Projects
|
FAQ
|
Announcements
Please select a start date.
12.5 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
What makes this project special
Grow
Log in to view the full content
Project Introduction
1. Let's Cultivate Your Japanese Language Skills at a Specialized School Focused on Practical Conversation While Interacting with International Friends!
In Japan, you might have struggled to find the right school to directly immerse yourself and improve your conversational skills. Unlike typical long-term study programs for international students, the institution running this project has developed its own curriculum to effectively enhance conversational Japanese in a short period. With small, elite classes of fewer than 8 students and personalized 1-on-1 coaching, as well as after-school activities with friends from over 20 countries and interaction with Japanese peers, this is the ideal Japanese language project where you can significantly improve your practical conversational skills, unlike other places where Koreans make up the majority.
2. Build the Foundation of Your Japan Working Holiday Through Intensive Conversational Japanese Study!
If you're planning a working holiday in Japan, consider participating in this project to enjoy a unique and differentiated working holiday experience! This project allows participation starting from a minimum of 2 weeks, which means you can build a foundation in conversational Japanese before diving into full-time social activities. Another advantage is that classes end in the morning, allowing you to balance work and study. If you've made up your mind for a working holiday, why not fully master Japanese and learn authentic Japanese in diverse environments? You'll also gain extensive experience in various relationships and social situations in Japan.
3. Enjoy Exploring Hokkaido and Learning Japanese Simultaneously!
The area where the project is conducted is located just 5 minutes from Sapporo Station, which is the central city of Hokkaido, Japan's northern island. By participating in this project, during leisure time without classes, you can enjoy urban life in Sapporo or take a short train ride to explore the majestic nature of Hokkaido. Particularly, the school organizes its own activities, providing the advantage of traveling around Hokkaido with local friends and classmates. By focusing diligently on school life, you can manage both studying Japanese and exploring Hokkaido!
Support
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual Traveler's Insurance Costs
- Other Local Stay Expenses
- Pick-Up Service from the Airport to the Accommodation during the Project Period (available as optional extras)
Project Activities
■ Japanese Proficiency ☆☆☆☆☆This project consists of a detailed curriculum spanning 7 levels, including an introductory course suitable for those learning Japanese for the first time. Designed to effectively learn practical Japanese, even if you don't know Japanese, it's okay! Enjoy learning Japanese here while participating in various activities during your leisure time to experience vibrant Japan!
(Classes are conducted primarily in Japanese, but local staff and friends can communicate in English if needed.)
■ Project Activities Detailed Introduction
This project is a "Real-life Centered Short-term Japanese Improvement Project" that allows you to enhance your Japanese conversational skills more simply and efficiently through the school's own curriculum. It is designed to enable you to acquire practical Japanese language skills such as grammar, sentence patterns, and vocabulary necessary for conversation in a short period, moving away from textbook-centered lessons typically offered by regular Japanese language schools.
Moreover, it goes beyond classroom teaching by incorporating various after-school activities 1 to 4 times a week, where you can directly apply the Japanese learned so far in real-life situations to maximize learning effectiveness. Many international students choose this school to take practical conversation classes starting on dates that suit their schedules and to enjoy various cultural experiences.
· This project starts every Monday. Classes run from Monday to Friday, totaling 5 days a week.
· Participants who have prior experience studying Japanese will undergo an online level test before the project starts. The test is divided into 7 detailed levels from basic to advanced, allowing students to study alongside others at a similar level.
· On the first day of class, there will be individual orientations for approximately 30 minutes before classes start (9:00-9:30 AM).
· Applications for the project are accepted year-round (excluding Japanese public holidays).
· A graduation ceremony is held on the Friday when the project concludes. Participants can arrive at their accommodations up to 1 week before the project starts to allow for an adaptation period (accommodation fees are separate).
· For those aiming to acquire Japanese in a short period rapidly, additional private lessons can be arranged for an extra fee. Please inquire separately if interested.
