KCP International Japanese Language School

I recently studied Japanese at KCP International for six months. In that time my Japanese improved considerably. In just six months I went from struggling with simple sentences to being able to hold long conversations. The students and teachers at KCP helped me push my self everyday to get better at Japanese. The faculty at KCP were always there if I needed extra help with class or anything in my day to day life in Japan. KCP places a strong focus on speaking and essay writing, two parts of Japanese I struggled with the most when I studied on my own. Every week I could tell that my Japanese skills had progressed from the previous week. I had a wonderful time at KCP and I am hoping I will get the chance to study there again in the future.

Japanese is often considered one of the most difficult languages for native English speakers to learn. After studying it seriously for several years, while I agree with that assessment generally, I think taking the plunge and studying Japanese is one of the most rewarding challenges you can give yourself. It is a beautiful language that in many ways is completely different from English. Towards that end, if you have chosen to study Japanese seriously, I think KCP is the best choice for building a stron g foundation for your Japanese. KCP is incredibly rigorous, in the Beginner and Intermediate levels there is a lot of homework and class prep. But you will realize that that is what's necessary in order to learn Japanese. However you won't be trudging through all this on your own. KCP has an excellent faculty who do their best to best support and challenge you on your way to understanding Japanese. Also the English speaking support staff are always ready to help if you need a hand with anything from finding an English speaking doctor to navigating the visa process. I highly recommend KCP for anyone who really wants to learn Japanese

I attended KCP International after my first year taking Japanese at university. In the beginning, I was nervous about attending a language school, but I ended up enjoying the program. I will say with full confidence that your Japanese will improve immensely. With the Summer short-term program, I could grasp conversational Japanese, and my skills are still utilized today. What sets KCP apart from other programs is its dedication to teaching its students and the fully immersive environment that it creates in the classroom. First, the textbook they use is completely in Japanese so you learn to think in Japanese, and you don't immediately associate it with an English equivalent word. Secondly, they give you a proficiency test a week or two after the program starts which makes it so you're comfortable at the level you were placed at. Lastly, your classmates usually come from all over the world, so the language your classmates share is Japanese. You will leave the program with new friends, new experiences, better conversational Japanese, and confidence in yourself. The people I met during KCP and the program truly unlocked my new chapter in life. I will always be thankful for this opportunity to study at KCP. So if you're on the fence about whether to choose this program for either the start of your language journey or to further improve your Japanese, then please choose KCP International.

I have made life long friends that I would have never expected. And besides staying in Tokyo I had the opportunity to travel to Hokkaido, Osaka, and Kyoto which has brought even more core memories for me to look back on everyday.

KCP International did an amazing job of not only improving my Japanese language ability, but also providing a great opportunity to make new connections. Over the course of the program, you will be challenged according to your skill level and will have many chances to practice Japanese with your international classmates and native Japanese professors. All of the faculty members at the school are extremely helpful and truly want to see each student succeed. If you are attending as a US Program student, you will have access to English support classes and other extracurricular opportunities that will improve your proficiency. The school also provides plenty of housing and travel assistance, so don't stress about your trip to or from Japan! All of my apprehension before going to a new country for the first time was quickly alleviated once I discovered just how attentive and supportive everyone at this program is, including your fellow classmates. If you are interested in elevating your Japanese skill level, making new friendships, and seeing the world then don't hesitate to apply to KCP International!

Great memories and lasting friendships up ahead! This program is the best way to learn Japanese while getting a feel on living in Japan. If you are trying to learn Japanese in a fast and effective way, then this program is for you! I studied for 3 months in the KCP program and was very grateful for the staff there, they make sure to accommodate you the best they can! Living situation was superb, the dorms had everything you needed and were located 40 minutes away from the school. Not to mention the cost of the program, dorms included, was incredibly affordable compared to other study abroad programs. Do not worry if you have no background in Japanese language. The school will place you in levels pertaining to your skill and will teach you everything from grammar to Kanji. Everything is pretty fast so I encourage people to do their best at studying. After two months I assure anyone that you will have developed an understanding of the language of some kind. Not to mention the many friends you will make from all over the globe! Overall I am very grateful for the teachers and friends I met at KCP!

For the 8 week program, I learned a lot about Japanese culture and language. This was the most intensive language class I have taken and I loved every minute of it. Also in the first two weeks, the program took us on a bus trip to the next prefecture over to visit shrines and a peach farm! The classes were intensive. In the beginning, I was unsure and not confident in speaking Japanese despite learning for 2 semesters already. In the end, however, I was able to even converse at a local thrift store with the salesperson!

Going to Japan absolutely changed my life for the better. Through KCP and Tokyo, I learned plenty of Japanese and was immersed in the culture. But even further from that, I learned about myself and others and gained a whole new perspective on life. KCP is an excellent school and an amazing opportunity. The school work is rigorous but absolutely worth it, and though there's much to study, there's also plenty of time to go on many amazing adventures. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. If you get the chance to go to this school, do it!

I had a fun experience in Tokyo balancing between experiencing the city and studying at a fast pace at KCP International Japanese Language School in Shinjuku. I liked a lot of things about the program, the main one being that you really learn during it. You have to put a lot of effort in into the school if you're at beginner's level like I was. I put in something like 3-4 hours of studying the first month per day on top of classes but after that I managed with around 2 hours / day on top of class. Another plus for the school was that they make you talk every single class so ghosting on that front is not an option even if you are the shy type or you've prioritized free time activities the day before instead of a night of studying. I also liked the culture course that was linked to the language course.

