Japanese Language School in Japan with Christina

Dreaming about moving to Japan? For Christina, Japanese language school - and a school-sponsored visa - was the perfect first step!
Christina grew up in Quebec, Canada. She moved to Japan after graduating from McGill university. She is now a third year student at Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, the top ranked fashion school in Japan.
In this second episode of "My Fashion School in Japan Story", Christina shares her experiences with finding a Japanese language school (in Japan) while still living in Canada. She also explains how a language school-sponsored visa is a great way to try life in Japan on for size before committing to a full multi-year university. Dorms, guest houses, and apartments in Japan are also discussed briefly.
Christina also answers some of your questions about the costs of language schools and how she was able to afford going to school and living in Japan.
In the next episode, Christina will talk about arriving in Japan and starting life as a language student in Tokyo. She'll also be happy to answer any of your questions about Bunka specifically, fashion college in general, or life in Japan. Please leave comments, questions, and suggestions for future episodes in the comments!
You can also contact Christina directly on her Instagram or Twitter:
/ pinkysaurus_rex
/ pinkysaurus_rex
/ pinkysaurus-rex
Please subscribe to the TokyoFashion KZbin channel for future episodes:
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Licensed music in this video:
"Be Happy" by Diamond City

[@cchiri]

I think I'll just have to watch this episode again since I got awefully distracted by the people walking by at the back.

[@gazellepop]

It's like a runway on the street.

[@Popokrieger]

I'm doing it :) i booked japanese language School about 2 weeks ago :) i'm from Germany and i'm staying for 3 months!

[@ChrisFromMontreal]

Awesome! Good luck! :3

[@kuraikosarana9730]

Kannst du mir mal bitte einen Link dazu schicken? :D Und wie viel bezahlst du dafür, wie bereitest du dich vor usw? Btw, lustiger Name :'D

[@kendraestey6061]

Here's what I've found from my own research so far: KCP Int., Bunka's language school, and ARC Academy seem to be the best schools I've found so far. For lodging, you can definitely do dorms or homestay, but those can be a little expensive. You can use airbnb.com to find share houses, etc, that are much cheaper. If you go to Japan on a student visa, then you can go and apply to work part-time as well. There's a limit on the hours (I think it's about 27/28 a week max) and the type of work (no gambling or red light district type stuff...of course, lol)

[@shelbyllyn]

Just reading down the comments, here's an answer to most peoples question. The visa you get to go to school in Japan is what is called a *General Visa*. "Working Holiday Agreements" allow young citizens (18-30) to work to supplement their funds while staying in Japan (Under the General Visa). *At present Japan has such working holiday agreements with five countries: Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea.* If you want to work in Japan, you may need a separate visa altogether. ( More info here: www8.ocn.ne.jp/~risk21/visa_applications.htm )

[@SakaDeeJay]

You've provided a wonderful lot of information and I'm glad I found a pretty much up to date video and not something from a few years ago. I took 3 months worth of Japanese classes a few years ago but the teacher didn't teach well. So I've been slowly fixing what she did and teaching myself Japanese. I would love to go to a language school because I really want to learn. I'm just afraid of not being able to go due to money :(

[@kasumikat]

this is so interesting to see how hard it is to find a language school compare to now adays there's lots of websites and services that can help you find language school

[@WabiTiny]

I'm going to KCP for 9 months this October!! I can totally vouch for them!!

[@danchi001]

Very interesting but I had to make a concerted effort to concentrate as I was so distracted by all the AWESOME OUTFITS WALKIN' BY!

[@newfy263]

This video was filmed really well - the people watching was just as fun as the topic itself! :D

[@spacedpeach2629]

Thank you very much Christina for this new video, it's really helpfull! It's really nice to get all the informations I picked up everywhere in a same video ^^ Impatient to see your next video!! :D

[@qqbloom]

that guy behind playing with plants XD

[@jokebus8349]

Nice to see you again Christina!

[@lailadiana9758]

Thankyou for this information, I know exactly what I want now and it's help a lot.

[@pinkqueenscookie]

If you wanna go to a language to just to see if you are 'compatible' with Japanese culture, I suggest you just do a 3 month trip. Language schools in Japan are way too expensive to just go for a visa in my opinion. Might as well get into a university or trade school to further your education/career goals.

[@snugglemuffin7]

1:20 his style is on POINT

[@sonyasever7625]

So many well-dressed people *,*

[@jen6224]

i know right :(

[@multikoolio332]

hella. I read your comment and couldn't help but notice.