■ Class Features
1. Each class maintains a small class size of fewer than 8 students, ensuring high participation and enabling a focused learning environment tailored to each student.
2. Classes are conducted exclusively in Japanese to facilitate rapid improvement in students' Japanese language skills. Additional explanations utilize various teaching methods to aid student comprehension. Students study alongside multinational peers from over 20 countries worldwide (Europe 21%, North America 20%, Taiwan 14%, Russia 10%, Singapore 6%, Thailand 5%, other Southeast Asia 6%, Hong Kong 5%, China/Korea 5%, South America 2%, Oceania 4%, Middle East 1%, etc.).
3. Using its own curriculum, the school provides Japanese education that goes beyond traditional textbook-based learning, focusing on skills and topics essential for daily life application.
4. Various assignments such as street interviews, video production, and institution visits are given to students to foster interest in Japanese and engage them actively in their studies.
* The nature of assignments may vary depending on local institution policies and the timing of participation.
Daily Schedule
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | |
| 09:30 - 10:20 | Japanese Language Class | Activity | ||||
| 10:30 - 11:20 | ||||||
| 11:30 - 12:20 | ||||||
| 12:30 - 13:20 | Lunch Break | |||||
| 13:30 - 14:20 | Activity or Free Time(If Activities Are Not Held) | |||||
| 14:30 - 15:20 | ||||||
|
|
■ Activities
All activities are optional, and depending on the program, there may be participation fees and separate transportation costs. Activities are scheduled 3-4 times per week for specific durations, subject to variations based on school and activity conditions. Participants are responsible for paying these costs directly to the school. (Examples: Cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies, kimono dressing, sushi making, traditional Japanese crafts / Social activities such as interacting with locals, karaoke, parties / BBQ / Day trips around Hokkaido / Seasonal sports such as skiing, rafting, etc.)
* Activities are typically conducted around 3-4 times per week. However, operations may be scaled down based on institution circumstances, participant timing, and health guidelines.
- Estimated costs for activities include cultural experiences at approximately 500 to 1500 JPY (about 6,000 to 16,000 KRW, varying with exchange rates) and day trips at around 5000 to 6000 JPY (about 55,000 to 65,000 KRW, varying with exchange rates).
- During periods without scheduled activities or when not participating, feel free to make use of the school cafe for studying independently or enjoying time with friends.
- Please note that June to August is peak season, so consider applying early as reservations fill up quickly.
- Detailed participant reviews can be found on GapYear Story (click).
- More participant reviews are available under "Participant Reviews" at the bottom of the project page.
Institution Introduction
The organization where the project takes place is a Japanese language school located in the city center, a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station and approximately 45 minutes by train from New Chitose Airport. This institution is officially certified by ALTO (Association of Language and Travel Organisations), a global association specializing in language education and exchange. It was also selected as the Language School of the Year in 2015 by a prominent global overseas institution guide. Moreover, professional teachers with qualifications in Japanese education conduct specialized classes tailored to students' levels, ensuring high-quality education.
The school focuses on developing its own Japanese language education curriculum tailored for short-term international students, unlike other academies that emphasize college-oriented academic goals. It offers small-group classes with a maximum of 8 students, focusing on conversational skills and various cultural activities. This approach helps students enhance their Japanese conversational abilities and provides more exposure to Japanese culture within a short period. Additionally, the school has its own community space where students can meet Japanese friends interested in studying foreign languages, engage in study sessions or games, and participate in school-run exchange programs to interact with locals in Sapporo, thereby naturally learning Japanese in real-life settings and immersing themselves in Japanese culture. This institution is regarded as the top Japanese language school that offers the best educational environment for those who want to properly learn, feel, and experience the Japanese language and culture in a short time.
