Thank you so much for this video! I had two very different experiences with EF, one was very good at EF Seoul, and one was very bad at EF Malta, so thanks for sharing your experiences! I'm thinking about going there in 2022:)
Thank you for your good explanation even thought you didn't get a lot of footage. I am planning on going next year probably for like a month as well or maybe 2 months but I think EF should get their eyes more on equal family hosts so these things don't occur because I think it's all still very expensive but then seeing that someone else's breakfast is a lot better everyday must kind of hurt knowing that you both pay the same 😅
Do you feel like your homestay was worth the experience? I want to go in 2022 and I'm unsure if I want to do a homestay experience or have my own place. And is it easy to request a new homestay if you're not fond of the one you're given? Lastly, I read something about having to use "activity credits" do go on those activities you talked about that are held by EF, did you run in to that? Also great video man, thanks for taking the time to put it together.
I’ll be honest with you, it’ll really depend on the family they assign to you. For me, homestay provided an immersive experience. So yes, it was worth it. Yes, during my stay it was easy to request a new homestay. Keep in mind the pandemic might have changed this (they might have less family hosts providing homestays). Should homestay not work for you, you can always opt for your own place while being there. You purchase “activity credits” to pay for activities, but I would always pay in-person at school so I never ran into that (they are useful if you want to save a place in advance). Glad I could help!
Hey! Thanks for making this video. I'm going to EF Tokyo for a month this summer, but I've already been studying Japanese for 2 years and I was wondering what it's like to go there as someone who is already relatively fluent at Japanese? Do you know if I'll get more time to just hang out and talk to people, or will I still have to take the same classes as everyone else? I am basically N1 level. I'm also studying for the 漢字検定試験 where I've passed 6級 so far (still working towards 2級), so basically I can read, write, and speak japanese pretty decently. I saw some videos of people learning basic stuff like 耳, 足, etc, but as someone who has roughly 15,000 or more words in their Japanese vocabulary I really don't see how this could be a good use of my time. I'm 16 years old so I can't just go to Japan and do whatever (still a minor), that's why I chose EF. But I was wondering if maybe I'd get more time to just chill and do fun stuff? Or what's going to happen? Do you know what the most advanced classes look like or if anyone else there at the school while you attended was already at a pretty high level of Japanese? (like N1 level) Thank you for taking the time to read my comment. :)
Hi Clyde, there's a placement test on your first day which will evaluate your Japanese level from which they'll assign you to a proper group. I didn't get to interact much with people in the advanced classes. Now as far as I know, unfortunately you wouldn't get more free time as presence is mandatory especially if you're a minor (unless you're sick or have a valid reason). You could always register for the less intensive schedule (forgot the name) which implies less hours of school per week. This would give you more free time.
yo thx for the video bro, the comments on your gaijin face where hilarious. Do you know anyone who stayed at the “EF residence”? If so, how does that work, is there one big residence with many students or are there multiple share houses with students or smth? I just wanna get an idea of people’s experience at the residence since most people report experiences from host families.
Hello, I was curious.. how long did you go for? Also, how good are you at japanese now? You said the classes were relaxed and the teachers were nice but im curious at how good they really are at teaching japanese. I dont want to pay all that money just for a trip if im not going to actually learn much.
I was there for a month. I am a bit rusty because I haven't practiced, but my short stay did have a significant improvement! Teachers are very professional and dedicated. In the end your progress will depend on how much effort you place on your studies.
Hey man I hope you're still answering questions. I hope you don't mind me asking but what did you do for money while you was there? Was you just surviving on savings or is there something you can do on campus or to do with EF to help earn some money?
Hey I was living on savings and did not work during my stay. We had classes from Monday to Friday so most of us were not working as we were focused on studying and visiting/travelling during our free time. If you're considering work, you will require a work visa where you need to get sponsored by a person or employer, or (depending on the country you live) you may be eligible for a working holiday visa program. (There weren't any jobs offerings on campus when I was there)
I am interested in the 6 month program, did you receive credits to graduate from highschool? Do the credits transfer to the school you attend in your home country? I am from the U.S
As far as I know, credits do not transfer to your highschool in your home country (unless your school has some type of exchange program I'm not aware of).
It can be pricey. Cots cover school expenses, activities, and stay with family host (breakfast and supper included). You could maybe opt for a shorter stay like a month for instance (some students even went for 2 weeks).
@@thenoobator249 I'm still not sure what i should do! I want to learn the language and the best way would be too stay there for an longer period. Work and travel would be an option, but it could be difficult too find an job there and still there are so many things i don't know. 🙃
Hey! I'm planning to travel with EF but I just know the basics of japanese. Are classes too hard to understand? Cause I've seen reviews where people say all classes are completely in japanese, so I'm afraid of not understanding a single thing or not being capable to communicate with others.