[@hasen1957]

+Sonya Sever Yup, it's one of the things I noticed during my trip to Tokyo. People actually look good. They dress nice. They are not obese. They take care of their hair.

[@hurlyburly2331]

It's the fashion district... everyone wants to be a model. Note how annoyingly everyone looked at the camera.

[@AnimeLoveAnimeLover]

Can you make a list of let's say you top 10 japanese learning schools ? It would be great and would help me a lot.

[@CAROLINAMONTECINOS]

Or at least tell us the name of the school that you chose =)

[@MimiMin]

CAROLINA MONTECINOS She mentioned going to KCP International. : )

[@Samanthasami27]

OMGSH! I'm so glad I found you and this video! It has been my dream for almost two years to study at. Bunka Fashion School! I had the privilege of visiting in the summer of 2012 and fell in love with the school! And I have been doing the same thing! (Searching for a language school to attend Bunka)! Thank you so much for your help! This video has helped me so much, you are a life saver! God Bless You! How do you enjoy Bunka so far? What is your study major? How long did you spend at your Japanese language school before being able to transfer/ apply to bunka?

[@ChrisFromMontreal]

Hi! I'm so happy to hear that my video could be of help! :3 I really enjoy studying at Bunka! It's a lot of work, but it's worth it! I spent 15 months at Japanese language school before entering Bunka. Making the transition over was hard at first, but once I got into the rhythm of things, it wasn't so bad! :3 I hope you'll be able to attend some day as well! Good luck! :3

[@flojj]

Your informations are really heapful, it's so kind! Thanks!!

[@BDF5K]

I also went to KCP for two separate semesters. The first one was tough for me, especially since I was living alone for the first time. I eventually learned how to handle things on my own, but I still ended up spending a lot of money. The next year wasn’t as bad: I went to the places I wanted to visit while being more careful about my allowance, but I wish I had put more effort into studying for class. Still, I think my experience living abroad was worth it in the end.

[@sir_hammy]

KCP!! One of the best experiences in my life. I was there in 2007, Tanaka-san was the best English speaking adviser. Hopefully I'll be moving back by the end of this year with work. Blue Bottle Coffee, look it up!

[@yunoshimizu4735]

This video helped me out a lot! Thank you!

[@FollowTheBlackCat90]

So interesting!! :D I totally got distracted by the guy in the background though, what was he doing with those plants? xD

[@JessiicaxXOXx]

love these episodes, very helpful!

[@BabaStyusha]

Thank you! I'm waiting for your next video )

[@skullzer9600]

This is very informative and I like her lisp .

[@thefalsestereotype]

One of my relatives is gonna go to Japan because she received a scholarship from a school (I'm not sure where, but she's in college), I think she's going to a language school or something, but I noticed her social media that she talks to her friends in Japanese (She's still learning how to speak and write)

[@CollinKhans]

So, if I currently know zero Japanese, does a language school like KCP have beginner level classes? Or do they assume you are coming with some knowledge of the language under your belt?

[@ChrisFromMontreal]

Sorry for the super late reply! You can start at absolute beginner, no problem! They do suggest you come having learned hiragana and katakana though, so that it'll be easier to start up right away. Hope that helps :3

[@bradyn4180]

This made me more calm about choosing a university in general, so thanks for the vid! You look cool, btdubs :)

[@LeatherfacePapi]

I cant wait im moving for 1 year and 3 months

[@valeriehu5386]

AMAZING VIDEO! I feel so motivated to move to japan now. How did you afford living in japan when your savings gets low? part time job? internships?

[@MTCDiana]

I went to TLS school and I really liked it! I also stayed in a dorm!

[@idauhre3257]

Hi! I'm so happy that I came over this video. :D I'm planning to go to Bunka University and apply for their fashion course. But first I have to learn Japanese. So ofcourse I will need to go to a language course. I've already been in contact with Bunkas own language course. I was just wondering, where do you find all the scholarships you can apply to? Or are eligable for you? Also, do you know if it is really hard to get into the university? Thank you for your time. I also loves your video.

[@ChrisFromMontreal]

Hi! Thanks for watching! :3 To be honest I don't know a ton about scholarships, but first i'd recommend checking out your local Japanese Embassy/Consulate for more direct information. If not, there's this site you can check out and see if there's anything that may or may not work out with you www.jasso.go.jp/study_j/scholarships_sfisij_e.html As for Bunka University, I have no idea. Bunka Fashion College and Bunka University are technically separate schools with separate application processes, but if you are set on going to the University make sure you take the EJU exams which are required for most universities (Bunka Fashion College does not require these exams). Hope this helps a bit :3

[@haku0103]

I have a question for Christina. Aside from your life savings, did you also work part-time during your stay in Japan to sustain expenses?

