If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in Japan, immersing yourself in the culture, mastering the language, or preparing for a long-term stay, you’ve likely come across Go! Go! Nihon. Founded in 2009, Go! Go! Nihon has helped thousands of students from around the world navigate the complexities of moving to Japan to study at a language school. But how does it really work? Is it worth it? Let’s take a deeper look in this Go! Go! Nihon review.
Table of Contents
What Is Go! Go! Nihon?
Go! Go! Nihon is a unique platform that connects international students with accredited Japanese language schools across Japan. More than just a directory, Go! Go! Nihon offers full support in English and other major languages to guide students through the entire process—from school selection to visa application, accommodation, and life in Japan.
Their services are free for students, as they are funded by partner language schools. This makes them an attractive option for those who want to avoid the confusion and paperwork that often come with studying abroad.
Services Offered
Here are some of the key services Go! Go! Nihon provides:
- Language School Placement: They partner with top Japanese language schools in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other cities. You can choose based on location, curriculum, and available facilities.
- Visa Application Support: The student visa application process in Japan can be daunting. Go! Go! Nihon walks you through it step by step and communicates directly with the schools and immigration office when needed.
- Accommodation Assistance: Whether you prefer a share house, dormitory, or private apartment, Go! Go! Nihon can help you secure housing before you even arrive in Japan.
- Cultural Preparation: Their website and YouTube channel are full of useful content on Japanese culture, etiquette, and daily life tips.
- Short-Term Study & Experience Programs: If you’re not ready for a long-term move, they also offer short-term study programs combined with cultural experiences like anime, food, and traditional arts.
Pros of Go! Go! Nihon
1. Free and Reliable Service
Since they don’t charge students, Go! Go! Nihon is one of the few truly accessible services for foreign students. Their revenue model is based on partnerships with schools, which means you can benefit from their help without hidden fees.
2. Multilingual Support
Their support is available in multiple languages such as English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, and more. This is a huge relief for those who aren’t confident navigating immigration procedures or complex applications in Japanese.
3. Transparency and Information
Their website provides clear, detailed comparisons of language schools, including prices, courses, and reviews. Their team is also responsive via email, making it easier to get answers quickly.
4. Community and Resources
Go! Go! Nihon has built a strong online community and offers blogs, videos, and real stories from past students. These insights make it easier to prepare both mentally and practically for life in Japan.
5. Real-Life Events
They sometimes organize welcome events, meetups, and even career fairs to help students integrate and network while living in Japan.
Cons of Go! Go! Nihon
1. Limited School Options
Although Go! Go! Nihon works with many reputable schools, their list is curated. If you have a specific language school in mind that is not a partner, you’ll need to apply directly.
2. Service Focused on Language Schools
If you’re looking to enroll in a Japanese university or graduate school (instead of a language school), Go! Go! Nihon might not be the best fit. They mainly focus on language learning programs.
3. Accommodation Choices Can Vary
While they help with housing, availability and quality depend on the city and time of year. You may still need to explore some options independently if you’re picky about location or price.
Student Testimonials
Many past users have praised Go! Go! Nihon for simplifying what would otherwise be a complex, confusing process. One common piece of feedback is how responsive and friendly the staff is. Several students noted that the process of getting a visa, which they were initially anxious about, was made smooth and stress-free thanks to Go! Go! Nihon’s guidance.
Final Verdict: Is Go! Go! Nihon Worth It?
Absolutely—especially for first-time travelers to Japan or those unfamiliar with Japanese bureaucracy. Go! Go! Nihon offers an impressive level of support, a user-friendly platform, and helpful cultural resources. Since the service is free for students, there’s little downside in using them as your guide.
That said, make sure to do your own research on the schools you’re applying to, and ask plenty of questions. The more prepared you are, the more value you’ll get from what Go! Go! Nihon offers.
Have you used Go! Go! Nihon or are you planning to? Share your experiences in the comments!
Would you like this post in Japanese as well? I can translate it or help you localize it for a Japanese-speaking audience.