I feel like I learned more refined Japanese at KCP than 3 years at American school. KCP teaches you grammar that is useful in daily conversation and since it's located in Japan, you can use what you learn in class literally right after is school is over. Since the main classes is only in Japanese, it forces the mind to start thinking quickly in Japanese to only respond in Japanese. It sounds scary at first but I am honestly grateful for this style because the rest of the country is in Japanese so it's realistic. Everyone at the school from the teachers to the office staff were willing to go above and beyond to make sure any problem was 100% addressed and solved to the best of their ability. There was a point where everyone started to become like friends or even family and I found myself enthusiastic every single day - even on weekend classes - to spend time with them. I'm so sad that I was only able to spend a short time at KCP but so happy for the long-lasting memories I'll have of it!

KCP is a wonderful place. One of my favorite things I got to do in my time as a foreign language student was travel to Yamanashi, Japan and see Mt. Fuji from a short distance as well as visit some shrines and a village. This trip is organized by the school and I had a blast with my friends and learned so many things about Japan’s history and current cultural values. KCP is a clean school, with helpful, kindhearted staff and the students are fun, too. I made friends for a lifetime that I will visit from China, Korea, and other parts of America. If I have the chance, I would like to come back and study at KCP again. I have learned a great foundation of Japanese in my 6 month study abroad duration and I can’t wait to take it home so that I can continue improving my Japanese.

KCP is not only an immersive Japanese language program, it is incredible teachers, unlimited support, opportunity, and lasting relationships that span beyond just the school time. For me, KCP gave me the opportunity to live in Japan and really choose if Japan was really where I wanted to be in the future and if Japanese was really one of the languages I would choose to pave that future. I lived in an apartment/dorm for three months and every morning went to the station pretty easily to get to school. School was a blast, I made so many friends in and outside of class and the lessons were more beneficial than any program or class I’ve ever seen personally in America. Every lesson, and as a matter of fact in the whole school, you are only to speak Japanese. That alone helped more than I realized at first but instantly was grateful towards it helping my comprehension and speaking skills. Most every weekend, there were culture excursions that taught me more about Japanese culture, society, and history. Learning a language is not only about the language but about the society it comes from and KCP gives that opportunity to every student besides being able to live there in general and explore for yourself. The work was challenging and definitely showed me where I need to improve to become fluent in Japanese as well and ALWAYS the teachers and staff were so eager to help. Even during our first school trip out to the park for a BBQ, everyone was so helpful and being shy wasn’t a problem at all. It actually gave me more reason to push myself so that I could make the memories I have today and will forever hold with me. I’m so grateful to KCP, so grateful for everyone I met and who helped me along the way, I’m excited to go back and actually live in Japan after I earn my bachelor’s degree. Anyone who wants to learn Japanese honestly, you wil not regret KCP and what it can teach and give to you for life.

The course is definitely as challenging as everyone is making it out to be. All classes are completely in Japanese and your classmates are mainly from other Asian countries so you're in a place where you've got to use everything you've got at your disposal. This makes it challenging, but you'll quickly find yourself understanding more and more through the immersion offered. There is English support available should you need it and the supplementary classes and clubs available have a lot tailored to what you may be keen on. The school events including school-wide bbq and the American program weekend trip were especially great to spend time with fellow classmates and learn more about the local culture here in Japan. The workload is high, but try not to get too discouraged, what you'll learn is very useful for your Japanese goals.

Though I’ve only studied abroad with KCP, I have my own experiences with Japanese education in the United States to go off of, and within the program I met other students who had participated in other programs, and we both came to the same conclusion: you can’t get a better Japanese education than through KCP International. Through all my Japanese study in the United States for five years, I have never had so rigorous and thorough an education as I did through KCP. For instance, in the US there is little emphasis on intonation, of which is an integral part of language. Only at KCP did I learn of these intonations, but I didn’t just learn about them- I was tested and got opportunities through lots of feedback to improve on this aspect of Japanese. As well as intonation they also practice Kanji, pronunciation between similar words, grammar lessons, particle practice, and much more. There are such a variety of class exercises that you get to see where all your strengths and weaknesses are. They also give you the chance to take the JLPT, which is excellent if you intend to get a job based on your Japanese. Don’t be intimidated by the full immersion, though; throughout the week an additional English help lesson is provided outside of class that goes over everything you learn in class but in English, and the teacher available for that is always willing to help students wherever they need it. KCP International is also committed to helping students outside of academic matters as well. They understand that students have a variety of needs when they study abroad, and they are committed to providing whatever services they can and then some. For me, I had to ship an instrument case back to the United States, but I wasn’t familiar with how the post in Japan worked, so one of the KCP staff personally accompanied me to a post office and helped me through the process. In another case, I wasn’t sure where to buy a pocket Wi-fi (a necessity in Japan), and one of the staff did research on my behalf to help me find an affordable deal. The cultural trips as well were beyond anything I would ever have the chance to do in my own time. I was able to get “insider tips” about many places around Tokyo, Kamakura, and Enoshima, and I got to go to places that would otherwise be difficult to reserve (such as a Kabuki theater and a traditional Japanese inn). The teachers that participated in the cultural trips were like well-educated tour guides, and they did their best to cater all activities to the students, whether those activities were historical or contemporary in nature. KCP doubly cares both about giving you an intensive Japanese education, but they also want you to enjoy your time in Japan, so they are flexible in accommodating for their students’ needs and do their best to provide fulfilling experiences.

I went to KCP for one semester (about 3 months) for a fall/winter semester from October to December, and I loved every second of it. It's very intense in its academics, and you learn a LOT just in first year. You complete 22 chapters in the text book and learn about 150 kanji just in the 3 months. (I personally can't speak for the other levels, but my friends seemed to have just as positive experiences as I did). It's taught all in Japanese, which I know sounds scary if you don't know a lot of Japanese, but it almost makes more sense that way. The teachers are excellent, and the two english support staff are amazing and can help with ANY problem or question you may have relating to school or not. The dorms they provide are excellent even though they can be a long commute, that is very normal in Japan. You use the grammar points you learn in class once you leave the school at restaurants and interacting with Japanese people. I suggest exploring outside the school because all the students are from other countries. Just be sure to explore to get the full experience of Japan, and KCP is there to be the foundation for that. Enjoy!