[@XxMissLaLaLaxX]

Im excited for ur next video i really want to live in japan too ^^

[@KatrinaHyena]

How do you make money whilst at language school? I imagine you'd be pretty busy. Also, how long does it take before you can confidently speak Japanese in Japan? I've heard people learning for as long as 5 years and still not getting a great grasp of it.

[@ShadowsandCityLights]

I love this video its very informative.

[@holly1992]

I really want her shirt *_*

[@8nana8]

Her shirt is from Yurie Sekiya^^ hanamizz(.)fashionstore(.)jp/ :)

[@holly1992]

***** Awesome, thanks ^_^ Apparently they don't sell these online/they're all gone, which is pretty depressing ;__;

[@8nana8]

You're welcome!^^... Waa I thought they were still there TT-TT

[@jeanneareiter3789]

Holly i

[@batekush]

Towards the end... *tenderly examines plants* *charges phone* *glances at camera*

[@hishamelshawarby3390]

Thank you Christina very much for your nice video.. I will come to Japan during those two :) next video at this time months .. Can I have the chance to appear in your

[@WabiTiny]

I would love to hear more about your time at KCP :)

[@YuukiHyuuga15]

Can u work while you attend school?

[@Emiminnie]

The language school I will go to starting this June (ARC Academy) allows students not only to work while attending school but they also provide help to the students to find a job (unless I've had this all misunderstood)

[@whatwouldberyldo]

up to 28hrs/wk on a student visa (no bars, clubs, etc)

[@faelltnichtsein]

恵美 島枝 i´m thinking about to attend this school starting next year april, because of the long-term programm that does not require you to apply 5-6 months in advance. Can you recommend this school out of your experiance and have you worked part time ? I would realy realy realy appreciate an answer as it is quite the investment.

[@Emiminnie]

Zonk Zonker sorry being so late! It is a great school however class 1-3 are in the afternoon (4-8 in the morning) so it minimizes the chance of getting a part-time job a bit, it is possible though since 3-4 students in my class have one. I myself am yet to apply for one because I got very sick(if you have any questions about Japanese hospitals I can reply to them lol)

[@faelltnichtsein]

恵美 島枝 i´m happy enough that you even reply :) however at the moment i´m leaning more towards ISI or Akamonkai, as they seem to offer better facilities for the same price. Even though ARC is very well located in shibuya :/ I hope you stay healthy, so you can enjoy the rest of your stay. In the unfortunate case that i end up in a similiar state i will take you up on your offer :)

[@kdk200]

There's website called gogonihon to help with schooling living and visa

[@brittanymorgan4308]

christina its nice to see a canadian in japan i know i would love to do what you did i am very worried tho sense i am mental disabled life in general is hard so me tryin to move to japan is so much more D:

[@MadbutBad07]

don't let your disability hold you back if you explain to staff etc, they should offer you support.

[@MrPipe007]

Yes never let your disability hold you back!! NEVER!!

[@xXRawrMunstahXx]

Ahhh she's such an inspiration! I hope to visit Japan one day :,D

[@an-gv3ew]

this video was so informative!!! thank you so much!!!

[@sangeyify]

Interesting information on Japanese languages

[@jonfreak4152]

Great Intro Video. Well thought out and explained. Can adults over 30 get into one of these lang. schools? Been saving for long time for a good trip to Nihon.

[@Stefanovic-eu7iv]

How much Japanese do you really need to know before applying for a school

[@dezzydsdojo]

Hey thanks for the video and insight. Was thinking about going to a school called SAMU located in Shin-Okubo. I visited when I was just in Japan and my impression was decent. Just was wondering if you know someone who attends or attended the school. Haven't been able to find any reviews of the school in English online and just wanted to hear an opinion from a student's perspective.

[@CarolYinYuJia]

Hey Christina, can you recommend some more reliable schools so we can have more to choose from? Thanks!

[@vizualmrs]

What exactly IS language school? Is it like your majoring in? I hope you clarify in next video, well be waiting. XD

[@Gomunomissa]

Great video thanks!

[@unaanguila]

Thanks for sharing!

