What to Expect in a Japanese Language School Interview

Language school interviews for institutions like ISI Language School in Shinjuku are designed to assess motivation and basic conversational ability, not fluency — most successful applicants enter with beginner-level Japanese.

What's actually assessed

Expect basic self-introduction, simple questions about your reasons for studying in Japan, and questions confirming you understand the commitment involved (attendance requirements, part-time work limits, cost of living). Confidence and preparation matter more than perfect grammar.

How we prepare students

Our Japanese instructor runs mock interviews using the same question patterns partner schools typically use, built around the Minna no Nihongo curriculum most students are already studying from at the point of application.

A note on the October intake

For October intakes specifically, applications typically need to be finalized 4-5 months in advance to allow time for Certificate of Eligibility processing — we recommend starting the process early rather than close to the deadline.