The curriculum of the Language & Culture program provides small class sizes (maximum of 6 students per teacher) for levels from absolute beginner to intermediate. This covers a range from hiragana, katakana through to approximately Level 3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (about 300 kanji, around 1500-1800 words, the equivalent of about 2 years of university level studies).

Please note that if you are at or above Level 3, you may still enrol in the program, however the grammar & vocabulary taught in the language class component of the program would be primarily revision.

All students entering the program are graded via a placement test and placement interview on July 2nd. This placement test consists of a written test and a one-on-one interview. This ensures that faculty can place you in a class with students who have attained a similar score in the placement test and are of similar ability.

Depending on the number of students in the class above or below your initial placement and the difference in the proficiency level, it is usually possible to change classes after consultation and re-assessment with your academic advisor.

One of the most difficult problems facing faculty members is to work out the level of proficiency of each student as early as possible (so as to increase planning time). Yamasa's multimedia studio has developed a series of online placement tests. These tests are not the actual placement tests but act as an indicative survey. They are designed to help you by allowing you to know where you would be in Yamasa's curriculum. You will be requested to complete an online test AFTER you have submitted your application form. However if you are worried about your level and would like to do an online test prior to submitting the application form, please contact the at Admissions Office. We will then also be in a better position to advise you and assist with program selection.