Communica Institute is a language school located in Kobe, a city 30 minutes away from Osaka, and was founded in 1988. This school offers different courses available to students depending on their end goal in Japan such as academic Japanese for university, and business Japanese. The curriculum is very flexible, and students can select classes in different levels and courses depending on their goals during their time in Japan. This school is best for students who are keen on building their future in Japan.
WiFi available
Free Wifi is available to students.
Student lounge available
Mix and mingle with your fellow students or do some last minute studying in the student lounge.
Communia offers part-time job support, various life-related assistance like address registration, bank account opening and cell phone contract.introduce “Comfortable”, “Livable”, “Economical” dormitories. They have several types of dormitories and you can choose one that best fits your needs.
-Living expenses
While the cost of living in Tokyo is JPY 100,000 / month over, that of Kobe is JPY 70,000 to JPY 80,000.
-Accommodations
Usually a guarantor is needed to rent a room in Japan, Communica is a member of “Comprehensive Renters Insurance for Foreign Students Living in Japan” and can be your guarantor. One month rent is JPY 40,000 to JPY 50,000.
-English speaking staff available
There will be English-speaking staff available to assist you with any issues that may arise during your time at the school.
-Part-time job
It is permitted up to 28 hours / week. (During long vacation: up to 8 hours / day).
We provides support by posting available part-time jobs in the area and preparing you for the interview.
-Full time employement support
From preparing you for interviews to teaching you proper business Japanese, we provides support for when you’re ready to join the Japanese workforce.
How has your experience been at Communica Institute so far?
It was smooth, but that is also because it’s not my first time applying for a student visa for Japan. Despite that, however, Communica Institute’s admission made all the processes easier to undertake, especially the immigration procedures. It’s nice to be back in Japan after almost 3 years!
Why did you choose Communica Institute to study Japanese?
I chose Communica Institute because of its location, the city of Kobe. I studied at Kobe University during my first study exchange and really liked it. The laidback vibe and accessible areas for relaxation, like the port, were appealing. I wanted to return to Kobe so I chose Communica Institute.
How is your experience learning Japanese at Communica Institute?
It’s been very positive. Starting from a beginner-intermediate level, the school’s environment allowed me to learn and refresh my Japanese skills. I’ve seen improvements in my speaking ability, especially through classes focused on practical communication skills like presentations and role-playing scenarios.
What are the lessons like?
The lessons are interactive with a focus on speaking practice. While there’s structure in covering topics, self-study is emphasized for applying learned concepts in different contexts outside of school. Depending on your goals, you can choose from various elective classes such as public speaking or business Japanese.
What’s the strongest point of Communica Institute?
Their flexibility in catering to individual learning needs is commendable. The school encourages discussion and provides opportunities for students to share their opinions creating a university-like atmosphere. This emphasis on communication aligns well with the school’s mission.
What are your plans after completing your language studies?
I aim to find a job in Japan and extend my stay. I’m exploring job opportunities and attending job fairs to learn more about the job market. Whether it’s working with Japanese or foreign companies, I’m open to various possibilities.
Does the school support you with this?
Yes, the school offers job support services such as assisting with resume preparation, and job interviews and providing resources like recruitment agency lists and information about job fairs. They’re supportive of students’ career aspirations.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying in Japan?
Research thoroughly, set clear goals, and stay motivated. It’s easy to get distracted by Japan’s cultural and entertainment offerings, so maintaining focus on your studies is crucial. Enjoy the experience, but also stay committed to your language learning goals.
How did you decide to teach at Communica Institute?
I joined Communica Institute in 2001 immediately after graduating from university and have been teaching here for 22 years. My belief that the journey of learning a new language significantly shapes one’s personality, and my experience with international students when I was still in university, have helped me decide to pursue a career in teaching and have also fueled my fascination with understanding what draws international students to Japan.
What is Communica Institute’s teaching philosophy?
The school was established with a unique focus on providing intercultural education rather than just Japanese language instruction. Our goal is not just language learning but also to foster an appreciation for diverse cultures. We firmly advocate for a diverse student body as we believe it is pivotal in providing education that can be offered to everyone.
What kind of advice would you give to students who are choosing between language schools?
I highly recommend thinking about your plans in Japan before choosing a school. If your purpose is to only learn the language, that can also be done in easily in your home country. However, if you have specific goals in Japan, this will contribute better to your study abroad experience. Also, given the linguistic intricacies of Japanese, it is best to gain some exposure to the language before embarking on your study abroad journey.
What do you like about the city of Kobe?
Being in proximity to Osaka, Kobe offers a lower cost of living and a stylish, nature-rich environment surrounding mountains and the sea. This unique combination makes it a livable city, enhancing the overall appeal for both residents and students alike.
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