What is SYME?
SYME is a ministry of Word of Life Fellowship Inc., a Protestant, Christian organization, headquartered in New York. SYME teaches English life skills and the Bible all in English. It is like having an American experience in Japan. At SYME, we speak English 11 hours a day, 4 days a week.
We specialize as a total immersion English language program, as well as a discipleship training center designed to help Japanese young people build their future.
English
At SYME, all students are to speak only English 11 hours a day, 4 days a week. All students choose and use English names. Each time students speak in Japanese (or another non-English language), they are to pay a fine of 100 yen.
All SYME teachers are native English speakers and all classes are taught and discussed in small groups according to leveled English ability. Our English program enables students to not only learn English through writing, reading, listening and pronunciation; but also learn practical English phrases, idioms and colloquial expressions through casual and natural conversations with the teachers and classmates in class and throughout their daily lives.
This communicative approach makes learning practical for everyday situations whether in your future workplace, your home church, or in your pursuit of higher education, thus giving you a concrete foundation for life.
Bible
Every week at SYME a different discipleship theme, focusing on Christian growth and life is taught through having our daily Quiet Time (devotions), sharing QT applications in Family Time and listening to chapel messages.
SYME desires to train students how to have a Quiet Time (devotions) and make it a daily habit with the hopes that gradually students will see the value of reading the Bible daily.
Chapel is held 4 days a week. This time is student-led, giving them public speaking opportunities. There is an MC who leads prayer, song time, and helps the chapel time flow smoothly. Another student explains the weekly memory verse and helps students memorize the weekly verse through games, motions or songs. Testimonies are written and shared in English and translated into Japanese once a week. Short skits are also done each week. Messages are led by a male staff member and are translated once a week by a student. Some weekly theme examples are: temptation, forgiveness, self-image, the tongue, etc.
In Bible class, students learn the Gospel Story Arc, the life of Christ through the Gospel of John, Acts, and Old Testament survey. Through the daily Bible classes, SYME desires to build a strong foundation of Bible knowledge and deepen students’ understanding of God’s overarching theme. Not only do students learn the Bible, but they also learn how it connects with their lives today and how they can apply in their daily lives.
Life
SYME is not all about academics. We also take school trips such as: to a local park for cherry-blossom viewing, the Himeji Castle, Akashi Bridge and other sights around the area. At SYME, students not only study English; but also make a lot of great memories having special moments with each other.
Students usually live in a dormitory*. Through living together, away from home, students learn the need to keep rules, to be thoughtful of one other, to learn self-discipline, to be responsible and to be diligent in their homework and dorm jobs. Through relationships with classmates and staff members, students also learn cooperativeness, teamwork, leadership skills and they learn a lot about themselves, including strengths and weaknesses. Along the way, there are moments of encouragement, helping one another, joy, laughter, sadness and difficulty. Students grow in their understanding of each other. Although they arrive as strangers, they leave as a family. At SYME, students will build relationships that last a lifetime.
A Day at SYME
*SYME class schedule is different every term and this is just an example.
9:20-9:50am
Quiet Time
Students and staff do a chapel-themed quiet time. Everyone reads the same passage and writes down their observations and applications.
10:00am-12:50pm
English/Bible Class
Classes are 50 minutes long. There are Bible classes, English classes, and Reading, Writing and Pronunciation classes.
(*Classes may be different depending on the term.)
1:00pm-2:00pm
Lunch
Students eat the lunch they have prepared and brought with them to SYME.
2:00pm-2:50pm
Chapel
Chapel is held Tuesday through Friday and students learn according to the theme of the week. Students and staff members are given different chapel jobs, such as MC, music leader, skit leaders, a personal testimony leader, message or testimony translators. Chapel program includes prayer, worship song, testimony or skits, Scripture memory and then a message. During the message, several questions are asked and students discuss their answers with their partners.
3:00-3:35
Family Time
During Family Time male students meet with male staff and female students with female staff to discuss what they learned in their morning Quiet Time. This is a time to ask questions, sing together and discuss biblical truth.
3:45-5:15
Ministry Classes/Encounter
During this time students will learn and practice various ministry skills such as evangelism, kid’s ministry, leadership training and discipleship. They will also prepare for Bible Club presentations. Bible club is a time for students to work in teams to plan and prepare programs such as games, group discussions and presentations on fixed themes. Encounter is a time for students to have fun, study the bible, and fellowship together in Japanese. Activities vary depending on the semester and day of the week.