Word from the School Principal
Hello, everyone! What our staff values the most is ensuring that everyone who visits Japan can say, "I had a great time!" We cherish this opportunity for you to be here in Japan and aim for everyone to enjoy and feel happy about it. That's why at our school, the distance between teachers, staff, and students is very close, allowing you to feel comfortable as if you were at home. Moreover, we offer various programs that provide valuable experiences rarely obtained through typical travel or studying abroad, including plenty of interactions with local Japanese residents in Sapporo.
Enjoy the Japanese life with locals at our school! Come to Japan and make friends with people from various countries or locals, and use Japanese frequently. We look forward to welcoming you here.
Accommodation Introduction
Accommodation is available as an optional add-on, allowing participants to choose according to their preferences. If you opt for accommodation, you can reserve a place connected with the institution by paying an additional fee.
1. Share House
We can arrange various share houses located in different parts of Sapporo city according to participants' preferences and location preferences. Share houses are recommended for those who wish to meet and interact with diverse friends, including Japanese locals. They are typically located 20-40 minutes away from the school by public transportation and come equipped with basic furniture and appliances. While residents share living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, each person has their own private room for comfortable living. Meals are not provided, but residents can cook using ingredients of their choice in the shared kitchen. Living in a share house allows for a more enjoyable experience of Japanese life, provided residents adhere to house rules and etiquette with their housemates.
| 1 month | 2 months |
| 1,120,000 KRW | 1,940,000 KRW |
* Sharehouse accommodation is available for a minimum of 30 nights (1 month) or longer. It is recommended for those participating in a language course of 4 weeks or more.
* For inquiries regarding additional stay options and estimated accommodation fees based on your actual participation period, please contact us at koreagapyear@gmail.com.
Private Room / Shared Bathroom / Meals Not Provided / WiFi
※ Available for participants staying 1 month or longer.
2. Homestay
In Sapporo city and outskirts, experience Japanese daily life firsthand by staying with a host family in a homestay. These families are carefully selected and verified by the school to ensure the best match for participants. Spend time with your host family, practicing the Japanese language learned in classes, freely communicating, and enhancing your language skills. Experience authentic Japanese culture that goes beyond classroom learning, gaining a deeper understanding through direct exposure to real-life situations.
The distance from the school varies but generally takes about 30-60 minutes by public transportation. Each participant will have a private room equipped with basic furniture, and shared spaces such as bathrooms and living rooms are available. Internet access may vary depending on the host family. Enjoy Japanese home-cooked meals prepared by the host family daily for breakfast and dinner. Homestay accommodations involve communal living with a real Japanese family, so respecting household rules and family manners will ensure a more enjoyable experience.
| 2 weeks | 2 weeks | 4 weeks | 1 month (30 nights) |
| 1,140,000 | 1,480,000 | 1,830,000 | 1,980,000 |
| 6 weeks | 8 weeks | 10 weeks | 12 weeks |
| 2,520,000 | 3,210,000 | 3,900,000 | 4,600,000 |
Private Room / Shared Bathroom / Breakfast and Dinner Provided / Airport Pick-Up (one-way).
※ The internet environment varies depending on each household, and accurate accommodation details are provided with the inclusion of an airport pickup service (one-way).
※ The listed price is based on Sunday check-in/Saturday check-out. Additional costs may apply for stays exceeding these dates.
※ If you wish to extend your stay beyond the current booking period, please contact us at koreagapyear@gmail.com.
3. Weekly Mansion
Private Room / Private Bathroom / Private Kitchen Facilities
/ Internet (wired or wireless, varies by accommodation) / Airport Pickup Service (one-way)
※ Please use the facilities cleanly to avoid costs for repairs and cleaning in case of monetary loss such as damage within the apartment during your stay.
※ Airport pickup service (one way) is provided for accurate accommodation details.
