In my opinion I feel like coming to Japan is the single best way to actually improve your own Japanese and a year-abroad is perhaps the easiest way to do so. You use Japanese inside and outside of class but how much you do of that is dependent on you, it is important that you try to use it when you can otherwise, you’ll waste not only your year but a loooot of money. It takes a lot of effort but I can assure you it is heavily rewarding for your language journey and being able to communicate with people via a wide variety of conversation topics. It is amazing how efficient everything is in Japan from trains down to possibly the most useful thing in life, the konbini. Open 24hrs with good cheap food every day the konbini is nothing short of life saving. Interacting with Japanese students can be hard and may not always go so well but if you keep trying you’ll be able to make some good friends that you can hang out with and have fun. Making Japanese friends isn’t just about having someone to help improve your language try to have a real good time. I recommend going to host family too if you can because that way you guarantee not only being able to speak at least a little every day but also a Japanese living experience with a family. My Japanese exploded in level across this year thanks to my teachers and friends and host family. To those hoping to study-abroad in Japan here at konan, I’d say it is a truly helpful university for all sorts of needs you might have but you need to be willing to put the effort and work in, just being here alone will not improve your Japanese. Good luck!