My most memorable experience is my time spent in class learning Japanese. The teachers make class very informative and enjoyable. Everyone in class is very friendly and tries to help each other out. I chose the program because the summer long-term program teaches you almost enough Japanese to complete a year program in America. The accommodations were very good. I lived in the Ikebukuro dorms thus the commute to school was very short. There are also many foods places so there is never a worry about not having food. It's also not too far from the station so it's very easy to get around. However, in the summer it tends to get hot inside the dorm rooms and there are also a couple bugs. Everything else however makes up for it.

Making friends with other international students because when I first arrived, I did not know any Japanese. Most of the other students did not know English so communicating was almost impossible. When I was finally able to hold a conversation with them, it was one of the best accomplishment I ever felt. I chose it based of reviews from past students and pricing compared to other programs. You really cannot find a program cheaper than this. I stayed in the dorms and it was small but it had all the basic necessities. It also gave me a general idea of how a Japanese room would be like with their limited amount of space.

There is a large speech contest where the whole school participates. It's a great chance to bond with friends and watch your classmates thrive. The affordability and the summer short option for US students is why I chose this program. I lived in Azeria Kasai 2, a dorm in Kasai, Edogawa-ku. Even with the commute it was worth it. The dorm manager Shiraishi-San was very welcoming, had events for us, and became like family.

For those that want to learn Japanese KCP is one of the best programs to choose. The direct teaching method may seem hard at first but you soon realize that you wouldn't want to learn any other way. The teachers always try to make sure you understand the material very well. On top of all that they also offer English Support classes that review everything you are taught during regular class in English. Also, if you have any problems during your stay or any questions about life in Japan the English administrative staff are always happy to help you.

KCP is one of the most affordable and best programs around for studying abroad. The direct teaching method is by far one of the best techniques I have seen in trying to teach students a new language. At first it may be hard, but it all pays off at the end when you are able to maintain a good conversation at the end of the first term. Could not ask for a better program, staff, and students. Academics: Great Senseis and Teaching styles

KCP is an affordable, reputable and wonderful option for studying abroad. They are varied in their course options, so you can truly find the best option for you. The direct method, Japanese only teaching forces you to grow and learn, and the friendly atmosphere makes you feel included and welcomed. Academics: I chose the Dorm option, and was placed in Azeria Kasai 2, which is a dorm in Kasai.

Out of all the experiences had with KCP, the most memorable for me was going to to Nikko Edomura, a reenactment village where we spent the whole day as a class being immersed in ancient Japan. I was able to get close with my class as well as enjoy mazes, plays, and archery throughout the day. Students in my program prior to me attended KCP for their study abroad. Based on their great improvement after coming back from Japan, I decided to also try KCP for myself. The Kasai dormitory is well accommodated with a personal kitchen, bathroom, and heating/air conditioning. The room is spacious and the building also contains a cafeteria with Japanese style meals. A perfect setup for someone who would like personal space as well as the convenience of quick meals and interaction with the cooking staff in Japanese.

When I first started studying at KCP I was worried. My face was thrown right into the dirt with all of the intensity and speed of the classes. After I adjusted, however, it became a valuable experience where I've learned a great wealth that I can take back to school and use in the future when I hope to come back to Japan. Classes are 3 hours a day every weekday. Expect to learn a lot of grammar, kanji, and do plenty of listening practice in that time. Don't get discouraged, though, it is manageable and KCP's teachers are willing to work with you if you ask for help. If you don't understand or need help, be sure to ask! It works wonders.

KCP is a wonderful program if you are looking to 1) see your Japanese abilities grow exponentially and 2) experience Japanese life and culture hands-on. Also, it’s really a program for those who don't want only to party. The program's very challenging and demands that you focus on your schoolwork, health, and managing time in between. Essentially, you eat, live, and breathe a Japanese lifestyle. It's fantastic. The most interesting, effective element, in my opinion, is the fact that the classes are taught in all Japanese. There is no instruction in English, really. I mean, every now and again, you have to switch to your mother tongue—it’s unavoidable. But that is kept to a minimum. If it wasn't for studying in such an intensive setting that forced me to think in the language (not just translate in my head), I probably would never have improved as much as I did in Japanese. I think it's very important to be aware of the essentials of Japanese culture before immersing yourself in it, and that's exactly what happens in the culture course. Not only do you learn necessary history and important events, but you get the chance to peek into how the Japanese think and feel. It's indispensable for living in Japan, I think.

Takatsu-sensei is my best kanji teacher, by far: he draws all kinds of little pictures to help seal the meanings of the kanji into our memories, and it works! His kanji practice method is highly effective for me. Takatsu- sensei's pictures illustrate many important grammar points in a very interesting and unforgettable way. Many people consider Suzuki-sensei to be kowaii (tough), but I like her approach very much: she doesn’t let us get away with being lazy, and she is very kind and patient when help is needed. What a great way to develop discipline in studying. She radiates strength, and I respect her very highly. I enjoy her sense of humor. Komae-sensei is as sweet as sugar, if not sweeter! When I was having a hard time and becoming frustrated, she was always reassuring and very patient with me. I felt very comfortable coming to her with questions. She has a very motherly way. Class was absolutely fabulous; I learned a lot, very quickly, and I learned along with people from completely different cultures. It felt so international.

