FAQ

Below is a list of frequently asked questions.

 

 
Is it OK if I don't know any Japanese?
What kind of food is available in Japan ?
What is the average cost of living per month?
What if I get sick?
What can you tell me about Japanese culture and customs (the Japanese way of thinking)
What can you tell me future prospects in Japan?
Can I work a part-time job in Japan?
How can I make Japanese friends?
What can you tell me about the procedures upon arriving in Kyoto?
How do I go from the airport to my accommodation?
 
Is it OK if I don't know any Japanese?
This is no problem.
We welcome beginning students and have classes specifically designed for students who are just starting their Japanese studies.
 
 
What kind of food is available in Japan ?
As Nihongo Center is located in the center of Kyoto, there are innumerable restaurants serving a variety of Japanese and international cuisines.
There are also reasonably priced restaurants for students that serve large meals for only 500-700 yen. Both ramen and curry cost only about 500 yen and is a popular lunch choice for students. Please take advantage of your time here to sample all the different kinds of food Japan has to offer. In addition to public restaurants, it is also possible to go and eat at any one of Kyoto's 50 universities' cafeterias, which serve good food at a cheap price.
 
 
What is the average cost of living per month?
While cost of living varies from student to student, the average is between 70,000 to 100,000 yen per month, excluding tuition fees. For instance, the cost of living for student A may be 70,000 yen (35,000 for rent, 20,000 for food, 10,000 for other expenses). On the other hand, the cost of living for student B may be 108,000 yen ( 50,000 for rent, 30,000 for food, 10,000 for transportation, 5,000 for utility bill, 3,000 for mobile, and 10,000 for entertainment).
 
 
What if I get sick?
You can obtain health insurance from the local ward office. This requires paying 9,000 yen for a year, and also covers 70% of the medical costs at a hospital. This insurance covers dental costs as well.

*We have a list of hospitals near our school. Please contact us at support@nihongo-center.com for more information.
 
 
What can you tell me about Japanese culture and customs (the Japanese way of thinking)
It is essential to think about punctuality and to keep promises when you make plans with Japanese people. Also, Japanese do their best to avoid causing other people trouble, so you should do the same. Please refrain from making loud noises or shouting, whether at your apartment or around town. In addition, Japanese tend to be very neat and clean, so be aware of your own appearance and try to be organized. In general Japanese people are very kind and polite, but ultimately they are people just like you, so treat them with the same respect that you would ask from others.
 
 
What can you tell me future prospects in Japan?
It may be possible to get a job in Japan if you have already graduated from a university in your home country. You can also go on to study at a university in Japan if you wish to continue your studies. In addition to this, there are currently numerous Japanese companies looking for foreigners who have strong Japanese skills. Many of our students go on to work in Japan after graduating from Nihongo Center.
 
 
Can I work a part-time job in Japan?
The best way to find a part-time job is to get information from fellow students who have already found jobs in Japan. Please ask the office staff as well, because we occasionally receive information about part-time job openings. If you are interested in private language tutoring, you can post an advertisement on the notice board at Kyoto's International Exchange Center (Kokusai Koryukaikan).
 
 
How can I make Japanese friends?
The best way to make Japanese friends is by joining a martial arts club or other kind of culture group. Going to a gymnasium is also a good way to meet people. You will probably have to speak first, as most Japanese people are shy, though in fact they are quite eager to talk with foreigners. Be positive and outgoing, and you will surely make Japanese friends. One of our students was studying Japanese at a Starbucks one day and asked the girl sitting next to him a question about the material. Not only did she answer his question, but they ended up making plans to go on a date later! Smart guy…
 
 
What can you tell me about the procedures upon arriving in Kyoto?
Please go to the ward office within 3 weeks of arriving in Kyoto to register and apply for an alien registration card. You will need to bring 2 passport-sized photos and your passport, and should receive your card 2 weeks after submitting the application. Until that time, you can receive a certificate from the ward office that proves you have applied for a registration card and which will allow you to purchase a cellular phone and open a bank account. Also, you can withdraw cash from convenience store ATMs if you have a credit card.
 
 
How do I go from the airport to my accommodation?
If you wish, we can arrange for a shuttle bus (MK shuttle bus) to take you from the Kansai International airport to your apartment or school. The bus costs 3,500 yen and if you have extra luggage (more than one suitcase and 1 piece of hand luggage) you will need to pay an additional 1,000 yen for each piece. The MK shuttle staff will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it in front of the customs exit, so there will be no need to worry. (Please keep in mind that MK does not offer the name card service from 8:00pm to 8:00am, so if your flight arrives during this time, please go to the MK counter located near gate H after exiting customs.)

>> MK Skygateshuttle