5:30pm-6:30pm
Dinner/Game Time
Dinner will be provided for students Tuesday — Friday. Sometimes there is free time after dinner where students and staff can play games or do other fun activities.
6:30pm-8:00pm
Study Hour
This is a self-study time and time to do homework.
9:00pm-
In Dorms
“In Dorms” means that all students must be in their dormitories. Monday through Friday, “In Dorms” is 10:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday, “In Dorms” is 11:00 pm.
11:00pm
Lights Out
“Lights Out” means:
(1) all students must be in the dorms,
(2) all lights must be turned off,
(3) it must be quiet; there is to be no talking,
(4) everyone is to be in their own bed and
(5) no using of electronic equipment (including cell phones, computers, mp3 players, etc.).
Monday through Friday, “Lights Out” is 11:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday, “Lights Out” is 12:00 am.
*SYME class schedule is different every term and this is just an example.
Stories of Alumni
Keita “Jonah” Hoshino/Class of 2008-2009
A Youth Pastor in Takada Bible Church
I have a lot of reasons why I am thankful that I studied at SYME, but if I had to choose just one thing, I would say how God led me to dedicate my life to Him and become a pastor. I grew up as a pastor’s kid, but I didn’t want to be a pastor. I casually decided to go to SYME, thinking, “Maybe, I will study the Bible. I hope I will be able to speak English.” At SYME, we learn different themes each week. One week, the theme was the “Life of Christ.” That theme was not special to me since I grew up in the church, but trying to learn it in my poor English made me have a new perspective. During that week in chapel, we heard a message from John 17 about Jesus’ prayer before He was crucified. The Messenger said, “Jesus came to the world not only to save us, but also to live, pray and leave an example for us”. These words hit me in my heart. When I understood that Jesus had lived His whole life for me and prayed for me, I was overwhelmed with joy that I had never felt before and I cried. Through this, I decided to dedicate my life and I started asking, “How can I serve You, Lord?” in my prayers. Two weeks later God answered me through Youth Ministry class. We learned about the aging of pastors in Japan and the need of the Gospel for the next generation, and that became a burden in my heart and I was sure that God was leading me into youth ministry. After seven years of study, God has given me a place to engage in youth ministry that I had been praying for. I am thankful to God Who lets me both to will and to work for His good purpose through SYME.
Hitomi “Tammy” (Ohtsuba) Kobayashi/Class of 2011-2012
An Office Worker
“I didn’t want to take TOEFL, but I wanted to go to an international environment.” That’s what I thought as a high schooler. It was a time when I was struggling to figure out what to do in my future. By the way, I was born and raised in Papua New Guinea as a missionary kid and started living in Japan at the age of eight. After high school, my first choice for studying abroad was the USA. That was my initial plan. However, TOEFL seemed like a great big wall that I just couldn’t climb. I became very disappointed with myself for struggling with language, especially because I was raised internationally. More than with language though, you can say that I was struggling with pride.
When my struggle was at a peak point, I was talking with my oldest brother and he said to me, “Hey, life doesn’t always go as planned, so why not let things be?” After our conversation I prayed to God, “Lord, where do you want me to go? Lead me there.” I think it was only a few days after I prayed that I found out about SYME. I knew at once that it was the place for me. Having my parents’ approval and being confident that God was leading me there, I applied to SYME.
The school life at SYME was great. It was way much more than I can describe and summarize here, but I will do my best and share two precious things that God gave me through SYME. One was a heart to seek more of Christ and two, friends to share the same heart with. I was raised by Christian parents and have believed in Jesus since I was little. Studying the Bible in English at SYME made my love for Him grow. I also came to realize how valuable friends, who share the same love and passion for Him are. So, a huge thanks to SYME, for providing me a place to receive God’s great gifts!
To be honest, I am still learning to let God take the lead of my life. When I feel like I have to find my way in my own strength, this is one of the verses from the Bible that gives me guidance.
“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Yearly Schedule
We are not taking new students at this time.
2024 Word of Life Japan Plan
The purpose of Word of Life Japan has been and continues to be to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Japanese Christian’s and support the local church.
Over the past 15 years, the SYME program has been one of the ministries that God has used to fulfill that purpose. To the glory of God, SYME alumni have included pastors, missionaries, and church staff. SYME has helped many to grow in their English ability and knowledge of God. As a team we began to pray and ask God how we could serve Him and our students in Japan even better. After prayerful consideration, we sensed God leading to fulfill our purpose “to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Japanese Christian’s” even better.
