Learn Japanese - Hyogo AJET

Classes

The Hyogo International Association in Kobe offers evening Japanese classes for foreign residents for a nominal price of 1,000 yen per semester. Sign-up is on a bi-annual basis, with two classes per week (total of 18 classes per term). There is also a Japanese course aimed at teaching Japanese in practical situations. This costs 4,000 yen and runs from September to October (total of 18 classes).

There are also a number of classes offered across most cities and towns in Hyogo Prefecture on a weekly or monthly basis, which can be found in this list (in Japanese).

In addition, some JETs are permitted to take some time during the summer to study Japanese in an intensive summer program. Some of the programs that have been recommended in the past by Hyogo JETs are:

Meguro Language Center

Yamasa

Proficiency Tests

There are a number of proficiency tests for Japanese. The most well-known is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験 nihongo noryoku shiken), called the JLPT for short. There is also the Business Japanese Proficiency Test.

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

The JLPT is held twice a year, in summer and winter. You can take the test within Hyogo, with the test being held at Kobe. The JLPT has five levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. To find out more about the tests, check out the following URL: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/index.html

JLPT Grant

Aiming to encourage JET Programme participants to improve their Japanese communication abilities, CLAIR now offers a grant for those who pass N3,N2 and N1 of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in their first three years on the programme.

Business Japanese Test

This test is geared towards those who are intent on entering the Japanese commercial sector, and is a higher level than other tests. It’s held every autumn in Osaka and Kyoto. The application deadline is in early autumn, and cost is about ¥7000. For info call or check out their website: URL: Business Japanese Test

Other Tests

J-Test: A JLPT alternative focused on practical Japanese. 8 levels.
Nihongo Kentei: A Japanese test for native speakers. 7 levels.
Kanji Kentei: A comprehensive kanji test for native speakers. 10 levels.