On your first day you'll have a short evaluation after which they will assign you to a proper level. In beginner's level teachers do use a bit more of English to communicate with you. Don't be afraid, they're well organized and make sure you learn at your proper pace.
@@daikiraichi No worries, you're good :) Yes, it was worth it for me. I got to improve my Japanese, I had a decent host family and got to visit most of Tokyo as well as Yokohama since that's where my host family resides. Being a student and living with a Japanese family gave me the immersive experience I was looking for. If you’re looking more into just traveling and sightseeing, then maybe you should opt for something different.
@@daikiraichi If you’re not too shy and don’t mind some awkward moments here and then you’ll be fine. The pros of having a host family is that they provide you with breakfast and supper and you get to practice your Japanese. The con is that some families have curfews (you need to be home before a certain time). But all of this can be discussed through EF prior your departure. If for some reason you still don’t like your host family once you’re in Japan or you think that it’s too far from school you can always request them to assign you to a different family (the process is usually fast).
Hey, you can use prepaid cards that you can recharge anytime (and even use for shopping in some stores): Suica & Pasmo. Yes cash is acceptable for bus. It would depend on the distance travelled. I used a Suica card during my stay: www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html
Hey, I play with the idea 2022 for a month to go to Japan, but I wonder how it works with the age of majority in Japan, I come from Germany and am of age there, but in Japan you are only from 20, do I have any restrictions their?
If you’ll be staying with a host family they might be a bit stricter, but it’ll depend on the parents (some families might have a curfew whether you’re major or not). Other than that, the only thing I can think of would be alcoholic drinks but even then it shouldn’t be a problem. We went out to a couple of Izakayas with friends who were minors without a problem (make sure to have someone who looks old in your group just in case lol).
Hi! I’m going for 9 months in 2022 and is considering going with the general course. (Because it’s cheaper) Do you know if the students in the different courses will be separated? Were there a lot of students taking the general course, or were there more in the intensive?
Glad to hear that! You are not separated based on general versus intensive. The only difference is that you'll have less courses in your schedule (which will give you more free time to explore around). When I was enrolled most of us were in the general course.
You'll find all kind of personalities coming from around the world, so it shouldn't be difficult. If you're shy and introverted I'd suggest attending activities organized by the school.
I read somewhere that you have an option to stay with a local student which would allow you to improve your Japanese. Is that really an option? Also how much did it cost you for the 1 month? (EF Expenses only)
@@thenoobator249 Thank you! Since I left that comment I've been seeing a lot of bad reviews from EF so I'm hesitating a bit now. Trying to see if there are better options out there, and if my local university might have an international study program. But seeing your good experience I'm reconsidering EF. Thank you for the reply and for sharing your experience
Hi! Don't know if you're still responding to comments but in case you are- do you know any experiences of students staying in a 2-bedroom? I'm planning to do so (since it's cheaper and with a Japanese family) but wonder if the space won't be very small and if I'll ever have privacy..
Hi Hannah, I didn't hear of a situation like that. If you ever feel uncomfortable for any reason you can always request a change of room/family host. Don't be shy to ask or express your discontent; they are very kind and understandable.
Met a few friends who were around that age. The only “problems” I can remember were curfews, but this will depend on your host family. Oh there’s also underage drinking/smoking, but other than that no problems.
Thank you so much for this video! I had two very different experiences with EF, one was very good at EF Seoul, and one was very bad at EF Malta, so thanks for sharing your experiences! I'm thinking about going there in 2022:)
Hey! Where are you in your project? :)
@@ponyolifestyle8118 what do you mean?:)
@@ElisabethM. Do you still plan to go there?
@@ponyolifestyle8118 yes but not in 2022. I hope that I can go there in 2023. because of covid
Going this month! Super nervous! Thank you for the video!!!
Thank you for your good explanation even thought you didn't get a lot of footage. I am planning on going next year probably for like a month as well or maybe 2 months but I think EF should get their eyes more on equal family hosts so these things don't occur because I think it's all still very expensive but then seeing that someone else's breakfast is a lot better everyday must kind of hurt knowing that you both pay the same 😅
"My stupid Gaijin face again omg" xDDDDD
Do you feel like your homestay was worth the experience? I want to go in 2022 and I'm unsure if I want to do a homestay experience or have my own place. And is it easy to request a new homestay if you're not fond of the one you're given?
Lastly, I read something about having to use "activity credits" do go on those activities you talked about that are held by EF, did you run in to that?
