply the complete opposite of Germany on every level. The language system, history, culture and everyday life are a huge contrast for me and that’s exactly what keeps me coming back to this country! (the good food too, of course)
I had one of the best times of my life with this language study trip and was able to learn the language really effectively. Despite the daily lessons, there was enough time to do something every day! I can only advise everyone to take the plunge and take this step – it really is incredible fun and unforgettable!
Notes from Nipponcademy:
Barbara became part of our team after the end of her time in Japan. 🙂