Job Discussion Forums

[refikagurz]

Hi.. Couldn't find anything by searching, but I'm sure it's been discussed in the past. I have some time off in March and would like to take an intensive Japanese course preferably in the Yokohama area (I'm in Kamakura). Does anyone recommend an organization? Thanks in advance for your help.

[Rob1209]

I might get ripped to shreds for saying this on this forum, but why not just sign up to an online course? Japanesepod101.com is really good and has a variety of options to suit most budgets. Probably work out a lot cheaper than a traditional classroom-based course, and it can be as intensive as you want and can allow the time for it to be. Okay, you don't get the one-to-one talking time (you actually can with some of the comprehensive packages), but if you're living in Japan already there's about 128m people to practice with. I'm lucky enough to be able to give 4-5 hours a day to it at the moment and my Japanese is coming on really well, both spoken and written. I think they even have free 2-week trials and the like, so you can see if it's for you before splashing the cash. Even better, combine the online course with regular one-to-one tutor lessons (not intensive, say 1-2 a week), for the best of both worlds.
I must just add, I have no personal connection with Japanesepod101.com, other than being a happy customer. Other online courses are available!

[rxk22]

[refikagurz]

Thanks for the nice replies/suggestions! Think a tutor would suit my needs better.

[rxk22]

[Inflames]

When it comes to learning Japanese, a lot depends on your motivation.

I think going to outside classes at some school is good as you can't reschedule but rather you must follow their schedule. Of course, you should always try to get a demo lesson first - some friends and I have joined places that weren't good.

A tutor might be good for some people, but I liked the classroom atmosphere better. You got to know other students and we would wind up doing stuff like getting lunch after class. There'll be homework and other activities for you, in addition to a plan and an end goal for the class.

I had a friend refer a middle-aged woman as a tutor and she proceeded to ask me what kind of women I liked.

[aynnej]

Definitely sit through a trial lesson if you opt for the classroom option. Honestly, I didn't understand my Japanese lessons at all for nearly a year. Although I'd memorized the hiragana and katakana characters via flashcards before starting the lessons, that's not the same as *reading* them. I couldn't read the notes on the board fast enough, nor take notes without using the roman alphabet. I basically had to sort everything out for myself after each lesson, asking my Japanese friends to explain the grammar concepts in English. A lot of people advocate immersion language acquisition, but I think for an absolute beginner, a little English can go a long way.

[aynnej]

BTW, I'd also recommend Japanesepod101.com.