Also great video man, thanks for taking the time to put it together.
I’ll be honest with you, it’ll really depend on the family they assign to you. For me, homestay provided an immersive experience. So yes, it was worth it. Yes, during my stay it was easy to request a new homestay. Keep in mind the pandemic might have changed this (they might have less family hosts providing homestays). Should homestay not work for you, you can always opt for your own place while being there. You purchase “activity credits” to pay for activities, but I would always pay in-person at school so I never ran into that (they are useful if you want to save a place in advance). Glad I could help!
Hey! Thanks for making this video. I'm going to EF Tokyo for a month this summer, but I've already been studying Japanese for 2 years and I was wondering what it's like to go there as someone who is already relatively fluent at Japanese? Do you know if I'll get more time to just hang out and talk to people, or will I still have to take the same classes as everyone else? I am basically N1 level. I'm also studying for the 漢字検定試験 where I've passed 6級 so far (still working towards 2級), so basically I can read, write, and speak japanese pretty decently. I saw some videos of people learning basic stuff like 耳, 足, etc, but as someone who has roughly 15,000 or more words in their Japanese vocabulary I really don't see how this could be a good use of my time. I'm 16 years old so I can't just go to Japan and do whatever (still a minor), that's why I chose EF. But I was wondering if maybe I'd get more time to just chill and do fun stuff? Or what's going to happen? Do you know what the most advanced classes look like or if anyone else there at the school while you attended was already at a pretty high level of Japanese? (like N1 level) Thank you for taking the time to read my comment. :)
Hi Clyde, there's a placement test on your first day which will evaluate your Japanese level from which they'll assign you to a proper group. I didn't get to interact much with people in the advanced classes. Now as far as I know, unfortunately you wouldn't get more free time as presence is mandatory especially if you're a minor (unless you're sick or have a valid reason). You could always register for the less intensive schedule (forgot the name) which implies less hours of school per week. This would give you more free time.
Omg! Im going to EF Tokyo this summer too! 😮
yo thx for the video bro, the comments on your gaijin face where hilarious. Do you know anyone who stayed at the “EF residence”? If so, how does that work, is there one big residence with many students or are there multiple share houses with students or smth? I just wanna get an idea of people’s experience at the residence since most people report experiences from host families.
Hello, I was curious.. how long did you go for? Also, how good are you at japanese now? You said the classes were relaxed and the teachers were nice but im curious at how good they really are at teaching japanese. I dont want to pay all that money just for a trip if im not going to actually learn much.
I was there for a month. I am a bit rusty because I haven't practiced, but my short stay did have a significant improvement! Teachers are very professional and dedicated. In the end your progress will depend on how much effort you place on your studies.
Hey man I hope you're still answering questions. I hope you don't mind me asking but what did you do for money while you was there? Was you just surviving on savings or is there something you can do on campus or to do with EF to help earn some money?
Hey I was living on savings and did not work during my stay. We had classes from Monday to Friday so most of us were not working as we were focused on studying and visiting/travelling during our free time. If you're considering work, you will require a work visa where you need to get sponsored by a person or employer, or (depending on the country you live) you may be eligible for a working holiday visa program. (There weren't any jobs offerings on campus when I was there)
Hello, which program dis you choose the intensive course or another?
Hi there, I went with the intensive course.
I am interested in the 6 month program, did you receive credits to graduate from highschool? Do the credits transfer to the school you attend in your home country? I am from the U.S
As far as I know, credits do not transfer to your highschool in your home country (unless your school has some type of exchange program I'm not aware of).
do you know what they mean by twin room in the homestay? is it like 2 beds and you'll sleep with someone or ?
Good question to which I do not know the answer . My guess is a room with two single beds.
I read that 6 months would cost you 15.000€!
Why is it so expensive?
It can be pricey. Cots cover school expenses, activities, and stay with family host (breakfast and supper included). You could maybe opt for a shorter stay like a month for instance (some students even went for 2 weeks).
@@thenoobator249 I'm still not sure what i should do! I want to learn the language and the best way would be too stay there for an longer period. Work and travel would be an option, but it could be difficult too find an job there and still there are so many things i don't know. 🙃
Hey just wondering can you walk around the town on your own when you are there how much freedom is there
Yes you can, outside class hours you can go wherever you want to. There’s all the freedom you want. Japan is very safe!
Hey! I'm planning to travel with EF but I just know the basics of japanese. Are classes too hard to understand? Cause I've seen reviews where people say all classes are completely in japanese, so I'm afraid of not understanding a single thing or not being capable to communicate with others.