I think KCP’s greatest strength is its teachers, and that’s the most important thing to get right. The professors truly care about each student's improvement in Japanese language skills. The classes themselves were very productive, but I was really surprised by how readily available the teachers made themselves to us before and after class. I was able to practice fairly long conversations regularly with teachers, and that kind of dedication to teaching was critical to my improvement in Japanese. It was just what I needed. Of course, students need to contribute equal amounts of effort in order to to reap the full benefits of such a dedicated collection of faculty. Also, the administrative staff were very prompt and quite helpful in answering any questions I had, everything from how to get somewhere to buying gifts or what some foods were made of. The only thing I would do differently is to look for my own lodging, rather than stay at the dorm. I like my independence. All in all, however, I enthusiastically recommend KCP to a student hoping to improve in Japanese by leaps and bounds.

All of my teachers were very good at what they did. Kamisaki-sensei was one of my teachers during the week-long preparation/review period, and even then she always made class interesting. We were totally involved. Konno-sensei was my Wednesday teacher. I enjoyed her every class every time, thanks to the way she brought her great sense of humor to us and let us have fun with the Japanese language points we were learning. When you tie fun to learning, it stays with you better. The pair work was most helpful, because it gave us an opportunity to practice our new grammar structures in a smaller environment. We were all at the same level, so it was less intimidating. The one-to-one is a great, very focused way to practice things. I expected to improve my Japanese communication skills in an immersive environment. My expectations were hugely exceeded. I learned far more than I could have imagined learning in any other setting.

I was astounded by the quality of all my professors here at KCP. Their high level of ability and professionalism is really exceptional, and it’s the most important thing in a language program. Kikuchi-sensei is great at explaining things or acting out scenarios to make them understandable. Horikoshi-sensei is especially good at getting all of us involved and interested in what we were learning. Konno-sensei uses her fine sense of humor to make learning fun and is especially skilled at drawing pictures that help us understand the language concepts in a visual way. Things like humor, acting out, and drawing make use of more styles of learning. That helped me a lot. The dorm was neat and clean, the food was excellent, and my dorm mates were very friendly. The dorm was a great way to practice speaking Japanese with native speakers, since most of the other people living there were college students.

The three instructors I had, Tozawa-sensei, Suzuki-sensei, and Sugimoto-sensei, were all excellent in their different ways. They were able to involve the whole class in every session, creative in explaining meanings, and very patient with us when we needed time to understand fully. I had never experienced a class of Japanese in the direct method (only Japanese is spoken) in America; KCP’s method of teaching required us to think in Japanese all the time, which is extremely important here. Because I had to speak Japanese every day to get around, thinking quickly in Japanese was imperative. Having someone continually translate things into English in class would not have helped me. The direct method was a great help. In Culture Class, I enjoyed learning from experts about cultural topics as they shared their knowledge, in addition to the excursions. The excursions were valuable, fun, and very interesting—but hearing the culture analyzed by those who really know was also important to me. I grasped insights on Japanese culture that I didn't understand before coming to KCP.

Basically any and all time spent in the language classes has felt very productive to me. I get a degree of application of learned material here that simply was non-existent where I had previously studied. I got very good at taking in new language information, processing it, and building on it the next day, over and over. Imai-sensei is by far the most interesting and enjoyable of my instructors—very animated and quick-witted, while still accomplishing our language goals very efficiently. Overall I have been very pleased with the lodging arrangements. The particular dorm I was in has felt almost like a host-home with our Ryouchou feeling sort of like a host mother. We could talk about our day with her, and she was genuinely interested, which helped our conversation. The dorm location is also very convenient. I have actually been able to walk to and from class each day with no problems.

The teachers are highly dedicated, knowledgeable, and organized people who are always available for our questions. I loved knowing that my learning was truly important to the teachers. It helped me keep up my studying stamina. There is no better place to study Japanese than a place where you are immersed in it, night and day; so, where could be better than in Japan’s capital? KCP’s classes are held entirely in Japanese, because most students come from non-English speaking countries like South Korea and China. Textbooks, tests, grammar explanations, and even school announcements are in Japanese. I am very pleased with my progress, and I recommend KCP to anyone who is serious about achieving a higher level of proficiency in Japanese. I stayed with a Japanese host family, so I could develop my conversation skills at school, at home, and in between. The family spoke almost nothing but Japanese to me and helped me with all my informal questions in a very informative, friendly way.

The pre-departure packet was thorough. It allowed me to make sure that I knew what needed to be taken care of beforehand without worrying that I had missed a form or a piece of information to send in. When I got there, I felt totally ready. The orientation went further to get us set for what to expect during the program. The professors at KCP are so dedicated. Komai-sensei was a great teacher. She was very kind, and gave good feedback. I thought she was great at answering our questions. She gave us all the extra help we needed, too. Pair work was helpful in speaking and figuring out conjugations. The housing arrangement was fine. I lived in a dorm, and it was beautiful. The dorm-mother was excellent! Great at helping us and just having conversations with us. The dorm itself is in a quiet neighborhood, which made it a nice retreat at the end of the day. From my window I could see Mount Fuji!

I highly recommend Kamisaka-sensei as a teacher. Out of all the professors I had, I enjoyed her class the most. She related to us students well. She remembers what happens with individual students and so she is able to be current with our news. She also had a really fun sense of humor. Of course, she was always very well prepared for class and helpful in responding to our questions. I found that I had the clearest understanding of new content from her teaching compared to the other instructors’ classes. I looked forward to Kamisaka-sensei’s classes, and I feel that when a person is just starting to learn a very difficult language, it is important for that student to have fun as a way to defuse stress and keep learning. I found the class pairs exercises the most valuable as I learned Japanese grammar. Once I used the grammar points several times, my mind began to build logic around them, and I started to understand the structures and memorize their usage. The support staff is wonderful—very friendly and approachable. They are genuinely interested in our well-being and in how we are adapting to living in a new country. I particularly enjoyed the excursions because I think the best way to experience Japanese culture is to throw yourself into the thick of it. The Edo Tokyo Museum excursion and Kamakura trip were the ones I enjoyed the most.

