Explore the 10 criteria to choose a reputable Japanese study abroad center and avoid wasting your money

The current market is flooded with numerous Japanese study abroad consultation centers offering varying service quality and prices, making it challenging for many young people to determine which company is trustworthy. This article by HeyJapan provides you with 10 crucial criteria to evaluate a reputable Japanese study abroad center, helping you make a wise decision and avoid wasting money.

10 Criteria for Evaluating a Reputable Japanese Study Abroad Center

Licensed by the Ministry of Education of Vietnam

The most crucial factor in assessing a reputable Japanese study abroad center is having an operating license from the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam. Holding a legitimate license proves that the company meets all competency and credibility requirements, allowing it to operate in the field of study abroad consultation.

When choosing a Japanese study abroad center, you should ask to see their operating license. This license must be valid and issued by the Ministry of Education and Training. Additionally, you can check this information on the official website of the Ministry of Education and Training.

The center is licensed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education

A reputable Japanese study abroad center will not hesitate to provide this information to you. If a company refuses or avoids providing the license, it could be a red flag, and you should carefully consider using their services.

Not Suspended from Visa Representation by the Japanese Embassy

Besides the operating license from the Ministry of Education and Training, a reputable Japanese study abroad company must ensure they are not suspended from visa representation by the Japanese Embassy. This proves the company has transparent records, complies with the law, and is trusted by the Japanese Embassy.

The center is authorized by the Japanese Embassy 

You can check this information by:

• Contacting the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam directly
• Searching for information on the official website of the Embassy
• Consulting students who have used the company’s services

A reputable Japanese study abroad center will have a good relationship with the Japanese Embassy, increasing the success rate of visa applications for students.

Clear and Transparent Operational Information

A reputable study abroad center must publicly and transparently disclose all information about its operations. This includes:

• Contact information: office address, website, email, phone number
• Information about staff: consultants, Japanese language teachers
• Information about services provided: service fees, warranty policies, commitments
• Information about partner schools: study programs, tuition fees, admission requirements of schools in Japan

You can easily find this information on the company’s website or contact the center directly for answers.

Financial Transparency and Service Fees

Service fees are a crucial issue when choosing a study abroad center. A reputable company will be transparent about costs, providing a clear and detailed service price list for each item.

Center for Financial Transparency and Service Fees 

Common fees include:

• Consultation fees: covering application support, translation fees, visa application fees, study abroad insurance fees, etc.
• Japanese language study fees: tuition at the Japanese language center (if applicable)
• Post-arrival support fees: including housing search fees, job support fees, etc.

You should request the center to provide comprehensive information about service fees, potential additional costs during the study abroad process, and warranty policies. Ask clearly about hidden fees, potential extra costs, and payment methods to avoid being overcharged and losing money unnecessarily.

Partnerships with Many High Schools, Japanese Language Schools, and Universities in Japan 

Reputable Japanese study abroad centers will have close partnerships with many reputable high schools, Japanese language schools, and universities in Japan. This allows them to offer you diverse options in terms of study fields, schools, and tuition fees that match your abilities and aspirations.

The center is affiliated with many schools in Japan

When evaluating a center’s partnerships, you should:

• Learn about the list of the center’s partner schools
• Verify the school information on the official websites of the schools
• Assess the credibility of the partner schools

A Japanese study abroad center with many reputable school partnerships will provide you with more options and increase your chances of getting accepted into your desired school.

High quality of application processing – a prestigious Japanese study abroad company

The quality of application processing is crucial to whether you get a Japanese study abroad visa. A reputable Japanese study abroad center will have a professional, experienced staff knowledgeable about Japanese study abroad regulations to help you complete a thorough, accurate application that meets the Japanese Embassy’s requirements.

Therefore, when evaluating the application processing quality of a study abroad center, you should:

• Ask the center to provide information on the visa approval rate of students who have studied abroad through the company in recent years
• Find out if the company supports you in preparing for the Japanese language test, writing study applications, and preparing necessary documents for the study abroad application
• Assess the experience and expertise of the application processing staff

A reputable Japanese study abroad center will have a high visa approval rate, professional staff, and many support services in the application preparation process.

Support for Students After Arriving in Japan

A reputable Japanese study abroad center not only supports you in the visa application process but also continues to accompany you throughout your study period in Japan. The study abroad company will assist you with:

• Finding accommodation
• Completing enrollment procedures
• Registering residence
• Accessing student support services in Japan

Student Support Center in Japan

When evaluating post-arrival support services of a study abroad center, you should:

• Learn about the center’s support services, such as academic advising, job search support, and resolving issues during study and living in Japan
• Find out if the company organizes meetings and experience-sharing sessions among Vietnamese students in Japan
• Assess the level of support and response from the company when students encounter problems

Years of Experience in Japanese Study Abroad Consultation

Experience is crucial for a reputable Japanese study abroad center. A company with many years of operation in the Japanese study abroad consultation field will understand the regulations and procedures and can effectively handle issues arising during the study abroad process.

Center with years of experience in overseas study counseling

To assess the experience of a study abroad center, you should consider:

• Checking the company’s website to know their operating time in the Japanese study abroad consultation field
• Searching for news articles and publications about the company in the media
• Reading reviews from customers who have used the company’s services
• Learning about the achievements and awards the company has received in the study abroad consultation field.

Evaluations from Students Who Have Studied Abroad Through the Company

Besides the criteria mentioned above, you should consult the opinions of students who have studied abroad through the company to learn about the service quality and the company’s support during the study abroad process. You can do this by:

• Consulting study abroad forums
• Searching for information on Japanese study abroad groups on Facebook
• Reading reviews on reputable websites
• Directly contacting students who have used the company’s services (if possible)

Having an Accompanying Japanese Language Center

Although this is not a mandatory criterion for a Japanese study abroad consultation center, having a diverse range of services will better support you in completing necessary procedures and paperwork to prepare for studying in Japan. A study abroad center with an accompanying language center is also an advantage for beginners learning Japanese for study abroad, as you won’t need to study Japanese in one place and prepare your application in another.

Reputable Japanese Study Abroad Centers in Hanoi

To give you an overview of some reputable Japanese study abroad centers in Hanoi, below is a comparison table of several quality centers:

Based on the comparison table above, you can evaluate and choose the study abroad center that suits your needs and aspirations.

Conclusion

In the process of searching for a reputable Japanese study abroad center in Hanoi, it is crucial to consider important criteria such as licensing, transparent information, application processing quality, post-arrival support, experience, and evaluations from students who have used the services. Choosing a reputable Japanese study abroad center will give you more confidence in preparing and carrying out your study abroad journey in Japan.

Always verify the information, consult the opinions of experienced individuals, and make the right decision to achieve your study abroad goals. Wishing you success in your study abroad journey and discovering new knowledge in the land of the rising sun!