#Japan #Tokyo #International Students #KEI Advance #Academic Japanese

The Launch of Academic Japanese Programs by KEI Advance

The educational landscape is witnessing a significant shift with the launch of the "Academic Japanese Education Program" by the KEI Advance Group aimed at universities. As more international students seek opportunities in Japan, this initiative promises to address the diverse Japanese language proficiency levels among incoming students. Set to commence from April 2026 for freshmen, the program is designed to enhance the academic readiness of these students, thereby facilitating smoother educational experiences in Japanese universities.

Background: The Surge in International Students

Following the pandemic, the influx of international students to Japan has surged dramatically. As of May 2024, over 229,000 international students are enrolled in Japanese higher education institutions, marking a record high. Predominantly, students are coming from nearby Asian countries, including China, Nepal, and Myanmar, leading to an increasingly diverse student body on campuses across Japan.

However, this rise accompanies significant challenges, particularly in language proficiency. While admission requires a Japanese language proficiency test score equivalent to N2, many students are entering universities without meeting this standard or struggle to adapt even after achieving it. This variance in language capability has become a pressing issue, as reported by various universities, highlighting the struggle to provide adequate academic support.

The Need for Targeted Language Programs

Research conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization indicates that a growing percentage of international students reported challenges in their Japanese language studies before arriving in Japan. The proportion of students expressing difficulties in 2023 was 57.5%, up from 53.8% in 2019. This persistent issue emphasizes the need for tailored academic language instruction that can help bridge these gaps before students officially commence their studies.

In response to these challenges, KEI Advance has developed a structured Academic Japanese Education Program to be rolled out in early 2026. This program will serve to ensure that students acquire a sufficient level of Japanese necessary for university-level engagement.

Details of the Academic Japanese Program

The Academic Japanese Education Program offers two main formats: e-learning materials and online live classes. These two approaches will be available to students starting from March of their enrollment year. The e-learning materials are a collaborative effort with the Spatial Concept Research Institute, a startup linked to Waseda University, designed to cater to learners in both Chinese and English.

E-Learning Component

The e-learning course, named "Spiral Up Japanese," incorporates rapid language acquisition methods developed by esteemed faculty members from Waseda University. This includes integrated teaching strategies aimed at easing the learning curve for international students. The training method is specifically tailored to support new learners, facilitating more effective language acquisition before their arrival in Japan.

Online Class Component

In addition to e-learning, students can participate in online live classes. These classes are structured around situational role-playing scenarios that students might encounter in their university life, developed in collaboration with inter-cultural communication experts. This dual offering allows flexibility for students to engage in language learning prior to their physical arrival in Japan, easing their transition into the academic environment.

Cost and Accessibility

The incorporation of these programs comes at various costs, adjusted according to individual university needs. For the e-learning component, a standard fee includes setup and maintenance, with additional costs per user ID. Online live classes have a per-student fee designed to ensure accessibility to quality education.

Looking Ahead

With the ongoing increase in the number of international students expected in the coming years, KEI Advance is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing language proficiency and ensuring that students are well-prepared for their academic undertakings in Japan. By offering these innovative educational programs, KEI Advance aims to support a smoother and more fruitful educational path for the growing community of international learners in Japan's universities.

For further information on the Academic Japanese Education Program, you can reach out to the KEI Advance International Student Division at 03-6632-4105 or via email at [email protected].

About KEI Advance

Located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, KEI Advance aims to enhance the lifelong value of learners through support in public relations, entrance examination services, and teaching assistance solutions. The company is dedicated to empowering international students while promoting revitalization in Japanese universities.

For more details about KEI Advance and its offerings, please visit KEI Advance's official website.