Japan Tokyo International School — Local services in Tokyo

I came for a 3 months course before applying for a long-term program. And I am really happy, which I did not expect, actually :)

The speed/tempo of going through the course (I am at 中級) is perfect: not too slow, but also not too fast and stressful. There are some homework, but not too much, I don't have to spend to 2 hours to finish it, 20 mins are usually enough.

If the teachers see that your level is not matching the class you are in, they will try to find you a place in a class of your level. Which is a huge plus, because there are schools that only allow students to switch classes after 3 months period test.

There are a lot of students from all the countries in JTIS - Europe, USA, etc, so the school is used to teaching kanji to non-Asian people, which is very convenient.

And I love our teachers, they are fun and smart, and friendly, and supportive! Also they are adding a lot of fun activities for us, finding new ways to learn not only the grammar, but also the culture and how the real life in Japan is. One day we are writing poems, the other day we are doing out to read real-life sign boards, etc.

We also have speaking practice, which is a huge bonus. As one of our teachers said, that when you go out of the classroom, knowing how to write text is nice, but speaking is even more important in daily life.

Someone wrote in the reviews before that the school won't allow you to go to the toilet during the lessons (sorry, delicate topic), and this is total BS. You still have to ask for permission to go out, which is also normal in my own country, but you are allowed to go out of the classroom, lol.

Most of the teachers also allow you to keep your drinks on the table (not only water, but coffee, etc) and use dictionary on your mobile phone, etc, which is not allowed in my country, for example. And you don't have to remove your mask when greeting teachers, as this is not safe.

My classmates are also amasing, I met a lot of fellow game and anime lovers, but they are also friendly in general and ready to help if you have questions about daily life in Japan (and teachers can help as well!).

The location of the school is also convenient, it is 15 mins walk from one of the biggest stations, but since it is a little bit away, the area is more quiet and nice. Lots of coffee shops and places to eat. Plus lots of trees, and there is a real shrine too, right behind the school.

I did not go to any other schools, and have nothing to compare with, but I am excited and happy with my experience here, and I am glad that I decided to go to JTIS after all...

I'm very unhappy with the school overall. I paid about 440,000 yen to go here; to learn things I already know. If you've studied before and you don't get above over a 95 or 100 on their placement test (which is writing only) They don't take your communication skills into account (at all). They'll put you in the absolute beginner class; which I am currently suffering through.

Imagine this: You know how to read, speak, listen;(To a high beginners/pre-intermediate extent) know some kanji and you're stuck in a class with people who cannot even read hiragana; cannot form sentences; cannot understand questions; have never studied the language before. Their reasoning for keeping me in that class is because of a test score; and because my grammar is not perfect. But guess when we learn the sort of grammar stuff that i'm currently studying on my own? in 2 months. So essentially; for 60 days of my life; i have to go and throw 3 hours of my life away for essentially nothing.

The teachers are good; yeah; but it's not worth it if you're not in a class of your level. The teachers won't give you a chance to struggle and try a new class. You're stuck.

Not to sound rude; but my time; and other peoples time as well is valuable and it shouldn't be wasted like this.

I'm very highly considering getting my partial (40%?) refund and going back to my home country because this is an extreme waste of time.

This schools outdated "rules" will make you angry if you're a westerner. I won't go into details; though. The support staff is non-existent; aside from a few teachers; nobody is there to truly help you. The student coordinator is completely useless and doesn't respond to emails.

3 hour 15 minute class time in the middle of the day is a drag.

I'm sorry for this negative and critical view; but things at this school have to be changed for me to even consider changing my review.

TLDR: Don't go here! it's a waste of your...

Went here for 1 year and 9 months (2017). Absolutely regretted my decision.

The school had decent teachers and an OK curriculum, but there were far too many administrative issues. They can only issue a 6 months student visa (approximately 1 year 6 months student visa can be obtained in other schools). During my time here, I’ve heard rumors about the school being blacklisted by the Japanese Immigration, though I myself cannot confirm the truth behind said rumor.

(Edit: on a reply that JTIS has posted on February 1, 2023 (two years after this review was originally written), they have confirmed that the school is NOT blacklisted by the immigration.)

There were also way too many ridiculous rules (even for Japanese standards) such no going to the toilet during classes, taking off your surgical mask (even if you’re sick) when greeting the teachers, no drinking inside the classroom, no caps or coats allowed inside classes, and more. You aren’t even allowed to cross your legs when class is in session. Even Japanese universities aren’t this strict (I can say this because I am currently enrolled in a Japanese university).

If you’re aiming to enter a university in Japan, I would not, under any circumstances, recommend you to study here. I lucked out because I speak English and managed to enter an international university, but many of my peers ended up going to vocational schools due to the lack of guidance and insufficient Japanese language skills (such as failing N2/N1 or EJU).

Bear in mind that this is a very subjective review that reflects experience studying at JTIS.

Bottom-line: Don’t come here if you value your...