Immersion & Language Schools

[jazzbeans]

I plan to study Japanese and Linguistics at a University in the UK, but I would like to get a feel for Japan before I decide to take this course.

So, I was thinking of going to Japan for a few months, then I thought it might be a good idea to also join a language school whilst I'm there. I discovered a place called ARC Academy, which I have also seen on YouTube and am thinking about joining their intensive summer course (http://arc-eg.com/nihongo/SMintensive.html) when I decide to go.

But, I was wondering whether anyone has gone to a Japanese language school in Japan and whether it was very helpful or not (as I may join a Japanese class in my own city). I'm pretty shy, so the thought scares me to death! But, ultimately, if it helps a great deal.. I would love to do it.

Thanks!

[sesame]

I have heard some great things about The Yamasa Institute:

http://www.yamasa.org/index.html