The opportunity to apply my classroom learning outside of class right away every single day is something I will deeply miss. I won't be able to experience that often when I go back to America. I recommend KCP to students who are serious: that means, willing to learn and use Japanese every day! Sometimes it’s frustrating, but everyone at KCP makes sure you are heading straight toward your language learning goals. It's definitely worth all the time and money you spend! I found pair work very helpful for improving my conversation skills; in the hatsuon (pronunciation)drills, we learned the correct ways of saying words and phrases—and how to correct ourselves. What a great tool! My lodgings were very convenient. It was great to have everything in my own room. The ryo (dorm) was within walking distance of my station. Utami-san and Tanaka-san are very helpful teachers, and they always check up on us to keep us on task! I'm very grateful for the English support services to help us with our questions or problems.

This program is super-intensive! Do not expect to spend your semester partying and having fun because you are in a foreign country. Be prepared to study, and to learn how to study. I actually found the class grammar notes the most useful, because it was easy for me to review the lessons and the English translations were done well. I got the real meaning of the Japanese, and those notes did the trick in preparing me for tests and moving forward to new lessons. I am proud of what I accomplished and how much I grew. I strongly recommend Kagesawa-Sensei as a teacher. She makes class so much fun, which removes a lot of the stress. Her attitude is always energetic and positive, just what we need. The support staff was amazingly helpful! I got a lot of assistance and guidance from my student coordinators. They were always there for me when I needed them, and that’s awesome.

KCP is a very intense program that if, completed successfully, yields great rewards to you. Rewards not only in having a new language under your belt but gaining really solid studying skills and a very strong work ethic. Day by day, you’ll also be able to build an immersive experience of Japanese life in the city and better understand the world around you, just by jumping in and trying it. The classes themselves give you the courage to try interacting with everyone you meet. The group sessions we had before or after the actual language classes started were extremely productive. We could ask questions and receive explanations about every little thing we didn’t understand. Before I came to Tokyo with KCP, I barely knew all the hiragana and katakana characters. By the time the first week had ended, I had basically mastered them, increased my vocabulary tenfold, and improved my writing and reading skills dramatically. And that was just one week!

If you are willing and ready to dedicate yourself to learning Japanese, KCP is the place for you. The courses are very intense; the professors really push you to do your best, but they give you lots of tools to do so, and they are always there to help. KCP focuses on all aspects of language: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, plus the social context. Plan on lots of practice outside of class! Takatsu-sensei and Suzuki-sensei were both excellent teachers. They had very strong teaching styles, and both were good at explaining things clearly. They know what English-students need to understand in order to grasp Japanese, and they can explain all that simply to us, in Japanese! Their humor really helped make class engaging and fun. They knew how to handle themselves and get students to take part, which is the key. I really liked that they brought the class together as a group. Instead of just studying on our own during class, we interacted very frequently with one another. Sitting in a semi-circle really encouraged that.

In language class, Suzuki-sensei’s kindness and patience helped lower my stress; I did really well when she was teaching. Other teachers could tell I was struggling and hovered around, trying to be helpful, but that made me more nervous. Suzuki-sensei knew how to offer me help at the right times without hovering. I loved that KCP had a teacher that fit my personality. Using Japanese as our common language to talk to classmates from all over the world—who were at my language level—was very enriching. I studied on my own before I started at KCP, so I learned some of the grammar rules and how to write, but when I was immersed in Japanese in and out of class, my language fluency absolutely exploded. It was a great feeling. KCP has excellent support for us students—the fun, extremely helpful English-speaking staff plus a kind, wise English support teacher. The Japanese teachers made themselves available to help students both after class and in the offices. I felt well-guided.

Everything I encountered at KCP has been very, very valuable to me. Being in a classroom where only Japanese is spoken has greatly improved my understanding and listening skills. It wasn’t so hard to get used to once I accepted it, and then my comprehension really took off. I absolutely adored living in the Minami-Kasai dorm. There are parks nearby, as well as a little shrine. I had my own little kitchen *and* my own balcony! It’s a great area. The two women who manage the dormitory are the sweetest, most amazing women I have ever met. They were extremely kind to us: teaching us whatever we needed to know about the place slowly and gently. They went out of their way to make us feel at home in the dorm and even made plenty of time to hold conversations with us so we could improve our Japanese in an informal setting.

It’s an understatement to call KCP’s teaching philosophy an intensive way to study the Japanese language. With 15 classroom hours per week, new kanji and grammar every single day, and entire chapters covered in the blink of an eye, KCP clearly provides a demanding path to studying Japanese. It’s rigorous and unrelenting, and I needed to be seriously determined. Sometimes, I even started to question my own motivation or whether I really had the ability to handle mastering this difficult language in the first place. Fortunately, the teachers were there with me every step of the way, supporting me and guiding me. Ultimately, all that self-doubt and questioning were important steps and experiences necessary not only to increase my enthusiasm about the Japanese language, but also to make me a stronger student and a stronger person. What a valuable experience. In class, I found pair work and drill practice the most helpful. Pair work encourages creativity in students, in a comfortable setting; drill practice keeps us focused on memorizing the conjugations or grammatical forms we need to know, to build on the next things to learn.

Both Takatsu-sensei and Kamisaka-sensei are excellent sensei and I strongly recommend them to other students. Kamisaka-sensei has a vibrant energy that engages the whole class and encourages group activities that bring us closer to our classmates. Takatsu-sensei's sense of humor keeps our lessons light-hearted and enjoyable and makes it easy to retain what we learn. In the culture course, the range of information presented gave us a solid idea of what is involved in Japanese daily life, cognition, and modern Japanese society. I enjoyed the fact that history, business practices, arts, and social science were all included. Don’t expect your learning back in the U.S. to translate immediately into an ability to operate in Japanese society or guarantee placement into an advanced language level at KCP. The KCP program emphasizes many crucial cultural usages of the language not taught in most American curriculum. Come with an open mind and relish the challenges that come your way. Don't try to do it all. There are countless things to see and do in Tokyo (not even counting the rest of Japan), and trying to do too much can add unneeded stress. Relax, enjoy the everyday, and allow yourself to take in the quieter details of Japanese life.

