KCP International Japanese Language School

Moronaga-sensei gets top accolades from me. In terms of helpfulness, approachability, concern for student welfare and participation, and overall effectiveness at classroom management, she was unequivocally the very best there was. The KCP teaching staff is phenomenal. Without question, this is THE best group of Japanese instructors I've yet come across in my years of grappling with the language. The staff go above and beyond to make our experience smooth. My experience with KCP from start to finish has been nothing short of fantastic.

I researched Japanese study abroad programs heavily and made a spreadsheet to compare them. KCP came out superior, and it truly was. KCP greatly exceeded my expectations. Really, this school is for the serious student. If you want to attend a Japanese university some day or become a fluent Japanese speaker, this program is for you. The workload is demanding (at least it was in level 3), but the benefits are definitely worth it. The teachers speak only Japanese in the main class, but they excel at explaining vocabulary and grammar so that you can understand. The teachers incorporate pictures, gestures, drawings, and other examples to help clarify the meaning of a grammar point. Overall, for how much you get out for the price, this is the best Japanese study abroad program. The classes are tough and demand a lot of effort, but you learn so much! I learned a whole lot more in my 2 months at KCP than in 2 semesters back home. Some teachers only speak Japanese—they don't know English—so this really is the perfect chance to increase your speaking skills. The student coordinators speak many languages, so regardless of what language you speak, someone at school can help you in your native language. There are quite a few English-speaking coordinators, and they are all hugely helpful, kind, and intelligent. I absolutely loved my experience staying with a host family. Amazingly, KCP was able to pair me with a marvelous family who could honor my food allergies very well. Thanks to my stay with them, I have a second family now! Splurge on the extra cost so to stay with a host family—I benefitted so much more than my classmates who chose dorms.

KCP is amazing—they made my study abroad experience exceptionally great. I was placed in level 4 (after a few years of college Japanese) and felt my placement was right on target. Clearly, the program is very demanding but also very rewarding. I was learning so much more than I had been in my Japanese classes in the U.S. My classmates were mostly from other Asian countries, so I explored not only Japanese culture, but Korean and Chinese culture as well! The school teachers and staff are all wonderful and enormously helpful. If I ever had any problem or had a question, they gladly helped me out of my bind. They also do a fantastic job setting up the weekend classes and trips. The events might start early in the morning, but they are absolutely worth getting up for them! Tokyo is very safe. I never felt vulnerable or afraid. I just practiced common sense—like not walking around alone at night—and I was fine. KCP is in the lively Shinjuku part of Tokyo. When not in class, I made a point of checking out nearby eating places and shops—I was not disappointed! Each weekend, I explored other Tokyo. Odaiba is worth a day trip—it’s an amazing place! When I had the time, I wandered around the neighborhoods of all the stops on the great Yamanote line.