[@414caramel]

OMG thanx soooo much for this vid, I'm actually going to go study in japan next year, got the school i wanted to study in and of course a language school and all that stuff (did get a ton of help though luckily) and i was so nervous/worried about going there (>_

[@Aralka1234]

I really like this video. You remind me a little bit of Zoey Deschanel

[@MrPalozalo]

If you don't want to stay at such a strict place like the dorm(mainly curfew and the gender rules) and you don't want to do home stay either are there any other economical/easy ways or places to stay at?

[@ChrisFromMontreal]

Hi! :3 Guest houses might be your best option. They have all kinds actually, from shared rooms to apartment style rooms (where you don't have to share anything with other people, though are the most expensive kind of guest house...).

[@MrPalozalo]

ChrisFromCanada Thank you! :) I shall look into it! If you know any places let us know! xx

[@ChrisFromMontreal]

MrPalozalo No problem! :) The most widely known guest house company to foreigners is Sakurahouse, but I ended up using a company called Oakhouse (www.oakhouse.jp/eng/). If you're okay with living further away from central Tokyo you can probably find cheaper places to stay.

[@ryeofoatmeal]

i strat laughing when people staring at you like 😂 let her speak

[@GAGANDEEPSINGH-th6ym]

have questions if I study in japanese language school and I got n2 level so is it compulsory to give EJU or entrence exams to get admission into vocational school in Japan?

[@raivlogs3292]

from Bharat (India) love Japan.

[@parasitichobbitdragonschoo2653]

Hello!!! Im interested on moving to japan for 1 year to go to language school i was checking some rent rates on a website and i saw that the cheapest place to stay at was in kyoto,now my concern is if kyoto is a safe place,pretty etc positive stuff about it,or do you recomend a better place.

[@iamhannah6]

Thank you this was really informative!! :-)

[@AkaHeiwa]

Hey Christina! Thanks for all these informations :) I was wondering, how did you do to stay in Japan after this language school? Thanks!

[@dominoeangel]

Have you or friends have Japanese language schools you have had good experience in education and social society? (Names) ~ curious

[@MrApaHotel]

Is there an age limit for language school? Have you seen any older students?

[@azrnzala]

first time i went to japan for many months, no culture shock. i had more culture shock coming back to the USA... I went to KCP.. Sounds like you went to the same school hah.... Oh you did. I didn't get to that part of the video. 田中さん: それは～だめです

[@melanierasich2298]

How long did it take for you to receive a reply of your acceptance ? And how did they contact you?

[@deshaunalexander9406]

Hey I’m 16 so I’m not very educated on this kinda thing but I went to that schools website and I need about $6,700-$13,400 a semester and I don’t if it’s really difficult to come up with that money plus additional money for other things. Could someone let me know the difficult of saving that kind of money thanks in advance

[@the_n00b_gamergirl]

Thanks so much for sharing! :3 I just graduated from college, and I'm saving up money to go to Japan! Did you need to have any former knowledge of the language to be accepted into a Japanese language school? (Also, you remind me of the main character from New Girl!)

[@nicolak95]

Hot dude at 0.33

[@Crabtree1844]

What do you think of Toyo Language School in comparison to the Language school you went to?

[@Aphroditexx]

田中先生すごいっすね！ KCP帰りたいな。。

[@daninoa9650]

i'm from Quebec too :)

[@renatodasilveira144]

That man petting the plants 6:25 - Gaijin hunter ...

[@lillekins]

what's that man doing in the background at 6:00? is he stroking the flowers?

[@veiledseeker]

He's listening to what she's saying >.

[@Arifmridha]

Thanks for the vedio, i was curious is there any bogus school in kyoto like I saw many in London few years back which been closed down. I just want to avoid become a victim by one of them if there is any? do u have any idea about Kyoto Minsai Japanese language school? thanks in advance

[@kimthuybui9279]

Thanks for the video! You talked a bit too fast but thanks goodness, I get them all. And may I ask you a question that: Bunka said they have no original scholarship. Does it mean that they have no tuition discount policy even if student attends every class? Are you applying for any scholarships? Can you reccommend me the most suitable one cause I know that expenses in Tokyo is significant. Thank you.

[@renasedlmeier]

Which kind of course did you attend at KCPsince it's was linger than 90 days? And were you allowed to have a part time job in Japan did you Do that ? :O Best wishes~ Nana

[@drizzlingmaplesyrup]

"I just took all my life savings to Japan"

[@alaskaspawnbub]

Can you do something like that for high school.?