Coming to KCP was the best choice I could have made for studying in Japan. The administrators are all very helpful, the teachers all care about the students and are always eager to help us succeed, and the intensity of the classes got us ready to interact with Japanese people every day. Of course, you have to work hard. But, if you're willing to put in the time and effort, you will have an incredible, life-changing experience. Japan is by far the safest and cleanest place I've ever traveled to or stayed at. For example, garbage in the street is a rare occurrence. Japanese food is the best food I've ever tasted in my entire life. My favorite place to eat is Okonomiyaki. Make sure you go there! When attending a rigorous program like KCP, you have to be careful of the sort of social life you choose. If you like to party and drink and enjoy being distracted, you might have a hard semester. KCP can be very intense for some people. So, you will need to balance having fun with friends with keeping studying as your main priority. If you can do this, you will do just fine. There are way too many fabulous spots in Tokyo and my comments on here wouldn't do any of them justice. For great insight into Japan, follow my blog. www.goabroad.net/hsantiago2. It has a ton of helpful info on what to do in Japan, my time at KCP, and how to be thrifty and still have a great time.

KCP seriously exceeded my expectations in all areas. After I took the placement test, the teachers and staff spent a lot of time talking with me to make sure I would be in the right level. The profs were always very kind and patient with us, both in and out of class. After class they’d almost always stay a few extra hours (!) to help anyone who had questions. Each teacher I had went out of his or her way to help me understand the class material, and it paid off for me. KCP provides extra support for English speakers, so even if you might find in-class instruction hard, there is always extra help. It can be in English, too, if needed. The English support staff is fantastic as well. They always hung around after class to check in with us and make sure everything was going well both at school and otherwise. Overall, I found KCP to be an awesome experience!

KCP was fantastic. My room in the Ikebukuro dorm was larger than some in the US, and the location is unbeatable only a 2 minutes' walk away from two great places to eat (fish place up the street and Indian restaurant just around the corner are both awesome and cheap), and less than 10 minutes from the train and the happening center of Ikebukuro (pretty large, plenty to do). The Japanese program itself is a blast. Most classes had about 30% US students and the rest a combo of Chinese, Korean, and some Vietnamese students. Learning to speak Japanese in that setting—where there is no other language in common, and in order to talk with your classmates, you must learn it in—is very satisfying, and being able to practice with people at your same language level is very helpful. (People on the street sometimes talk so fast or with such a rich vocabulary that they're hard to understand.) Class pursuits are a good, workable blend of student-to-student, student-to-teacher/class, and individual practice. Language class is very interactive and appealing. Having to listen and speak in Japanese all of the time—really!, you learn a lot. The curriculum is clear and effective (if you speak little or no Japanese and might be placed in level one, though, be sure to learn katakana and hirigana, and know just a little basic vocab and some typical sentences. If you come in knowing no Japanese at all, the initial learning curve is *very* steep). I can't heap enough praise on the professors and staff. You really get the sense that everyone there is genuinely interested in helping you succeed and enjoy the program—and enjoy your stay in Japan. They go to great lengths to run everything smoothly and comfortably for students at the school. You come away feeling that everyone working there is your friend. I recommend this program very strongly if you are considering studying Japanese in Tokyo for a term. My only issue was that during term I had just a few really free weekends to explore outside of Tokyo. You are in class for only a few hours a day, but to visit, say, Osaka, you'll have just one or two three-day weekends per term free for that, especially if you enroll in the culture class, which happens mostly on Saturdays. (If you signup for two terms, though, like many do, then the break in between is about two weeks, and you can do lots of exploring). Be sure to make good use of your time. I'm a vegetarian, so my food choices are limited. The food I did find was mostly pretty good—some great and only a few not very good. Of course I ate a lot of rice, beans, and eggs from the grocery store. You can eat quite well if you've got the budget. The Indian restaurant right near Ikebukuro dorm is wonderful—the owner’s really nice and usually gives free coffee or appetizers or something.

If you are serious about wanting to learn Japanese, GO TO KCP. While comparing study abroad prospects in Japan, I couldn't find a single bad comment about KCP. It really is that good. And now that I’ve been there, I know why! 1. Location. It’s right in the middle of Shinjuku, Tokyo: lots of stores, arcades, bars, shrines, and so on. 2. Direct approach. If you are serious about wanting to learn Japanese, GO TO KCP. Even if you KNOW NO JAPANESE, trust me: you can do this! Don't be daunted; one friends here knew absolutely nothing and now we talk together in Japanese. 3. Best administrators. Tanaka-san and Michiko-san are available for you all the way. They really care about us students, that’s clear. This program lives up to what it promises. And it’s amazing. I completely recommend it. Several people are here for the second or third time. No question that I'd love to return! Over and over again, their website says it's INTENSIVE, but I say it’s sooo worthwhile. Don't be put off by the direct approach (students and teachers alike speak only Japanese). The teachers are definitely make sure you understand what's going on and help you out when you need it—they’re masters at that, actually. Plus there's extra help sessions where you can go over the lesson in English, guided by a teacher who provides all the explanation you need—in English. The program started really well. I could tell by the first day, orientation, that teachers and staff thought of everything. KCP keeps you well informed and is highly organized. I stayed in Ikebukuro dorm—nice and close to the train statin, only about a 10 minute walk away. The commute takes only like half an hour to get to school, which is a short trip compared to some others. Really not bad at all! And I love the beautiful walk from my dorm to the station. Ikebukuro doesn’t have a meal plan, but a 7/11 very close has almost everything you need. I attended only the KCP summer short term (8 weeks), but we still had great excursions like kabuki theatre; a bus visit to a castle, natural hot springs, and a shrine; a classical tea ceremony; a tour of Shinjuku, very helpful; plus Ryuhe-san, Michiko-san, and Tanaka-san are totally willing to help with any task! (They helped some of us buy bus tickets to Fuji-san, and book a place to stay, too.) A place in Shinjuku not far from KCP has specials on beer for the price of the current month. (e.g., for July, month 7, beer was only 70 yen, which is 70 cents. August: 80 yen, etc.)

