Q What are the approximate monthly expenses for living in Sapporo?
A Room and board for a studio apartment costs 60,000 to 65,000 yen per month (male and female dormitories). This includes breakfast and supper. The room is equipped with toilet and bath. The rent for an apartment close to school ranges from 25,000 to 35,000 yen. When you add expenses for food and utilities, monthly expenses could total 60,000 to 85,000 yen. Some students work part time. As long as the work conforms to the school rules, part-time employment is possible.

Q Is it required to have a guarantor in Japan for admission?
A To obtain of a visa, it is required to have a surety/guarantor. Provided that one fulfills certain conditions, the president can serve as this guarantor after an examination of qualifications.

Q I am not sure I can adapt to life in Japan. I don't know anyone there.
A Japanese traditions and lifestyle are explained in detail upon admission and at certain intervals. Approximately 100 Japanese students who are studying to become instructors of the Japanese language are enrolled at our school. This provides plenty of opportunities to meet and make friends with these native speakers. You can also make friends with other students from over 24 countries. There are numerous volunteer groups promoting international friendship in Sapporo. These organize activities where you can have firsthand experience of Japanese culture.

Q What are the advantages of studying in Sapporo?
A Because the day-to-day living expenses are lower in Sapporo than in Tokyo, one can enjoy a more pleasant lifestyle at a lower cost. As the fifth largest city in Japan, Sapporo enjoys a high standard of culture, and the spoken Japanese is very close to standard Japanese. You will find that Sapporoans are generally kind. Summers are cooler then elsewhere in Japan, and winters are not so severe. Various winter sports can be enjoyed right here in the city. Not far away from the urban area are places of great natural beauty and opportunities for leisure activities. This is another advantage of Sapporo.

Q What if I get sick or have a traffic accident?
A There is an infirmary in our school to help you with day-to-day health problems. In case of sickness or accident, we recommend that students enroll in the National Health Insurance and Travel Accident Insurance programs. A person insured under the national health plan pays 30% of the treatment cost.

Q How about transfer to Japanese schools and employment after graduation?
A The graduates of our school have gone on to the following institutions: Hokkaido Univ., Tsukuba Univ., Tokyo Art Univ., Kyushu Univ., Yokohama National Univ., Osaka City Univ., Sapporo Medical College, Hokkaido Teachers Univ., Sapporo Univ., and a variety of vocational schools. In the area of occupation, there are many graduates who are using Japanese in various fields.

Q How cold does it get during the winter in Sapporo?
A Our winters last from December through March. The coldest month is February, when the average temperature is minus 4 degree centigrade, which is relatively mild for a city in the Northern regions. Even after a heavy snowfall, intensive snow removal keeps streets clear of snow, and the road-heating system at critical points keeps the traffic moving smoothly. It is warm and comfortable indoors. If you decide to live here, you should take advantage of our winters and snow.

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