Dear Parents,

First of all, thank you for considering Meiji Academy as the gateway for your child’s journey into mastering the Japanese language and experiencing a new culture. Our mission is to create a nurturing, safe, and inspiring environment where students not only learn Japanese but also build lifelong skills and global friendships for life. From the very beginning, we have recognized the vital role that you as a parent play in shaping our students’ experiences. Your guidance and support help us create a community that values open communication and personalized care. Thank you for considering Meiji Academy. We look forward to welcoming your family and helping your child grow into a confident, culturally fluent individual ready to embrace global opportunities.

STUDY WITH MEIJI’S GLOBAL COMMUNITY

Although the majority of our students come largely from Western countries, we have proudly welcomed many teenagers from Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, and many other parts of Southeast Asia. This multicultural mix enriches our classes and fosters a dynamic, inclusive atmosphere where every student can thrive.

Meiji Academy

Our Unique Services for Minors

See what awaits you when joining the Meiji Family and take advantage of the wide range of additional services we offer.

Meiji Academy
24/7 Emergency Support

Your child’s safety is our top priority. That is why your child will always be able to reach out to us or their host family in case of emergency, ensuring immediate assistance whenever needed.

Meiji Academy
Carefully Screened Host Families

We take great care in selecting host families and conducting thorough interviews and background checks to ensure a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for your child.

Meiji Academy
Secure & Safe Locations

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and all our campuses provide a secure, student-friendly environment—ideal for both study and leisure.

Meiji Academy
Airport Pickup Service

To ensure a smooth arrival, we offer a reliable airport pickup service that safely transports students from the airport to their accommodation.

Meiji Academy
Medical Assistance & Clinic Support

Navigating healthcare in a foreign country can be challenging. We can organize a chaperone to accommodate students to clinics and help them communicate with medical professionals.

Meiji Academy
Free Counseling & Student Care

Adjusting to life in a new country can be overwhelming. We offer free counseling services to support students emotionally, personally, and academically during their stay.

Meiji Academy
Personal Safety Alarms

For added security, we can arrange a personal alarm for a small fee, providing an extra layer of protection by alerting those nearby in an emergency.

Meiji Academy
SIM Card Rental Assistance

All minors must have a Japanese SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi to stay connected and navigate daily life safely in Japan. For convenience, you can also book one through us.

What Your Kids Can Expect

At Meiji Academy, all Japanese teachers are native speakers and fully certified by the Japan Ministry of Education. Our curriculum is unique and focuses primarily on Communicative Japanese and not Academic Japanese, which will enable students who are native to European languages to quickly master the language. We understand that learning a language is much more than memorizing vocabulary and grammar; it’s about connecting with a culture and gaining confidence to succeed globally. Our actively engaging approach with applied speaking practices and conversational role-plays will ensure personal development and evolve an intercultural understanding in a supportive, secure setting.

I. THE NEXT STEPS

  1. Start by completing the Study Estimate and submitting the Parental/ Guardian Consent Form.
  2. Your child has to take the Japanese-level test now (even for late starting dates).
  3. Once done, we will schedule a video call to check speaking skills.
  4. A final estimate will be sent to confirm the dates and study program.*

*Study spots & accommodation are only confirmed once the full payment has been settled.

II. BEFORE COMING TO JAPAN

  1. If you haven’t booked it with us, organize the travel insurance sooner rather than later.
  2. If your child needs to bring medicine, check with the Japan Ministry of Health first.
  3. For Airport Pickup, provide at least 1 month prior to arrival with flight details.*
  4. For students below 15 years, contact your airline for “Unaccompanied Minor Services”.

*If you fail to inform us in time, an admin fee will be imposed to cover last-minute booking organizations.

