Notifications
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IBA (Kokusai Bridge Gakuin) will be opened !
This is a Japanese language school authorized by the announcement by the Ministry of Justice, Government of Japan.
Introduction
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Contact Us
Map
Contact Information
Name (ja) 国際ブリッジ学院 (Kokusai Bridge Gakuin) Name (en) International Bridge Academy Address 1-2273-7 Kotobukicho, Kawagoe, Saitama, 350-1116 JAPAN TEL +81-49-293-6183 FAX +81-49-293-6182 Mail info@ibacademy.com -
Principal
Carrer
・Bachelor of Science
・Teaching in high schools and a college for more than 40 years
・High School Principal
・College vice-Principal
・Lecturer, Josai UniversityBelief
"To support young people having strong will to strive"
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Distinguishing Feature
This school fits students who advance to institutes of higher learning.
Admission to our school is for people who want seriously to receive higher education in a Japanese university or a graduate school. We support students that learn actively on their own initiative, and hope them to be “BRIDGE” between Japan and the world.
※People who aim to work at a part-time job will not be admitted to our school.
Many Learning Experiences
- Social gatherings with businessmen
- Exchange meetings with Japanese students or senior foreign students
- Taking part in regional events and activities
- Japanese culture experience lessons (tea ceremony, Kimono, etc.)
- Annual events in Japan (cherry-blossom viewing, Tanabata festival, etc.)
- Emergency training
- Field trips
- Social studies trips (visiting historic spots, factory tours, etc.)
Campus facilities
- A/C
- Library
- Open space
- Activity rooms (2 Japanese style rooms)
- Hall
- Healthcare room
- Restrooms （Western-style）
- Bicycle parking
Surrounding
- IBA is located in Kawagoe, which is known locally as "Little Edo" (Koedo, Co-Edo) after the old name for Tokyo. Kawagoe has Japanese traditional townscapes and temples together with modern conveniences.
- There are many supermarkets, so that you do not have difficulty in life.
- IBA is in a quiet residential area. Students can focus on their studies away from all dangers and temptations.
- It is convenient for transportation and it is possible to go to the center are of Tokyo in about 30 minutes.
Smoking Ban
Smoking is prohibited in and around IBA. Students are never allowed to be late for class or to cause problems with neighbors because of smoking.
In Japan, the whole country is heading for smoking cessation. A lot of companies don't adopt smokers, and many places in town are prohibited from smoking. Kawagoe station area is also prohibited from smoking on roads. Those who want to succeed in Japan had better graduate smoking before coming to Japan.
Courses
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2-Year Preparatory Course
For enrollment in a university or higher education institution !
Students can learn from the basics of Japanese, and will come to be able to dabate with Japanese people and understand university lectures.
◆Application Period : 1st October 2018 - 15th November 2018
◆Enrollment Period : April 2019 (Entering) - March 2021 (Graduating)
◆Learning Time : more than 1,600 hours (20hrs/week, 24months)
Fees
JPY (tax
included)Payment Date Screening Fee 10,000yen When applying for IBA Admission Fee 50,000yen When Letter of Admission is issued by IBA Tuition Fee
(1 year)600,000yen When Certificate of Eligibility is issued by Immigration Bureau Others(※) 180,000yen Tuition Fee
(1 year)600,000yen By 1st March 2020 ※Others(180,000yen) ＝ facilities(20,000yen)、equipments(20,000yen)、teaching materials(40,000yen)、extracurricular activities(80,000yen)、insurance(12,000yen)、health management(8,000yen)
※For textbooks and printing fees, no need to pay extra fees. There are included in "Other" charges to be paid before Enrollment.
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1.5-Year Preparatory Course
Let's learn from the basics of Japanese and enter further education !
Students will acquire the Japanese language skills for entrance examinations.