In response, the Word of Life team has identified a few key areas we desire to develop such as: Japanese language learning and new ministry partnerships. In order to improve in these areas, Word of Life Japan has decided to temporarily pause the SYME ministry. During this time, our team will be working to improve their Japanese ability, to reconnect with our alumni, to create new ministry partnerships, to evaluate and improve our SYME program, as well as evaluate our location for future service. We believe that as we focus our attention on these areas it will allow the ministry of Word of Life Japan to be even better equipped to fulfill our purpose by sharing the love of Christ with Japanese people. This pause will not affect other ongoing ministries of WOLJ such as English Cafe and local church ministries. We are excited about how God will continue to use SYME for His glory in the future.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your path.”
We invite you to be in prayer with us for wisdom as we continue to make decisions, seek to lean not on our own understanding and follow God's leading.
SYME Director, Kelly Smith
FAQ
Q. I am not a Christian. Can I still go to SYME?
Yes, you can. There are many SYME students and graduates who didn’t know or hadn’t heard anything about Christianity before they came.
Q. What happens on the weekends (Saturday—Monday)?
We have classes from Tuesday to Friday. Saturday students are free to go home if they want. But most of the students normally stay at SYME for weekends during the term. Some Saturdays there will be optional events and activities to participate in. Every week on Saturday evenings there is an optional English Café.
Q. Is SYME off on international holidays on weekdays?
No, we have usual classes regardless of the holidays on weekdays. However, Golden Week is a break for students.
Q. Can I take a day off?
It is possible. Please contact the staff in advance.
Q. Can I visit SYME to see what it looks like and observe a class or two?
Yes, you can. If you are considering to come to SYME as a student, you can stay one night for free. Please contact us ahead of time to check availability.
Q. When and how do students decide their English names?
Some search for English names on the internet or talk to someone they know before they come to SYME, while others choose after they arrive at SYME. If you do not have any idea, talk to staff when you come. We also have English name books at SYME.
Q. Can I borrow bedding?
No. You must bring your own or purchase when you arrive at SYME.
Q. Do I need an English Bible?
Yes, you do. You will need a Bible for Quiet Time and Bible classes. SYME has some NIV Bibles that you may use. It will be very helpful if you have a Bible translated in both your own language and English.
Q. Is there a supermarket nearby?
Yes. Supermarkets, SYME and the post office are within walking distance of each apartment. The Himeji station is about a 15 minute walk from SYME.
Q. Are meals offered at SYME?
Tuesday — Friday dinner is provided. Students need to prepare and bring their own lunch to SYME Tuesday — Friday.
Q. How much English do I need to be able to speak in order to enter SYME?
There are many graduates who couldn’t speak English at all when they first came to SYME. If you are serious and eager to learn English, come and join us!
Q. What are the ages of students at SYME?
It depends on the term or the year. We have had 16 year-old students as the youngest and students in their sixties. If you are a high school graduate or have an high school equivalency certificate, you can come to SYME. But, if you are over 30 years old, you will be asked to find your own apartment.
Q. How long is the SYME program? Can I go for a short time?
SYME is an 8-month program. In order to graduate, a student needs to complete the whole 8-month program; but you can join at anytime, for a whole term or a portion of a term. Please contact us.
Q. Is there Wifi provided in the student dorms?
No. There is no Wifi provided in the student dorms. However, students can bring and use their own Wifi. Wifi is only provided at the SYME building.
Q. Are there any other fees?
Every term, each student who is living in an SYME dorm must pay 1,000 yen for cleaning supplies and toilet paper for use at their dorm. If there is left over money at the end of the term, the students are free to use it for something fun.
Q. I want to know what the apartments/dormitories look like.
All apartments are within a 20 minute walk from SYME. Bathrooms and kitchens are shared between about 3-5 people. There is a bunk bed in each room and no more than 2 people share a room. Electric appliances such as refrigerator, washing machine, sink and stove (kitchenware such as tableware, pots, pans, knives, measuring spoons, storage containers, etc.), kettle, microwave oven, toaster, rice cooker, vacuum cleaner, air conditioning equipment are provided. There are also towel drying racks and hangers with clothespins, to be used freely.
Q. How much space do students have to keep personal things?
There are three-tier drawer storage cases (width 46.2 cm x depth 34.7 cm x height 16.3 cm) and hanger rack. Depending on the number of people, the hanger rack may be shared with a roommate.