Enhancing Communication Skills for International Students in Japan

In a bid to support the growing number of international students in Japan, KEI Advance, a subsidiary of the Kawai Juku Group, is thrilled to announce the launch of a new course titled "Japanese Communication Skills Acquisition Course." This course will commence on May 11 and aims to equip students currently enrolled in or aspiring to join Japanese universities and vocational schools with essential communication skills that will serve them throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Overcoming Communication Barriers

Since the easing of pandemic restrictions, Japan has noticed a significant rise in the number of inbound international students. According to a report released by the Japan Student Services Organization, the number of foreign students in Japan surpassed 336,000 as of April 2024, marking an all-time high. It's evident in our surroundings, as the presence of international students has become a common sight.

However, many of these students encounter challenges in mastering practical Japanese communication, which is vital in both academic and daily life scenarios. The intricacies of the language—such as subtle nuances and idiomatic expressions—can pose considerable hurdles, even for those who possess a decent level of proficiency.

To address these challenges, the "Japanese Communication Skills Acquisition Course" aims to cultivate communication capabilities applicable in a wide range of contexts within Japanese society. Renowned instructor Hirotsugu Yamaguchi, representative of SOCCS Intercultural Communication Institute, will lead the course. Students will engage in practical training that encompasses various aspects of the language, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, all while focusing on grammar. The course will also cater to the unique terminology utilized in art universities, allowing students to familiarize themselves with specific expressions used in their fields of study.

This initiative is a vital step in assisting international students who are diligently pursuing their dreams in Japan. We encourage you to feature this course in your publication. Moreover, we welcome inquiries and interviews with the course instructor.

Course Overview

Schedule:

- First Term: May 11 - August 3 (Sundays) and August 24 - 29 (Daily)
- Second Term: September 7 - November 30 (Sundays) and December 7 - 12 (Daily)
- Time: 10:00 AM - 1:15 PM (90 minutes per class x 38 classes each term)

Venue:

Kawai Juku KALS Shinjuku Branch, 7-15-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Target Audience:

Designed for foreign students wishing to enter or currently enrolled in Japanese universities or vocational schools. Recommended proficiency is at least JLPT N2 or equivalent.

Instructor:

Hirotsugu Yamaguchi (Representative of SOCCS Intercultural Communication Institute) supported by Satoshi Miyazaki (Professor, Graduate School of Japanese Language Education, Waseda University).

Course Content:

The curriculum focuses on various scenarios encountered in student and daily life, utilizing group work, role-playing, and extensive writing exercises to refine Japanese communication capabilities. The first term will cover foundational to intermediate content, while the second term delves into more advanced topics relevant to real-world situations.

Each term will culminate in preparatory sessions tailored for university entrance exams, including workshops on personal statements, essays, and interview preparations. Students already enrolled in universities can participate in separate programs covering report writing and presentation skills.

Tuition Fee:

Each term: 370,000 JPY (tax included)

Enrollment Procedure:

Prospective students can express their interest via email to the KEI Advance Study Abroad Division. Following this, enrollment documents will be sent.

- Email: [email protected]

Contact Information:

KEI Advance Study Abroad Division: 03-6632-4105

About KEI Advance:
Located in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, KEI Advance aims to enhance the lifelong value of learners through education by providing support for publicity, examination affairs, and academic solutions for universities. Initiated in 2024 to support inbound students and invigorate Japanese academia, we have developed short-term study programs in collaboration with universities and graduate schools for hopeful study-abroad applicants. Last summer, around 70 high school and university students from China participated in these programs, demonstrating a strong interest in studying in Japan. Furthermore, as part of our assistance to aspiring art students, 19 candidates are currently preparing for entrance exams under our guidance at the Kawai Juku Art Research Institute, reflecting a fourfold increase from the previous year.

Visit the KEI Advance website: KEI Advance