First Part in a series blog entries on why I love Fukuoka (福岡).

I often get asked why I chose Fukuoka and not Tokyo or Kyoto for my long term stay in Japan. Over the next couple of month I’ll write some blog entries about the city and why I really, really like it here.

One of the reason I chose Fukuoka is Genki JACS. The school is pretty small and classes are usually 6 people or less. All teachers are very professional, which does not mean that classes aren’t fun. I especially like that you have almost every day a different teacher. That way you get exposed to different pronunciations and teaching styles. But it’s not just the teachers it’s also the staff that help you out with all sort of problems and questions (be it VISA trouble, finding an apartment or just some tips for the next weekend trip)

Genki is more than just a japanese language school. There are cultural events, school trips and every friday there is a party together with japanese people (students from Fukuoka university or an english language school). Furthermore Genki introduced me to some very nice language exchange partners (LEP). Having japanese friends & LEPs helps a lot in learning the language. I only regret that I didn’t joined the LEP program earlier.

Only one advice if you plan to come here: Don’t come in summer. At that time there are just way to many students at the school.