◆Application Period : 1st March 2019 - 15th May 2019
◆Enrollment Period : October 2019 (Entering) - March 2021 (Graduating)
◆Learning Time : more than 1,200 hours (20hrs/week, 18months)
Fees
JPY (tax
included)Payment Date Screening Fee 10,000yen When applying for IBA Admission Fee 50,000yen When Letter of Admission is issued by IBA Tuition Fee
(1 year)600,000yen When Certificate of Eligibility is issued by Immigration Bureau Others(※) 135,000yen Tuition Fee
(half year)300,000yen By 1st Sep. 2020 ※Others(135,000yen) = facilities(15,000yen)、equipments(15,000yen)、teaching materials(30,000yen)、extracurricular activities(60,000yen)、insurance(9,000yen)、health management(6,000yen)
※For textbooks and printing fees, no need to pay extra fees. There are included in "Other" charges to be paid before Enrollment.
Entrance Procedures
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Qualifications
※Those who wish to enter a Japanese university or a graduate school
- Completion of 12 years of formal education
（Having enough academic ability to enter a university in the applicant's native country） - Aged 18 or over
- Having Japanese skill equal to or higher than N5 of the JLPT
- Not having health problems
- Having ability to pay all the expenses during the applicant's stay in Japan
- Completion of 12 years of formal education
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Procedures
Before issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility
- Submission of the required documents (below)
- The transfer of screening fee (10,000yen) to the bank specified.
- School Screening (by a writting test, interviews, and the application documents submitted.)
- Issuance of Letter of Admission by IBA
- The transfer of admission fee (50,000yen) to IBA
- Submission of the documents to the Immigration Bureau of Japan from IBA
- Immigration Screening
After issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility
- IBA will notify the applicant of the result.
- The transfer of tuition fee and others’ fee to IBA
- IBA will send the "Certificate of Eligibility" to the applicant after the payment.
- Application for a student visa at the local Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's native country
- Bring the Letter of Admission form and Passport to IBA after arrival in Japan immediately.
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Application Documents
Documents to be prepared by Applicant
- Application (form provided by IBA)
…If there is a blank period in academic record, submit a certificate. - Personal history [Curriculum Vitae] (form provided by IBA)
- Certificate of graduation from the last school (original, copy not accepted)
- School record for all semesters at the last school graduated [Academic Record] (original)
- Certificate of Japanese language learning (original)
…Issued from the institution that the applicant studied Japanese. It must be written about the course name, the level of the course, period, study contents, attendance rate and textbooks. - Certificate of Japanese language proficiency (more than JLPT:N5, J-TEST:F, NATtest:5)(original)
- 7 Photographs (4×3㎝, taken within the last 3 months. Name written on back.)
- Copy of your passport and ID card
- Copy of applicant's family register (birth certificate)
- Student enrolment certificate and Academic transcript
…If applicant is currently a student - Occupational certificate, Business license, etc.
…If applicant is currently anemployee
Documents certifying financial ability of the student
- Certificate of payment (original)
…Be sure to sign. - Proof of the payer's own balance (original) and Copy of passbook
- Occupational certificate (original)
…written about the work content, position, the start date of employment and employmnent period etc. In the case of self-employed person, submit a business license. - Revenue certificate (original)
…created at work place - Tax payment certificate (original)
…Over the past 3 years. Issued from the local government or payer's company. - ID Card (copy)
- Copy of payer's family register (birth certificate), Notarial Certificate, etc.
…Need to be the original document authorized with official seal/signature.
Remarks
※Additional documents may be required for the applicants.
※Documents have to be attached with Japanese translations.
※If April students offer to withdraw the application to enter IBA by 31th March (October students: 30th September), we will refund the payment other than enrollment fee. Please also submit a request of certificate-original-return.
- Application (form provided by IBA)
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The Bank Account
We will tell you after we received the application form.
※The bank transfer fee needs to be borne by applicant.
Schedule
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Class Timetable
Time Schedule
In the morning or afternoon, students of the same level learn in the same classroom.a.m. Class p.m. Class 1st Lesson 09:00-09:45 13:30-14:15 2nd Lesson 09:55-10:40 14:25-15:10 3rd Lesson 10:50-11:35 15:20-16:05 4th Lesson 11:45-12:30 16:15-17:00 Intermediate Class (example)
Lessons depend on the class and the period.Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1st Lesson Reading Reading Speach Reading Vocabulary 2nd Lesson Exam Writing Writing Grammar 3rd Lesson Vocabulary Listening Vocabulary Listening Japanese
Culture4th Lesson Grammar Conversation Grammar Conversation -
Classes
Beginner Class
400 hours (20hrs/week, 6 months)
Students will acquire the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) for daily life, and will come to be able to travel alone in Japan, wherever they want.
