Hello, I am a american f(24) looking to move to Japan and study through a Japanese language school in Kyoto. I am trying to stay with my partner and have no issue with a place to stay or the financial issues I see commonly with the new policy. I am currently looking into ISI or ARC as my two choices and have recently learned of the new hard enforcement of the 150 hr self study or N5 test equivalent representation of academic advancement to prove dedication on learning the language. I spoke with the representative from each school and have even heard from both that the study format is lax enough to allow students to hit the 150 hr mark before enrollment and not necessarily the application period (next March for the October program).
I wanted to ask if anybody has expirience in providing proof of self study or any programs that are legitimate online(the nihongo online schools 150 hour study program for 2kUSD seemed a little fishy) I have also seen in some posts that some were able to just show a bachelors degree to bypass the proof of academic advancement alone but I am unsure if this was back when the enforcement of the new policy was much looser.
If anybody has real life experience of applying or studying in programs that fall under the policy I would be very grateful if you comment.