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.

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.

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.

KCP's greatest strength is its teachers. They truly care about each student's development of Japanese skills. Classes themselves were productive, but I was really surprised by how available the teachers made themselves outside of class. I was able to do regular amounts of conversation practice with teachers, and that kind of dedication to teaching was critical in my improvement in Japanese. Of course, equal amounts of effort need to be put in by the student to reap the full benefits of such a dedicated faculty. Also, the administration was quite helpful and very prompt in answering any questions. The only thing I would do differently is look for my own housing, rather than stay at the dorm. All in all, however, I enthusiastically recommend KCP to a student hoping to improve their Japanese.

I did extensive research into Japanese study abroad programs, and after creating a spreadsheet comparing all the different ones, KCP came out superior, and it truly did. KCP far exceeded my expectations- this truly is a school for the serious language learner. If you want to one day enter a Japanese university or become fluent, this is the school to go to. The workload is tough (especially in level 3), but it is all completely worth it. The teachers only speak Japanese, but they are very good at explaining vocabulary and grammar so that you can understand. The teachers often utilize pictures, drawings, gestures, and examples to help illustrate what a grammar point means. Overall, for how much you get out of the price, this is the best Japanese study abroad program. Academics: The classes are tough and require much effort, but you learn so much! I feel like I learned much more in my 2 months at KCP than I have in 2 semesters back home. The teachers only speak Japanese- they don't even know English, so this truly is the perfect opportunity to improve your speaking skills. Living Situation: I was in a host family, and I absolutely loved the experience. KCP was able to pair me with an amazing family that could accommodate my food allergies very well. I have a second family now thanks to this experience! Splurge on the extra tuition so that you may have a host family- I have gained so much more than my classmates that are in the dormitories. Program Administration: There are "student coordinators" that speak all different languages, so that no matter which language you speak, someone from school will be able to help you. There are multiple English speaking coordinators, and they are all incredibly helpful, intelligent, and kind.

KCP is an amazing school and made my study abroad experience unforgettable. I was placed into level 4 (I had been studying Japanese in college for a few years) and found the placement test was spot on, the program is definitely very challenging but also very rewarding. I was learning so much more than I was in my Japanese classes in the states. My classmates were mostly Korean or Chinese and I got to learn about Japanese culture, but Korean and Chinese culture as well! The teachers and staff at the school are all wonderful and extremely helpful. If you ever run into any problem or have a question, they will gladly help you out. They also do a fantastic job arranging the weekend classes and trips - they might be early in the morning but be sure to take full advantage of them! Health and Safety: Tokyo is a very safe city and I never felt in danger or uncomfortable. Just practice common sense and avoid walking around alone at night and you will be fine.

KCP really is the best study abroad program in Japan. When I was researching different study abroad programs, I couldn't find a single bad comment about KCP. And now I realize why! 1. It's located in the center of Shinjuku, Tokyo: plenty of shopping, bars, arcades, shrines, etc. 2. They use the direct approach. For anyone who is serious about wanting to learn Japanese, COME TO KCP. Even if you HAVE NO JAPANESE KNOWLEDGE, trust me, you can do it! Don't be discouraged; one of my friends here knew absolutely nothing and now we can hold a conversation together. 3. Best adminstrators. Michiko-san and Tanaka-san are here for you all the way. It's clear they really care about the students. All I can say is this program is exactly what it says it is. And it's awesome. And I definitely recommend it. I've met quite a few people here who are here for the second or third time. No doubt in my mind that I'd love to return! Academics: It says it all over their website: it's an INTENSIVE program, but it is soooo worth it. If you really want to get better at Japanese, KCP is for you. Don't be afraid of the "direct approach" (having class completely taught in Japanese), the teachers are really great about making sure you understand what's going on and helping you out when you need it. Plus there's extra help sessions where they will go over the lesson in English for you. Living Situation: I was in the Ikebukuro dorm which is only about a 10 minute walk from the train station and then it takes only like half an hour to get to school. Really not bad at all! Plus, it's a beautiful walk between the dorm and the station. There's no meal plan but there's a 7/11 literally right around the corner which has everything. Cultural Immersion: Even though I only did the short summer term at KCP (8 weeks), they still offered plenty of great experiences such as a bus trip to a castle, natural hot springs, and shrine; kabuki; a traditional tea ceremony; a useful tour of Shinjuku; plus Michiko-san, Ryuhe-san, and Tanaka-san are more than willing to help you out with any situation (they helped me and my friends buy bus tickets and lodging for Fuji-san)! Program Administration: Simply amazing. I could tell by the first day when we were in orientation that they had thought of it all. KCP is very well organized and keeps you well informed. Like I said before, all the administrators are super helpful with anything you need!