[@ChrisFromMontreal]

I have heard about exchanges in high school, but it isn't exactly language school so much as actually being an exchange student at an actual regular high school in Japan. Don't know any details though, sorry!! In order to apply to KCP, however, I'm pretty sure you have to have graduated high school first.

[@mexicutioner2933]

Hi! Are you able to work while attending the school you did? It sounds like you need about $5-6,000 up front to do this then. I am extremely interested in advancing my basic HS level Japanese skills and working in Japan, so I am trying to get on the path necessary.

[@shorty1able]

Hi Christina. My name is Saul. Saul Jose Carranza and I'm from Brentwood, CA. I really wanna go to school in Tokyo, Japan and get Manga career going on their and take my general education classes their and also move out their. I have a few questions or just a lot but just a few haha. My first question if your going to work over there and go to school for the first time. Where do you have to get yourself through that. I understand you have to get Visa and I'm also trying to find 2 jobs more better so I could and I nothing in my savings that much. So I'm learning how to save my life's savings. What kind of jobs do they have over their were you get paid more money at or could anyone else help me through here please. I been looking up online about visas and I'm starting to understand it.

[@seencreater2905]

hlo.can i do my degree after learning 1 year japnese language.

[@sdstreiker]

Who's cooler than Christine?? Kawaii desu!

[@Popokrieger]

Do You think that i'll learn enough japanese in 3 months or is that too short? Because i am planning to go to College in my homecountry right after 3 months..

[@Jun3Awzme]

3 months? Then you'll have to study almost 24/7 lol :3

[@PinkRibbonsxo]

a friend of mine went to a language school here in japan(osaka) and 3 months was enough to learn to speak :) kanji is hard though so u have to study hard :/

[@whatwouldberyldo]

if you know 0 japanese and you study intensely, and make japanese friends you speak japanese to, you'll be able to hold conversations with friends about various broad topics (food, music, games, etc) since you can learn a decent vocab and your basic grammar in that time. you won't be having any sort of discussion about politics or anything, and going to the bank will still be a nightmare, but speaking and listening should improve dramatically :3

[@Popokrieger]

Yup thats fine to me i wanna learn like the Basics to survive and maybe come back for another 3 months next year :) thankyou for your answers

[@bjvb1991]

Popokrieger, I’m thinking about going to Japan next year and also go for at least three months! I would love to hear from your experiences about why and or why not stay for at least three months in Japan. What did you love about those three months and what did you or you would change when going back to Japan? If you have any tips for me about going to Japan for three months I would love to hear from you, Thanks! :D

[@luvangelz]

Did you study in the language school while you were studying in Bunka? ^_^ or did you apply for it when you graduated?

[@ChrisFromMontreal]

Language school and then Bunka! But in terms of sending out application forms, those were sent out while I was still a Japanese language student.

[@vizualmrs]

That lisp... awesoke video btw.

[@chescagirl]

Is summer a time period thats available for language school? If so, would you recommend it?

[@WabiTiny]

Yes KCP offers a summer program that's really affordable :)

[@whatwouldberyldo]

be prepared for the humidity

[@user-qx9zq8fw1u]

Do you pay your school fees all by yourself or maybe your parents helped to chip in?

[@THCarballo]

what's the name of the school? thank you!

[@coolbuddydude1]

its like new york with small streets

[@amekun4494]

Do you rent an apartment to be able to be here or are you in a Japanese home( forgot how it's called sorry?

[@amekun4494]

And what school were you in ?

[@priceandpride]

love that necklace

[@LovelyDray]

3:42 Is it hot in here or is it that guy :D

[@baileyhalley5235]

I would Love to Learn Japanese I Speak alittle

[@sharonloh674]

Is it expensive to live in Japan?

[@Daniel-hs9bj]

I need to find a school that is affordable- that is the biggest concern.

[@sayakat2544]

Daniel Nagano is less expensive as it is in the countryside. :) Check out Take Me to Japan for more info

[@alexandraradcliffe]

Hello! I'm thinking of going to the same college than you. How long can I stay in the dorm of Bunka University? Why did You left the dorm?

[@nora6731]

+Alexandra Gomes (Alexy) i know this is out of the blue lol sorry but can i ask about your old?

[@alexandraradcliffe]

No problem. Haha I`m 22

[@thebrampampam]

I cant really concentrate to what youre saying the first time im watching this video because of the people walking and the guy behind you looking at the plants >_< lol