Learn Business Japanese at Linguage Japanese Language School
by Florian
Learning business Japanese is one of the biggest hurdles when wanting to work in Japan. Of course, you can get a textbook and study on your own. But today, we want to introduce another option for those looking for a faster way to proficiency: Studying Business Japanese at Linguage Japanese Language School in Shinjuku.
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The two sides of learning Business Japanese
When it comes to business Japanese, there are two main hurdles to clear.
The first is the language hurdle. To fluently converse in business situations, you need vocabulary and grammar that often isn’t covered in general-purpose language learning programs. The first thing that comes to mind is keigo, or polite speech. To many Japanese learners, keigo is a bit like math class: You know it’s important, but can’t motivate yourself to learn properly. A big reason for this is that the typical university learning environment offers few opportunities for engaging practice.
The second hurdle are business etiquette and practical application. Pure language skills alone are not enough. For one, you need to know cultural norms and business rules to behave and express yourself correctly in different situations. And then there are practical skills related to the actual job hunting process: Self-analysis, company research, writing a Japanese resume, interview preparation, mock interviews and more.
It’s possible to cover the language side even with a regular Japanese course. But chances are you’ll have to put in extra effort and self-study aside from your regular classes. Also, when your Japanese language learning partners are students around your own age, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to learn things like keigo (I’m speaking from experience here). And after that, you still have the etiquette and practical side to worry about.
In the end, if your goal is to live and work in Japan using Japanese, you shouldn’t put off learning business Japanese and start as early as possible. Most business-type courses are at N2 level. But if you start with the basics and slowly move up from there, N3 is more than sufficient.
Linguage Japanese Language School
Many Japanese language schools in Tokyo also offer business Japanese courses. Linguage Japanese Language School is different in that business language education is not just one of many course options – it’s the school’s main focus. Linguage was founded to equip students with both the language and practical skills that are necessary to successfully search for a job and work in Japan. Things like JLPT preparation are covered in the school’s courses, but not the end goal. When it comes down to it, the JLPT is just one of many steps towards a job in Japan.
5 pillars of Learning at Linguage
1. Dual Focus on Japanese Language Skills and Business Etiquette
Linguage offers an integrated curriculum combining language education with practical training. This helps students not only to improve their Japanese level but also to apply their knowledge in real-life situations by deepening the understanding of cultural backgrounds and business rules.
2. Business Japanese Instruction by Experienced Teachers
Teachers are trained and experienced in helping foreigners at Japanese companies. In addition to learning business Japanese and etiquette, students gain insights into the everyday workings of Japanese companies and receive advice on how to adapt to a Japanese working environment stress-free.
3. Integrated Teaching, using iPads and Cloud Services
Classes are conducted using iPads, with all books and coursework in one place. This allows students to connect in the classroom, but also submit homework online and conveniently study anywhere and anytime.
4. Employment and Job Hunt Support
From self-analysis and company research to writing a convincing resume and job interview practice, staff supports students every step of the way throughout their job search in Japan. Aside from the regular teachers, the school also has a specialized career consultant.
5. Located in Central Shinjuku
Home to Tokyo’s busiest station, Shinjuku is also a lively business area. Easy access to all pats of Tokyo and the larger Kanto area makes it a convenient base for attending job hunt events, doing part-time work or attending internships outside of school hours.
Today’s class at Linguage https://t.co/9qmLA01AmI#japanese #japaneselanguage #japaneseschool #linguage pic.twitter.com/5S99p8TN8x
— Linguage Japanese Language School (@SchoolLinguage) July 30, 2019
Course contents
Courses at Linguage Japanese Language School teach skills in three main areas.
1. Japanese Language and Culture
The Japanese classes cover all the basics like grammar, reading and listening comprehension, composition writing, pronunciation and more. They are designed to give you a firm grasp of the fundamentals of the language as well as the cultural context, and eventually lead up to business level.
2. Business Japanese and Communication
In terms of business education, Linguage Japanese Language School trains students using methods such as speeches, mock conferences and case studies in addition to teaching honorifics, manners, business culture, and humble speech. This way, students learn and gain confidence in communication skills for professional settings.
3. Employment Support
Lastly, Employment support covers training of self-analysis, self-promotion, corporate research, CV preparation, and job interviews. This part of the curriculum teaches the necessary skills to find a job in Japan.
Lessons are conducted using iPads. Each student is being provided with an iPad to access textbooks, complete class assignments, take tests, as well as to do homework online. In addition to making it easy to exchange information with teachers and classmates the use of iPads also allows students to review and prepare for lessons in their spare time, be it at home or on the train.
Courses
Linguage offers two kinds of long-term courses:
| Course type | Target |
|---|---|
| 1-year course | Students with intermediate Japanese ability (from JLPT N3 level) |
| 1.5-year course | Students with elementary Japanese ability (from JLPT N4 level) |
Classes take part in four sessions each day, Monday to Friday. Enrollment is possible from either April or October.
For these long-term courses, students need a study abroad visa. Because of the time it takes to complete all the necessary paperwork, application deadlines are set at the following times of the year:
| Start of enrollment | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| October | Middle to end of May of the same year |
| April | Middle to End of November of the previous year |
Aside from these long-term courses, there’s also a variety of short-term options that can be aranged based on student’s individual needs at any time of the year. The options include:
■ Short-Term Business Japanese Course
■ Custom Lesson Course
■ Vacation Course
■ Single Private Lessons
For more info about the short-term courses, check out the official website (further down the page). You can also contact the staff at Linguage Japanese Language School directly with your desired schedule.
Tuition and Fees
The costs for full-time courses covers registration fees, tuition, as well as expenses for extracurricular activities and study materials.
| One Academic Year | without tax | incl. tax |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | ¥750,000 | ¥825,000 |
| Second Year (6 months) | without tax | incl. tax |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | ¥360,000 | ¥396,000 |
Courses focusing on business education often come at a premium – not so at Linguage. The long-term courses include business Japanese and job hunt support as a default feature at around the same cost as other, general-purpose Japanese language courses in Tokyo. If you’re already set on living/working in Japan, then Linguage is a good option that doesn’t cost you any extra money.
For information on tuition costs for short-term and other courses please inquire here via the school’s website.
Voices from Graduates
Various schools teach business Japanese, but few offer as much support as Linguage Japanese Language School. Don’t take it from us but from students who successfully got a job while studying at Linguage. In our interview articles (linked below), you can find out more about their experiences.
■ Clemence from France
■ Earlwin from the Philippines
■ Yulia from Indonesia
■ Avazbek from Usbekistan
■ Advice from other students
Do you want more information about what Linguage Japanese Language School can offer?
Download the school’s pamphlet or go to the school’s website for more information about application procedure, course contents, and more.
Florian
My love for ninjas and interest in Chinese characters (kanji) were what first made me come to Japan, as a high school student. Over ten years and many visits later, I’ve found a job here and have chosen it as my new home.