Location Introduction
ㅣ Location : JAPAN, Sapporo
Hokkaido's seat of a provincial government, Sapporo, is not only a political and economic hub but also Japan's fifth most populous city. It serves as a central transportation hub in Hokkaido, often being both the starting point and the destination for many travelers. At the heart of the city lies Sapporo's landmark, the Sapporo TV Tower, and Odori Park, a place where locals relax and various festivals are held throughout the seasons, which allows visitors to experience both the sophistication of urban life and the serenity of nature simultaneously.
Furthermore, as befitting its nickname "Gourmet Kingdom," Sapporo offers ample opportunities to indulge in fresh dairy products, Sapporo Ramen, beer, and fresh seafood. Why not enjoy Japan and have fun learning Japanese in Sapporo, a place brimming with food, activities, and sights to see?
- Anyone over 14 years old in good physical health (* For minors, a guardian's consent form is required.)
- Anyone who wants to experience the opportunity alongside friends of diverse nationalities
- Anyone who wants to make Japanese friends to increase opportunities for using and learning Japanese.
- Anyone who wants to communicate in Japanese with friends from over 20 countries worldwide and make friends globally.
- Anyone who doesn't know Japanese well but wants to learn it by immersing themselves in the language.
- Anyone who wants to improve their Japanese conversational skills at a school focused on short-term speaking practice.
* COORDINATORS: TARGET
Are you considering studying abroad in Japan? Are you not satisfied because the curriculum at the study abroad agency is almost identical to what you would learn in Korea and the majority of students are Korean?
But, at this school, you'll have the opportunity to make friends from various Asian and European countries, creating a diverse environment to naturally improve your Japanese language skills with a tranquil school atmosphere. Especially in community spaces, and through international exchange programs, you can easily meet Japanese friends and practice Japanese freely even after classes.
If you're eager to enhance your Japanese conversational skills and experience Japanese culture in an environment immersed in the Japanese language, this project is perfect for you!
Schedule and Prices
■ The project starts every Monday.
■ The minimum duration of participation in this project is at least 2 weeks.
■ Project Costs
2 weeks : 1,730,000 KRW
3 weeks : 2,200,000 KRW
4 weeks : 2,670,000 KRW
6 weeks : 3,510,000 KRW
8 weeks : 4,350,000 KRW
10 weeks : 5,200,000 KRW
12 weeks : 6,040,000 KRW
For popular projects, there may be no TO, so please apply quickly to secure your spot.
■ KGY Mission (▶MORE)
■ Notice of Installment Payment
If you are unable to pay in full, please deposit 500,000 KRW in advance for the registration fee and deposit the balance within two weeks. The process of confirming participation in the project will be conducted based on the date of payment of the registration fee to check the availability and TO. It is important to secure a position as soon as possible to participate in the desired date and period! (No refund when confirmed participation)
*However, if the start date is imminent, the balance deposit schedule may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird And Late Application
We recommend that all projects be applied three months before the start date of the project participation with normal procedures and KGY's preparation periods, and in principle, you can apply at least two months before the start date. However, if you need to participate in the project urgently or urgently, we will help you with the procedure as soon as possible by paying an additional amount through the emergency application service.
*We are helping you with the quick procedure as soon as possible, but there is a basic time such as communication with local organizations and time to confirm participation, and all procedures are the same as regular participants, so those who participate through the late application service should actively cooperate with the Korea GapYear operation team.
** Those who apply 180 days before the start date can get an early bird discount.
*** The emergency late application service can be applied from the selection option at the top, and if you have any questions related to the emergency application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
☞ Provision: Automatic application for gap-year missions and notes / Full provision immediately upon confirmation of participation in OT materials / Additional emergency personnel / Support for preparation if documents are required
* If you have a hard time calculating the date, please refer to NAVER's date calculator >> 네이버 날짜 계산기 바로가기
Note: In the case of an emergency late application, there may be no TO depending on the local situation, and subsequent procedures will be carried out in accordance with the gap year refund policy. In addition, the participant is responsible for any problems caused by the participant's non-cooperation.