III. WHILE IN JAPAN

  1. Students below 20 cannot drink or smoke. If caught they will be expelled from school and most likely deported from Japan.
  2. Students below 18 cannot do overnight stays outside their designated accommodation without a parent or guardian accompanying them.
  3. Curfews for all students under 18 are 10 PM. For specific rules set by host families or an accommodation, these take precedence and must be followed.
  4. For student safety, school policies mandate parental consent and student compliance as outlined in the Parental/Guardian Consent Form.

IV. LAST BUT NOT LEAST - ENJOY JAPAN!

Japan is world-renowned for its safety, cleanliness, and super-friendly people. As we are a small school, all teachers and students know each other, so minors are well supervised during their time in school, and can feel that they are in a safe and welcoming environment. You can e-meet some of our friendly staff here.

Services for Minors FAQs

How do you ensure that my child follows safety rules such as curfews or staying in approved accommodations?

All minors must sign a Student Code of Conduct alongside the Parental Consent Form, which outlines our rules. Host families and school staff monitor student behavior, and repeated violations may lead to warnings or dismissal. In case of emergencies or rule-breaking, parents are immediately informed, and we work together to find a solution.

What happens if my child gets sick or needs to see a doctor?

Medical assistance and clinic support will be offered by either their host family or our staff. We help bridge the language gap and ensure your child receives appropriate care. Parents will be notified immediately in case of any medical concerns.

What if my child loses their phone, passport, or money?

In the event of lost items, our staff are trained to support students in contacting embassies, police, or mobile providers. We strongly advise minors to carry a copy of their passport and emergency contact card at all times, and keep valuables in a secure location.

Who supervises my child outside of class hours, especially during weekends and holidays?

While our host families provide a safe and structured environment, students are largely expected to manage their free time independently. However, we maintain regular check-ins and encourage students to join optional cultural activities or excursions offered by the school. For students requiring additional supervision, we can recommend enhanced support options, yet these will be charged additionally. Just let us know your preferences during the application process.

What happens if my child feels homesick or emotionally overwhelmed?

We understand that this may be your child’s first extended stay abroad. Meiji Academy offers free on-site counseling and emotional support. Our trained staff are always available for one-on-one conversations and check-ins. We also foster a strong community atmosphere so that students can build friendships quickly and feel supported.

How is bullying or social isolation handled?

We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. Teachers and staff monitor student interactions and actively foster an inclusive environment. Any concerns from students or parents will be addressed immediately and confidentially, with support offered through counseling or mediation.

How can I communicate with my child or with Meiji Academy if needed?

All minor students are required to have a Japanese SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi to ensure constant connectivity. Parents will also receive emergency contact numbers, including for host families or the school’s emergency support line.

What kind of food will my child be eating, and how are dietary restrictions handled?

We make every effort to match your child with a host family who can accommodate dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, halal, allergies, etc.). Please inform us clearly during the application process. If needed, we can also assist your child in finding suitable grocery stores or restaurants nearby, and provide Japanese-language cards for communicating dietary restrictions.

Can my child leave the school for day trips or sightseeing on their own?

Yes, it is possible, but we do not encourage them as it will slow down the study progress of your child. Further, students under 18 must return to their accommodation by the curfew time (10 PM), and overnight trips without guardians are strictly forbidden. We recommend that minors inform their host family or the school staff about any day trips, and use common sense when traveling, especially in unfamiliar areas.

What level of independence is expected of my child?

While we provide strong safety nets and guidance, your child should be comfortable with basic daily tasks such as managing money, doing laundry, and navigating the city. We’ll help along the way, but building independence is an essential part of the learning experience.

Can we extend or shorten the program after it starts?

Extensions are sometimes possible depending on availability. Shortening or changing a program less than one month before arrival, will result in an alteration fee of ¥2,000 and may not qualify for a refund due to housing and tuition commitments. We strongly advise you to properly review our Terms & Conditions and speak to our admissions team early if any changes may occur.

What academic or progress reports will I receive as a parent?

Although minors are expected to take charge of their learning, monthly language progress updates can be provided upon request. These include brief notes from instructors about attendance, participation, and speaking ability.