Please also note that while all Japanese language institutes require APJLE accreditation - there is still
a recognizable quality difference between many of the APJLE accredited institutes. The accreditation system only installs a minimum standard.
In October
1996 a second layer of higher quality APJLE accredited institutions entitled 'Appropriately Authorized Japanese Language
Education Institutes' was established. The difference between these schools and the average schools is that
the systems and records of the 'Appropriately Authorized' schools reflect very high levels of quality.
The Yamasa Institute in Okazaki City was selected as an 'Appropriately Authorized Japanese
Language Education Institute' in the very first group. We are proud of the quality we provide
and maintain, and of the fact that it is well recognized. We are currently assessed and authorized as
the "only institution in the Mikawa region with the appropriate programs, systems, curriculum and
facilities required for quality Japanese language education."
A key advantage of this is the fact that the Immigration Bureau also makes a distinction
between the high quality institutions and the others. The bureau has
given the following privileges to the higher level Institutes since April 1997.
1. Faster inspection of application (allowing a later application deadline),
2. Reduced documentation involved in the application, and
3. Longer period of stay for student visa (12 months instead of 6 months)
The benefits to students of a longer period of stay and a reduction in the amount of
bureaucracy and time involved in applying are considerable. Compared to Yamasa, many institutions will require you to
complete your applications up to 4 months in advance. This is because the applications will be
subjectable to considerable scrutiny before a visa is approved. The differentiation also allows
students a further method of selecting higher quality schools. Only schools
that can offer a renewable "Shugakusei" visa with a 12-month period of stay are 'Appropriately
Authorized'.
NAFSA - Assoc. of International Educators
The US organization NAFSA is based in Washington DC and
promotes the exchange of students and scholars to and from the United States.
Please note that Membership of NAFSA does not imply approval or endorsement of our Institute or other members.
The reason we joined this association in the USA is because it is the leading organization
involved in setting and upholding standards of good practice, and provides professional education and training that
strengthen institutional programs and services related to international educational exchange. It has been particularly useful in establishing a framework for academic credit transfers. NAFSA also plays a key
role in policy formation regarding international education programs for most American universities and colleges.
Our membership of NAFSA does not result in audits, but does provide us with a forum
for discussion of issues and a network for sharing information with other high quality educational institutions.
The NAFSA website is at www.nafsa.org
For more information about Yamasa please click on the link buttons on the left hand side of this page.
Ní thuigim thú 
