Class Placement and How to Choose Your Classes
This page explains the process of class placement and how to choose your classes after completing enrollment.
Class Selection Process
The steps are as follows:
Once your enrollment is complete, we will guide you to take the Placement Test. The Placement Test is held every Friday (Saturday morning Japan time).
You can take the Placement Test either online from Japan or in person at the school. The test consists of two parts: grammar and conversation. Each part takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. For the conversation section, you will have a live English conversation with one of our teachers.
Right after your conversation test, you will have a class selection interview with a teacher. Based on your test results, we will recommend classes that match your level. Please note that depending on your visa status, there may be a limit on how many hours you are allowed to study per week.
Classes begin every Monday (except for short-term programs). Please attend the class decided during your interview. Within the first week of school, class changes are allowed if needed.
Placement Test and Levels
Based on the grammar and conversation test, you will be placed in one of the following three levels:
- Beginner Level
- Intermediate Level
- Advanced Level
Academia offers a maximum 6-year curriculum: 2 years for each level (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced).
Students choose from classes that match their level. Once a level is determined by the placement test, it cannot be changed unless specific conditions are met.
Students can move up levels (e.g., from Beginner to Intermediate), but not down (e.g., from Advanced to Intermediate).
Types of Classes at Academia and Their Features
Academia classes are divided into two categories by day:
- Monday to Thursday: Regular Classes (Registration Required / Attendance Mandatory)
- Friday: Weekly Theme Classes (No Registration Required / Optional Attendance)
Monday to Thursday: Regular Classes
From 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, various classes are offered for each level. Attend the classes selected during your class placement interview.
There are two types of class durations:
| Type | Duration (including breaks) |
|---|---|
| Full Class | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Half Class | 1.25 hours (75 minutes) |
Class combinations are selected based on your visa status. See the “How to Choose Classes” section for details.
Academia offers a wide range of classes, from academic courses to Hawaiian culture experiences.
Academia follows a semester system with new curricula every 3 months (4 times per year). Current semester schedules are available below.
Friday: Weekly Theme Classes
Every Friday from 10 AM to 12 PM (sometimes until 1 PM depending on the content), we offer Freaky Friday Classes.
Each week features a different teacher and activity. All levels are welcome. No additional fees. No attendance is taken. You may join only on the dates you prefer.
These classes are a great opportunity for students to make friends across levels while learning English. Come spend a fun Friday with us!
How to Choose Your Classes
According to U.S. law, the number of hours students can study per week depends on their visa status:
| Visa Status | Class Hour Restriction |
| I-20 (F Visa) | Must take at least 20 hours of classes per week |
| Non I-20 (ESTA, etc.) | Can take up to 18 hours of classes per week |
| Kamaʻāina (US Citizen / GC) | No limit on minimum or maximum hours |
I-20 (F Visa / Student Visa)
F Visa holders are required to take a minimum of 20 hours of classes per week.
To meet this requirement, choose one of the following combinations:
- 2 Full Classes (150 mins + 150 mins = 300 mins / 5 hours)
- 1 Full Class + 2 Half Classes (150 + 75 + 75 mins = 300 mins / 5 hours)
Friday classes are optional and do not count toward the 20-hour requirement.
Non I-20 (ESTA, e-Visa, etc.)
Non I-20 students may take up to 18 hours per week. A suggested weekly schedule:
- Monday–Thursday: 3.75 hours × 4 days = 15 hours
(1 Full Class + 1 Half Class per day = 150 + 75 mins = 225 mins = 3.75 hours/day) - Friday: 2 or 3 hours
(Freaky Friday Classes: 120 or 180 minutes)
This schedule allows you to study the maximum of 18 hours per week.
Kamaʻāina (US Citizens or Green Card Holders)
There are no legal restrictions on class hours. Academia offers three flexible course 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