< See All PostsChoosing a language school
by Shidiira on Mar 25, 2026
Hi everyone! I apologize if this question has been asked, but I didn't see anything quite related to what I'm looking for, so hopefully I can get all of your thoughts and opinions. I'll post more about myself and my situation below my questions for further clarification, but I'll be finishing up my Bachelor's degree in IT hopefully within the next 6ish months. Afterwards, I'm looking to attend a language school that is more on the intensive side for 2 years, so I can aim for at least N2, if not N1, so I can apply to jobs afterwards.
I'm looking for a school around Tokyo that at least has a 2 year program, supports part-time work, has a student dorm with internet access, and supports employment/interviewing. I've done some preliminary research and found 2 schools that seem to be what I'm looking for: Akamonkai and Japan International Institute of Cybernetics.
My questions are:
1. Do any of you have experience with these schools, or have any information about them to help my decision, and what's your opinion of them?
2. Are there any other schools that would meet what I'm looking for that you'd recommend?
Thank you very much for your time, information, and reading this!
More information about me in case it'll help:
I'm a 41 years old male in Colorado, and have been in IT as a system administrator and network engineer for over 20 years. I'm finally finishing my degree so I have it for opening more doors, plus I need my degree if I want to work in Japan. I have my CompTIA A+, Net+, and Sec+ certs, plus other basic ones like Linux and ITIL. I'll be getting my CompTIA Cloud+ and Project Management+ certs with my few upcoming classes as well.
I have some experience with programming, but not much, so I'm learning it at a deeper level to possibly pivot into software development/web development, and to add more skills and opportunities to my resume. I've been studying Japanese for quite some time, but only within the last year put some real effort into it, and would self-assess myself around lower N4. I also took a test through Akamonkai and they put me around that level as well.
I've wanted to live in Japan since I was a kid, and trying to avoid the English teaching route if at all possible, so I'm hoping this path will set me up for success. I have a high school friend that lives in Abiko as well, so I'll have someone close by that can help me as well if necessary.
If there's anything else I need to mention, please definitely let me know, thank you!
Comments
by Existing-Tutor-2204 on Mar 25, 2026
I had experience with Shibuya Gaigo Gakuin. I'd say it's fairly okay, but not worth paying for. Even if it's aligned with your goals and looks amazing—the marketing is on point—the main reason to reconsider hard is the lack of professional teachers. Japanese is hard, and you will need the help. I encountered many times in different semesters that the teachers just don't know how to help. I'd go with the big names. I was in your spot and tried to give a new one a chance. Wasted my time. If you want more info, feel free to DM.
by RealWaffleCat on Mar 26, 2026
If you havent already you should check out the GoGoNihon website im sure they would have what ur looking for
by Shidiira on Mar 26, 2026
Oh I haven't heard of this, thank you, looks to be a great resource!