Genki Japanese and Culture School, Fukuoka, Japan

Genki Japanese and Culture School emphasizes learning Japanese on an existential level, experiencing, feeling, and living Japanese culture, and learning the language as a way to do so. All three locations promise small class sizes of fewer than nine students, award-winning curriculum, and scheduling flexibility. Students of all levels are welcome, and the school helps secure whichever type of visa a student needs for their length of study. Genki classes are divided into input and output sessions, the former being the half of the class when students take in new vocabulary and grammar, and the latter consisting of practice and application. Core Japaneses classes can be combined with certain add-ons, such as traditional culture, pop culture, conversation, or private lessons. A variety of residence halls and apartments are available, or students can stay with a local host family in order to better immerse themselves in the language and culture. The Fukuoka campus provides all the same resources as the other campuses but in a city with fewer foreigners, pushing students to use their Japanese skills in order to communicate and get around town. The affordability of the city also means students are able to stay long-term, learning Japanese and experiencing the culture through both classes and relationships with locals. Fukuoka has a busy downtown area with shopping districts, restaurants, and entertainment venues. However, quiet parks, lakes, and beaches provide perfect spots for studying or relaxing. Just ten minutes from campus are the Fukuoka castle ruins, helping students step back in time to better understand the history of bygone eras, and the nearby Fukuoka Tower allows students to survey the entire area from an observation deck.