Kyoto JaLS -Japanese Language School- - Karasumadori-Nishikikojiagaru

I participated in the Kyoto JaLS Standard + Internship course over Winter and Spring 2020. I had an amazing time, both in class and outside of it. I was able to meet so many people from different parts of the world, and I made a lot of new friends. The school found me a really great apartment near Sanjo Bridge, about 15 minutes by train from the school. After classes ended for the day, there was a huge variety of activities to sing up for. I was able to try making lots of traditional Kyoto style crafts (kumihimo, yuzen, karakami, etc), and I even got to make Soba! One of my favourite events were the Japanese Conversation classes. We students got the chance to practice our conversation skills with locals, who had some really interesting stories about the city. The classes were very small, with a max of 8 students, but the average was more like 5 per class. The placement test was fairly accurate, though getting into the swing of things the first week was really the only confusing thing. The teachers were amazing! They were very friendly, and extremely patient - especially when it came to difficult concepts. My Japanese skills improved a lot while I was learning with them, and I don't think I would have advanced as quickly without them. By the time you graduate, the teachers feel more like old friends. The Internship course was the first time I had done an internship. The staff members were very welcoming, and constantly made sure I could understand what I was doing, since most of the instruction was in Japanese. They arranged for me to take a private Japanese Business Etiquette class, and helped me practice interacting with customers. Part of my responsibilities included running and hosting student events, working in the on-site cafe, and coordinating social media. The staff constantly checked in with me to check if I wanted to try learning something new, or if there was something specific I wanted to learn from them. If you are interested in taking the Internship course, I would recommend already knowing some conversational Japanese, since most of the internship takes place in that language. I would definitely recommend Kyoto JaLS to anyone looking to improve their Japanese. The facilities are excellent, and they have a free resource library to help you study. Both the teachers and the staff are amazing, and are really invested in giving each and every person the best experience possible.

Coming to JaLS was a great decision, the environment here is amazing! I'm surprised how quickly I made friends here, all the staff and students are really friendly. I never expected to make so many friends from around the world. I've gone from not speaking much Japanese at all to having some jokes in Japanese with my friends here. If you're considering studying in Japan I would definitely recommend JaLS. They also have a school in Sapporo. I would love to come again and meet Leo. He's the best

This is my second time at studying at JaLS and both times it has been fantastic for my Japanese studying. The teachers are very knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere of the lounge is perfect for relaxing or studying. The activities provided by the school provide great opportunities to meet new people and practice Japanese. If you are looking to learn Japanese in a casual, international environment in Kyoto, I highly recommend Kyoto JaLS.

Kyoto JaLS is a perfect way to experience Japan for the first time. Firstly, the price is very low compared to other language schools. The variety of activities in JaLS is also the best and cheapest. When an activity in JaLS costs 460¥, that basically means two 230¥ bus rides to the place of the activity and back, so you'll definitely get your money's worth from activities. In addition to the activities you find from brochures in Kyoto JaLS webpage, there have also been activities arranged by interns (at least once a week for a fee) where you get to speak with Japanese people. Secondly, going to JaLS is very easy. They organize a place to live in and a taxi ride from the airport to your apartment (for a separate payment). Before arriving, JaLS sends all the information you'll need to commute between your apartment and school. There is nothing you need to rack your brain with. They'll also arrange a ride back to the airport if you pay for it. Lastly, all of the teachers I have met have been funny and good at teaching with the classes having a perfect pace (at least for me). The class sizes are small meaning you'll get very much of speaking practise to get you comfortable with Japanese. You can always also go to the counter inside the building to ask anything you'd like to know. The placement test also put me into the right level right away. This is my first time in Japan, and my third week out of the six I'll be staying here. I'm living in a share house organized by the school, and so far I have not a single complaint about JaLS. I believe I have gotten the best out of Japan by studying in JaLS.

As a senior adult and lifelong student of Japanese, I have “parachuted in” (dropped in quickly) to JaLS twice now for 1 week each time, joining the intermediate course wherever they happened to be in the curriculum. The experience has been absolutely fabulous each time. Teachers have well prepared and intensive lesson plans. “Taking a drink from a fire hydrant” is a good way to explain it, but in a very positive sense. 3 hours of class each morning, then either a private conversation tutor or self-study in the afternoon. JaLS can arrange low cost lodging but, depending on the season, nearby hotels are excellent and relatively inexpensive. I love the pace and vibe of Kyoto (I’m not a big fan of Tokyo). My ideal situation would be to do a week or two every year for as long as I’m able.

JaLS has provided a comprehensive and fun environment to learn Japanese in. The lounge that hosts the school is comfortable and a great space to meet and study after class. There is also a focused study area that I have made extensive use of, and can attest to how useful it is. The leveling of classes and teachers was also very useful, as I already came to JaLS with some Japanese. The teachers are always nice, as well as the friendly staff who have been helpful in every aspect of trying to navigate life in Japan. If you're looking for a place that can give not only fun but also comprehensive learning of the Japanese language; can also provide many unique activities (like going to shrines and making crafts) and has the perfect location in Kyoto, look no further.

I had a great Summer in Kyoto at JaLS. I attended the advanced class of the Summer course. I could improve my Japanese. The classes were great and the teachers are really friendly and professional. The staff is really nice and always willing to help if you have a problem or questions. I'm really thankful for that. The activieties were amazing and it was a great way to experience Japanese culture and life. I made amazing friends from all over the world as well as Japanese friends. I could just stay for four weeks but I would have loved to stay longer. I highly recommend the school.

JALS Kyoto offers a great opportunity for foreigners to come to Japan and experience the culture and people while simultaneously learning the language. The language teachers and staff are extremely friendly and helpful and my progress in the japanese language has progress greatly. I highly recommend the summer program to any person looking to gain a insight into Japanese life, culture and language.