【Main Textbooks】Dekiru Nihongo (Beginner)
IntermediateⅠ
400 hours (20hrs/week, 6 months)
The JLPT preparation will begin. Students will be able to watch TV and movies in Japanese.
【Main Textbooks】Dekiru Nihongo (Intermediate)
Intermediate Ⅱ
400 hours (20hrs/week, 6 months)
Students also have social studies trips and presentation activities, and will acquire Japanese language skills for entering a university or a graduate school.
【Main Textbooks】Chūkyū wo ManabōⅡ, etc.
Advanced Class
400 hours (20hrs/week, 6 months)
Students will come to be able to understand university lectures enough, and will have deep understanding about Japanese society and cultures.
【Main Textbooks】Chūkyū kara Jōkyū eno Nihongo, etc.
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School Year Schedule
Activities and Events
Season School Activities College Preparatory Education Spring Cherry-blossom, Field Trip, Health Checking Seminars for Undergraduates and Postgraduates Summer Tanabata Festival, Fireworks, Emergency Training Interview and Essay Test Measures Autumn Autumn Leaves, Year End Party, Health Checking Reseach Project Presentation Winter Bean-Throwing Festival, Speach Contest, The Disaster Drill Information Session about College, National University Test Measures It changes somewhat by year. We are planning some social studies trips (e.g. visiting historic spots, factory tours) and Japanese culture experience lessons (tea ceremony, Kimono, etc.).
Holidays
Season Period Summer Holiday 1 Aug. - 12 Aug. 2019 Winter Holiday 21 Sep. - 6 Oct. 2019 Winter Holiday 21 Dec. - 5 Jan. 2020 Spring Holiday 20 Mar. - 6 Apr. 2020
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Residence
Ｑ.How much is a room for rent?
For a room(20～30㎡) which includes a bath, toilet, and a kitchen, the rent will be 80,000 - 90,000 yen in Kawagoe. In many cases, "shikikin", "reikin" and fire insurance fee must be paid at the time when one signs the contract, so it is wise to prepare 4-months (or more) rent in advance.
Ｑ.What do "shikikin" and "reikin" mean?
Shikikin is a security deposit. and will be used to cover any expenses needed for repair. The balance of shikikin will be refunded when the contract is over. Reikin is a gratuity fee, not refundable.
Ｑ.When I rent a room, do I need a guarantor?
Yes, you do. If you do not have a relative in Japan, please use a guarantee company. In addition, there are rooms where foreigners can not borrow, so please confirm when looking for a room.
Ｑ.Does IBA have student dormitories?
It is currently in preparation. Please apply form for dormitory before entering the school. We encourage student who study in IBA gather to live together in dormitory. In order to help each other in studying as well as daily life.
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Living Expenses
Ｑ.How much is the student's monthly living expenses?
It is said that Japanese students spend 120,000 yen a month on average, although they usually cook their own food for saving money. (Food: 25,000 yen, Room: 55,000 yen, Cost of utilities: 10,000 yen, Communication expense: 10,000 yen, Leisure cost: 10,000 yen, Livingware and incidental expenses 10,000 yen)
Ｑ.How much is hourly wage for part-time jobs?
It is around 1,000 yen. International students are limited in working hours by Japanese law to be within 28 hours per week, so it is difficult for international students to live with part-time job alone. If you violate the law, you will be forcibly repatriated. Unlike in the past, now the Japanese government can find out the working hours of foreign students. DO NOT believe bad acquaintances' advice. Please come to Japan with sufficient savings.
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About Higher Education
Ｑ.Advancement guidance
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is very important. In class, we have mock-tests for helping student practice for future exams. In addition, we provide to student helpful information about colleges, universities. We also hold briefing sessions for admission to the university, guidance on writing application forms, researching plans, writing essay, and giving interview instruction. Moreover, we organize personal interviews every 3 months and advise each student's problem.