On your first day you'll have a short evaluation after which they will assign you to a proper level. In beginner's level teachers do use a bit more of English to communicate with you. Don't be afraid, they're well organized and make sure you learn at your proper pace.
Did you enjoy the program? I will prob be going in 2022. Also how long where you there?
Yes, I did enjoy the program! Good balance between studying and visiting. I was only there for a month.
The Noobator is the program worth it? Sorry I am just trying to get an idea
@@daikiraichi No worries, you're good :)
Yes, it was worth it for me. I got to improve my Japanese, I had a decent host family and got to visit most of Tokyo as well as Yokohama since that's where my host family resides. Being a student and living with a Japanese family gave me the immersive experience I was looking for. If you’re looking more into just traveling and sightseeing, then maybe you should opt for something different.
The Noobator no i was actually looking for that experience. So this seems like a really good program so choosing a host family is good idea?
@@daikiraichi If you’re not too shy and don’t mind some awkward moments here and then you’ll be fine. The pros of having a host family is that they provide you with breakfast and supper and you get to practice your Japanese. The con is that some families have curfews (you need to be home before a certain time). But all of this can be discussed through EF prior your departure. If for some reason you still don’t like your host family once you’re in Japan or you think that it’s too far from school you can always request them to assign you to a different family (the process is usually fast).
Do you need like a card or something to take the bus? can you pay cash? how much was it?
Hey, you can use prepaid cards that you can recharge anytime (and even use for shopping in some stores): Suica & Pasmo.
Yes cash is acceptable for bus.
It would depend on the distance travelled. I used a Suica card during my stay: www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html
@@thenoobator249 Thank you!
i'm going in spring 2023! if anyone else will be there pls hit me up!!:))
Best review so far really helped
Hey, I play with the idea 2022 for a month to go to Japan, but I wonder how it works with the age of majority in Japan, I come from Germany and am of age there, but in Japan you are only from 20, do I have any restrictions their?
If you’ll be staying with a host family they might be a bit stricter, but it’ll depend on the parents (some families might have a curfew whether you’re major or not). Other than that, the only thing I can think of would be alcoholic drinks but even then it shouldn’t be a problem. We went out to a couple of Izakayas with friends who were minors without a problem (make sure to have someone who looks old in your group just in case lol).
Hi! I’m going for 9 months in 2022 and is considering going with the general course. (Because it’s cheaper) Do you know if the students in the different courses will be separated? Were there a lot of students taking the general course, or were there more in the intensive?
Glad to hear that! You are not separated based on general versus intensive. The only difference is that you'll have less courses in your schedule (which will give you more free time to explore around). When I was enrolled most of us were in the general course.
@@thenoobator249 okay, thank you!
I'm going summer 22'!
That was such a great review, thank you!! :)
ooo awesome i see that ure responding to recent comments so I was wondering, was it difficult making friends?
You'll find all kind of personalities coming from around the world, so it shouldn't be difficult. If you're shy and introverted I'd suggest attending activities organized by the school.
Hii, thank you soo soo much for the videooo
Hi there, you're welcome!
This was very helpful thank u🙏🏾
I read somewhere that you have an option to stay with a local student which would allow you to improve your Japanese. Is that really an option? Also how much did it cost you for the 1 month? (EF Expenses only)
Did not hear about that during my time there, but maybe a new option?
Ef expenses only : 3500$ USD
@@thenoobator249 Thank you! Since I left that comment I've been seeing a lot of bad reviews from EF so I'm hesitating a bit now. Trying to see if there are better options out there, and if my local university might have an international study program. But seeing your good experience I'm reconsidering EF. Thank you for the reply and for sharing your experience
Hi! Don't know if you're still responding to comments but in case you are- do you know any experiences of students staying in a 2-bedroom? I'm planning to do so (since it's cheaper and with a Japanese family) but wonder if the space won't be very small and if I'll ever have privacy..
Hi Hannah, I didn't hear of a situation like that. If you ever feel uncomfortable for any reason you can always request a change of room/family host. Don't be shy to ask or express your discontent; they are very kind and understandable.
K
Can you go without knowing the language or do you have to know the basics?
You can go without knowing the language. They will place you in a beginner class.
did you went to real japanese school
Hi, not sure what you mean by real, but If I’m not mistaken EF Japan is not accredited and is rather private.
do you think doing this as a 17-years-old is a problem?
Met a few friends who were around that age. The only “problems” I can remember were curfews, but this will depend on your host family. Oh there’s also underage drinking/smoking, but other than that no problems.
@@thenoobator249 Got it. Thanks :)
what is the youngest age you can go at?
From their website it's 16+