Singapore Expats

has any one been to bunka language school or Ikoma language school before? I am interested in taking up Japanese course, but no ideal which or where is better.

I'm searching for a good Japanese language school as well. Ikoma has the best reviews and is the most expensive. I visited there for the placement test and it seemed very professional.

Are you a beginner or are you more advanced? From what I've read, Bunka teaches very differently from other schools due to their emphasis on grammar and later emphasis on vocabulary. This makes it difficult to switch schools if you take their beginner courses.

I'm advanced and I'm looking for a full-time course. It seems Ikoma is the only language school that offers that. I might join in a couple weeks when they have an opening.

I've also found a Japanese language group in Singapore on meetup.com. A few people who get together to practice Japanese speaking and prepare together for the JLPT. I'm joining one of their meetups to see what they are like.

Good luck studying! Ganbatte!

I am a beginner at Japanese language, Ikoma seems professional and I did heard some of my ex colleagues went to that school for some other language course and it was said to be good.

Never really heard of the other one thou, well I might also look into studying in Japan, as I would like to work n study there. Wonder if there is any funding I could get help from cos is expensive to live there.

I just came from Tokyo. Yes, it is very very very expensive. I'm thrilled that even though IKOMA is the most expensive school in Singapore, it is a quarter of the price you'd pay at Tokyo language schools, even the cheaper ones. Living cost in Singapore is also comparatively cheaper. I don't know of any funding besides a government study grant that isn't easy to get.

If you want to find work in Japan, good luck! Most of my friends have lost their jobs because of Japan's terrible economy and I know several that have moved to Singapore for work. It isn't impossible to find work, but it is very difficult right now and very competitive.

I'd stick to Singapore if I were you, study at IKOMA for a couple months as I probably will, and wait for Japan's economy to get better before contemplating a move there.

I 'll have to look for company sponsor and my boyfriend is also starting to send out resume to some companies in Tokyo in game industry.
Well is gonna take up some time, nothing is easy thou. I might check out Ikoma for their beginner class. Tks for the info thou

The game industry? Sounds like fun! Best of luck to you both!

Hi,

There are quite a few good Japanese language schools in Singapore. Some may be rather conservative, follow text book type.

There are others like Beyond Language School that places huge emphasis on enjoying learning, using the latest social media tools available like Youtube, Facebook, engage in Anime, Drama and activities like cooking, Japan culture days to make the learning experience enriching and leave behind good memories. Definitely a good place to mingle around.

They even have courses for kids as young as 3 years old.

Between Ikoma and Bunka, I would definitely say Bunka. I have JLPT 2 but my grammar still suck because I didn't attend Bunka when I first started out.

Bunka gives u a very very good foundation for grammar, which is essential if u plan to at least master the language up to intermediate level.

However, if you only need to know the language at rudimentary level, doesn't matter where u learn it from.