Ｑ.Please introduce me a good school which its tuition is cheap and easy to enroll.
A school that is cheap and easy to enroll is a school with a few classes and poor content. It is a waste of time and money. You may return home without having any knowledge.
There are about 800 universities in Japan and there are many good universities other than in Tokyo. Instead of looking for a university with cheap tuition and fees, please find a university where you can learn what you really want to learn and good for your future.
Ｑ.What is required for applying a top-rank University?
It is necessary to have JLPT N1 and pass 350 points in The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU). In addition, you also need to remember at least 2,000 Kanji, please try to think and speak in Japanese all the time even in your head. Many famous universities have examinations other than Japanese such as English, general subjects, mathematics etc. Please check the examination subject on the homepage of each university.
Ｑ.Can I go to any graduate school which I want regardless of major?
No, you can’t. Japanese Graduate School is a place where most of the time student must study and research by theirs own. So, if you are not conscious of what you want to study, probably you are dropped in the interview exam. Moreover, you can not study in a different field from the specialty that you studied in the university.
Ｑ.How much is the university or graduate school fee?
If it is a public school, it is about 820,000 yen (tuition fee 1 year + enrollment fee). Private school is between 1.2 to 1.5 million yen. Since you need to submit a bank statement of credit before taking the entrance exam, please come to Japan with sufficient financial.
About JLPT
What is JLPT?
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a test for non-native speakers of Japanese sponsored by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services. The test consists of five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5, with N1 being the highest level. N3: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree. N2: The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree. N1: The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.
Do I need to pass JLPT if I want to go to graduate school?
Graduate school requires N1, university requires N2 or more. However, in the university, since you have class with Japanese students, N2 level students will have difficulty after entering university. There are universities which support tuition fees for students who have JLPT N1. To emphasize, in Japan, N1 is mandatory if you want to have a good job in the future. Let's pass N1.
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About EJU
What is EJU?
The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) is a test sponsored by Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). This test is used to evaluate whether international students who wish to study at the undergraduate level at universities or other such higher educational institutions in Japan possess the Japanese language skills and the basic academic abilities (Japan and the World; Mathematics; Science) needed to study at those institutions. Basically, students who wish to study at universities must take this test.
If I want to enter a graduate school, do I have to pass this?
Although it is not necessary for many graduate schools, only a few schools (e.g. Saitama University) require this test. Please decide which school you want to apply as soon as possible and look up their admission requirements.
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About National Health Insurance
Do I have to join?
A: Yes. The National Health Insurance coverage is a right and an obligation for international students. When you go to the hospital, you need to pay the amount is 30% total hospital bills. Insurance fees vary depending on income and region. For international students, there are about 1,200 to 1,400 yen per month.
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About Nenkin (年金; Japan Pension)
Do I have to join?
A: For those over the age of 20 are obliged to join even international students. It is about 16,340 yen per month (in 2018). When you get older if you pay more than 10 years, you will get a monthly pension from Japan. In addition, even if you suffer from an accident or die, you will be paid monthly for the person and bereaved family.
What can I do if I can not pay?
There is a system which students can apply for extension of national pension premiums, which is called "Special Payment System for Students"(学生納付特例; Gakusei Noufu Tokurei). You need to go to Kawagoe City Hall to apply for it.
I am going to return to my country within 10 years…
You may claim Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments when you go back to your home country. When you apply for the Payments, all your coverage periods in the past shall be used as the base to calculate your Payments amount. Once the Payments are entitled to you, these periods will no longer be valid periods in the future. On the other hand, you can also pay the pension while living overseas. For more details, see the website of Japan Pension Service.
日本年金機構(Japan Pension Service): http://www.nenkin.go.jp/international
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About Earthquakes
School is safe?
International Bridge Academy is located in an earthquake-resistant land and Kawagoe City has about 80 evacuation zones. In addition, our school conducts disaster drills and evacuation drills for all students and learns how to protect themselves.
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