Class Placement and Class Selection
This page provides guidance on class placement and how to select your classes after completing the enrollment process.
Class Selection Process
The steps are as follows:
Once your enrollment application is complete, we will provide instructions for the Placement Test. The Placement Test is held every Friday (Saturday morning Japan time).
The Placement Test can be taken online from Japan or in person at our school. The test consists of two parts: Grammar and Conversation. Each part takes approximately 15–30 minutes.
During the Conversation Test, you will have an actual English conversation with one of our teachers.
Immediately after the Conversation Test, you will meet with a teacher to select your class. The classes available depend on your test results. Based on both your preferences and your test outcome, the teacher will recommend suitable classes, and together you will decide which class to register for.
Please note: by law, the number of hours you may take per week depends on your visa status.
Enrollment begins every Monday (except for short-term students). Please attend the class you selected during the placement interview.
You may change your class registration within the first week after enrollment.
Placement Test and Levels
ased on the Grammar and Conversation Test, you will be placed into one of three levels:
- Beginner Level
- Intermediate Level
- Advanced Level
Academia offers a maximum 6-year curriculum: 2 years each for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.
Students can choose classes that match their assigned level. Once your level is determined at enrollment, it cannot be changed unless certain requirements are met.
- You may advance from Beginner → Intermediate, or from Intermediate → Advanced.
- You cannot move down a level. For example, once you are placed in Advanced, you cannot change back to Intermediate.
Types of Classes at Academia
Academia classes are divided by day of the week:
- Monday–Thursday: Regular Classes (registration required, attendance mandatory)
- Friday: Weekly Special Classes (no registration required, optional attendance)
Monday–Thursday: Regular Classes
From 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, a variety of classes at all levels are held. Please attend the class you were assigned during the placement interview.
Classes are offered in two formats:
| Type | Duration (including breaks) |
|---|---|
| Full Class | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Half Class | 1.25 hours (75 minutes) |
The combination of classes you take depends on your visa status. (See the “Class Selection” section below for details.)
Classes range from academic subjects to lessons that introduce Hawaiian culture.
Academia operates on a semester system. Curricula change every 3 months, 4 times a year. The current semester’s curriculum is available here.
Friday: Weekly Special Classes – Freaky Friday Classes
Every Friday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (sometimes until 1:00 PM depending on the activity), we hold Freaky Friday Classes.
- Enjoy different activities with different teachers each week.
- Open to all levels.
- No additional fees.
- Attendance is not recorded. You can join on any Friday you like.
Perfect for anyone who wants to improve their English and make friends across classes. Come spend a fun Friday with us!
Class Selection by Visa Status
Under U.S. law, weekly class hours are restricted depending on your visa type:
| Visa / Status Type | Weekly Class Hour Restrictions |
|---|---|
| I-20 (F-1 Student Visa) | Minimum 20 hours per week required |
| Non I-20 (ESTA/Other Visa) | Maximum 18 hours per week allowed |
| Kama’aina (U.S. Citizens / Green Card holders) | No minimum or maximum restrictions |
For I-20 (F-1 Student Visa) Holders
F-1 students must take at least 20 hours of classes per week.
Options include:
- 2 Full Classes (150 + 150 = 300 min / 5 hours per day)
- 1 Full Class + 2 Half Classes (150 + 75 + 75 = 300 min / 5 hours per day)
Friday classes are optional.
For Non I-20 (ESTA / Other Visas)
Non-student visa holders may take up to 18 hours of classes per week.
Required combinations:
- Monday–Thursday: 3.75 hours × 4 days = 15 hours
(1 Full Class + 1 Half Class = 150 + 75 = 225 min / 3.75 hours) - Friday: 2 or 3 hours
(Freaky Friday Classes: 120–180 min)
Total = up to 18 hours per week.
For Kama’aina (U.S. Citizens / Green Card Holders)
There are no legal restrictions. At Academia, we offer three study options:
- 10 hours/week: 1 Full Class OR 2 Half Classes
- 15 hours/week: 1 Full Class + 1 Half Class
- 20 hours/week: 2 Full Classes OR 1 Full + 2 Half Classes