KCP was wonderful. The Ikebukuro dorm room was larger than some I've seen in the US, and the location of the dorms is unbeatable -- it's within 2 minutes' walk of two great restaurants (the Indian restaurant around the corner and the fish restaurant up the road are both amazing and cheap), and about 8 minutes' walk from the train and from the happening area of Ikebukuro (which is quite large and offers lots to do). The program itself is a blast. Most classrooms were about 1/3 US students and the rest a mix of Korean, Chinese and some Vietnamese students. Learning to speak Japanese in that environment -- where nobody shares any other common language, and you need to learn it in order to communicate with your classmates -- is really rewarding, and having the opportunity to practice with people at your same level of grammar and vocab comprehension is very helpful (people on the street often talk so fast or with such varied vocabulary that they're hard to converse with). The class-time activities are a good mix of student-to-student, student-to-teacher/class, and individual practice. Mostly class is very interactive and engaging. You learn a lot from having to speak and listen in Japanese 100% of the time. The curriculum is straightforward and effective (do make sure that, if you're going into level one, though, that you've learned katakana and hirigana, and have learned just a little basic vocab and a few common sentences or so. The initial learning curve is *very* steep if you come in knowing absolutely nothing at all), and I can't speak highly enough of the faculty and administration. You really get the impression that everyone working at the school has a genuine interest in your success in and enjoyment of the program and enjoyment of your time in Japan in general. They go to great lengths to make sure that everything runs smoothly and comfortably for students at the school. You really come away feeling like everyone working there is your friend. I really can't recommend this program enough for anyone considering a term studying Japanese. The only caveat is that the schedule leaves only a few truly free weekends for exploring outside of Tokyo. Class time is only a few hours a day, but if you want to see, say, Osaka, you'll have only one or two three-day weekends in a term to do that, especially if you enroll in the culture class, which takes place mostly on Saturdays. (If you stay for two terms, though, like most people do, then the interim break is about two weeks, and you can fit in all kinds of exploring). Make sure you make good use of your time.

KCP vastly exceeded my expectations on all levels. After taking the placement test, the teachers and staff spend a considerable amount of time talking with me to ensure that I would be placed in the appropriate level. The teachers were always very kind and patient both inside and outside the classroom. After class they would stay a few extra hours to help anyone with questions. Each teacher I had went out of his or her way to make sure that I understood what was being taught in class. KCP also offers extra support for English speakers, so, even if one might find instruction taught in class difficult, extra help is always available. The English support staff is awesome as well. They always hung around after class to chat with the students and make sure everything was going okay both at school and at homestay or the dorm. Overall, I found KCP to be a fantastic experience!!

Coming to KCP was the best choice I could have made for schools in Japan. The administration is very helpful, the teachers all care about the students and are always available to help, and the intensity of the classes helps you prepare to interact with Japanese people daily. Of course, you have to work hard. But, if you're willing to put in the effort, you will be rewarded with a life-changing experience. Health and Safety: Japan is by far the safest and cleanest place I've ever been. If you see trash in the street, it would be a rare sighting. Social Life: When attending a school like KCP, you have to be careful of the kind of social life you have. If you like to drink and party and are easily distracted, you might have a hard time. This school can be intense for some. So, if you can manage to have fun with friends, but keep studying as your main priority, you will do just fine.

Takatsu-sensei was by far the best kanji teacher: he draws all sorts of little pictures to help students remember the meanings of the kanji. His kanji practice method is highly effective for me. Takatsu- sensei's pictures illustrated many important grammar points. Academics: Many people say that Suzuki-sensei is kowaii (tough), but I like her very much: she does not allow us to get away with being lazy, and she is very kind and patient when help is needed. She exudes strength and I respect her very much. I like her sense of humor. Komae-sensei is sweeter than sugar! When I had great difficulty and became frustrated, she was always very patient and reassuring. I felt very comfortable approaching her with questions. She has a very maternal feel. Class was absolutely fantastic; I learned a lot at a fast rate, and I learned with people from completely different cultures.

Writing example sentences and seeing the corrections on them and on tests was the most helpful to me. I can learn to at least understand new grammar points on my own, but I can't spot my own mistakes.

KCP is a wonderful program for those looking to 1) see their Japanese abilities exponentially grow and 2) to experience the culture hands-on. It's also a program for those who don't simply seek to party either. The program's rigorous and demands attention to your school work, health, and managing time in between. Basically, you live, eat, and breathe a Japanese lifestyle. It's great. Academics: The most productive and interesting aspects would have to be the fact that the classes are taught in all Japanese. I mean, every now and again, you have to switch to your mother tongue -- it's inevitable. However, if it wasn't for studying in that kind of intensive setting that forces you to think in the language, I probably wouldn't have advanced as far as I did in Japanese. Cultural Immersion: I think it's extremely important to be aware of the elements of Japanese culture before immersing yourself in it, and that's exactly what the culture course does. Not only do you learn important historical facts, but you get the chance to peek into Japanese psychology. It's essential for living in Japan, I think.

It's definitely an intensive program, and you have to be willing to work hard to keep up with the class. It is a program for students who seriously want to put a lot of effort into learning Japanese, but also remember to have fun while you are here as time flies by really fast.

The Kamakura trip with the culture class was the most satisfying. I think it was very satisfying because in the culture class we were able to learn a lot about the different places we were going to visit, and then when we went to those places they seemed a lot more interesting because we understood their purpose and why they were important.

Kono-sensei is amazing! She is very animated and makes learning Japanese fun. She is very detailed in her explanations. Kagisawa sensei is especially helpful if I don't understand something. She is very fair and she truly cares about her students.

Takatsu-sensei was by far the best kanji teacher: he draws all sorts of little pictures to help students remember the meanings of the kanji. His kanji practice method is highly effective for me. Takatsu- sensei's pictures illustrated many important grammar points. Academics: Class was absolutely fantastic; I learned a lot at a fast rate, and I learned with people from completely different cultures. Komae-sensei is sweeter than sugar! When I had great difficulty and became frustrated, she was always very patient and reassuring. I felt very comfortable approaching her with questions. She has a very maternal feel. Program Administration: Many people say that Suzuki-sensei is kowaii (tough), but I like her very much: she does not allow us to get away with being lazy, and she is very kind and patient when help is needed. She exudes strength and I respect her very much. I like her sense of humor.