The Japanese Language Comprehensive Course

For those wishing to obtain a student visa

Course outline

In the Comprehensive Course, students learn the four major skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through a well-balanced and systematic approach, allowing them to acquire flexible Japanese language skills that can be used not only during daily conversation, but will also aid them in various situations such as pursuing higher education, finding employment, and acquiring qualifications.
In addition, students will deepen their understanding of Japan and the language through experiencing Japanese customs and culture, and learning about Japanese rules and manners, and the Japanese way of thinking.

Enrollment Periods April / July / October/January
* July enrollment is only available at the Nagoya school and Kobe school. January enrollment is only available at Kobe school.
Length of Course From 1 to 2 years
Class size A maximum of 20 students
Class hours 5 days a week (Monday to Friday)
4 lessons a day (45 minutes per lesson)
Morning classes 9: 15-12: 35 / Afternoon classes 13: 40-17: 00
* Time varies depending on the level.
* Class start time varies slightly depending on each school.
Level Divided into 8 levels ranging from beginner to advanced.
About the study abroad visa The primary purpose for entering Japan on a student
visa is to receive an education.
Therefore, while it is possible to work part-time by obtaining permission to engage in activities other than those permitted by your visa status, working is limited to 28 hours a week.
In addition, students are prohibited from working during their first three months in the country by ECC so as to allow them to focus on their studies.

Estimated level and study length

ECC provides a flexible curriculum, divided into eight levels, that takes into account the diverse needs and objectives of our students from beginners who have no experience with Japanese to advanced students who are aiming to enter universities or graduate schools, or find employment.

レベル表

CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
CEFR is an international guideline used for all languages ​​in order to determine the proficiency of a foreign language learner.

Curriculum details

Beginner 1 A class for those with no prior experience with Japanese.
(Learning goals)
* Be able to communicate using common Japanese phrases and convey basic information about yourself.
* Be able to pass the JLPT-N5 with a high score.
Beginner 2 A class for those who have studied basic Japanese and whose Japanese is at the JLPT N5 level or higher.
(Learning goals)
*Be able to talk about personal information and topics you are familiar with using simple expressions.
* Be able to pass JLPT-N4 with a high score.
Intermediate 1 A class for those who have passed the beginner's level course of Japanese and whose Japanese is at the JLPT N4 level or higher.
(Learning goals)
*Be able to summarize and communicate one's thoughts on familiar and interesting topics.
* Be able to pass the JLPT-N3.
Intermediate 2 A class for those who have completed the beginner's level course of Japanese and the intermediate level course of Japanese study to some extent, and whose Japanese is at the JLPT N3 level or higher.
(Learning Goals)
*Be able to discuss relatively familiar and interesting topics and negotiate with others.
*Be able to speak and write in a manner that is appropriate to the occasion, the other party, and the purpose of the communication・Be able to pass the JLPT-N3 with a high score
Upper intermediate 1 (Advanced 1) A class for those who have completed the Intermediate level course of Japanese, and whose Japanese is at the JLPT N3 level or higher and who is aiming to pass the N2.
(Learning Goals)
* Be able to understand and discuss the contents of a university lecture ・Be able to pass the JLPT-N2
Upper intermediate 2 (Advanced 2) A class for those who have completed the intermediate level course of Japanese, whose Japanese is at the JLPT N3 level or higher, and who are aiming to pass N2 with a high score.
(Learning goals)
*Be able to discuss and explain social issues and somewhat specialized topics using evidence.
*Be able to summarize and present questionnaires and interviews
*Be able to pass the JLPT-N2 with a high score.
Advanced 1 (Advanced 3) A class for those who have completed the intermediate and advanced level courses of Japanese, whose Japanese is at the JLPT N2 level or higher, and who are aiming to pass N1.
(Learning Goals)
*Be able to explain the details of and give opinions about a wide range of topics.
*Be able to give speeches and presentations using an appropriate speaking style. 
*Be able to pass the JLPT-N1
Advanced 2 (Advanced 4) A class for those who have completed the intermediate and advanced levels courses of Japanese, whose Japanese is at the JLPT N2 level or higher, and who are aiming to pass the N1 with a high score.
(Learning goals)
*Be able to explain the details of and give opinions about a wide range of topics.
*Be able to write about social topics using appropriate styles and expressions.
*Be able to pass the JLPT-N1 with a high score.

*The class names may be different depending on the school

Course Features

Details of the Course Features

Orientation

You may be looking forward to living in Japan, but at the same time, you may feel a little anxious.
In order to help students focus on their studies and fully enjoy their time in Japan, the ECC Japanese Language Institute holds an orientation session for each student when they enter the school, allowing them to discuss daily life in Japan and study.
In regard to daily life, ECC will provide you with information about not only the rules and manners of Japan, but also about nearby facilities, how to buy a cell phone, and any other information necessary to fully enjoy life in Japan.
In regards to study information, ECC will give detailed explanations about the yearly schedule, how to do homework, and about attendance, grades, and the evaluation methods used to determine if a student proceeds to a higher level course.

Placement Test

We conduct a placement test prior to enrollment to enable our students to start at the level that best suits them.
Students who have no experience with Japanese are also very welcome to enroll. However, we recommend that students master hiragana and katakana before enrolling.

The Direct Method

In our classes, we use the "direct method", which means classes are conducted only in Japanese. This develops students' abilities to comprehend Japanese from an early stage.
It also helps students understand the unique expressions and nuances of the Japanese language.

Class Teacher System

Leaving your home country and staying abroad for a long period of time can be very stressful.
ECC uses a homeroom teacher system to enable us to keep a close eye on our students and respond to any changes in their physical condition, living situation, or learning situation.
Homeroom teachers are always happy to discuss any issues you have, so feel free to talk to them before a problem grows serious.

Class Counseling

A few weeks after the start of each semester, individual counseling sessions are held by the class's homeroom teacher.
Although you can talk to your class teacher at any point, this is a set time in which to talk about your future goals and career path, monitor your learning status, provide you with study advice, and discuss any concerns you may have about your life.
Counselling means that even if you don't feel comfortable approaching your class teacher yourself, you will have the opportunity to receive advice.

Homework

Every day you will receive approximately two to three hours worth of homework to review and prepare for the next class.
While it may seem daunting at first, studying hard will help you achieve your dreams. Your classmates will also be working hard, and can help you study.
By the time you graduate, the hard work you put into studying at the ECC Japanese Language Institute will set up for a success in the future.

Tests

There will be tests held regularly. Sometimes as often as every day, and there will be at least one quiz every week.
If a student scores 80% or above they are considered to have passed. If they fail it will provide them with the opportunity to review and improve. At the end of the semester there is a final exam, and the results of the weekly quizzes, final exam, and the student's attendance rate will be used to determine whether or not a student can advance to the next level.

Field Trip / Cultural Experience

Every semester, we organize a field trip or cultural experience for our students. In the past, students have experienced things such as visiting World Heritage Sites, making Japanese sweets, and visiting TV stations.
By taking their learning outside of the school, students are able to experience Japan and Japanese language in a way that they are not exposed to in their regular classes.