Korean Job Discussion Forums

[highdials5]

Hi,

I'm looking to make the move to Japan in about 6 months, so I want to start learning Japanese.

Is there anywhere in and around Seoul where a complete beginner can get lessons? Preferably in the mornings or at weekends?

Thanks,

Rich

[Ruthdes]

You can learn at Berlitz. There are 5 locations around Seoul and they have several Japanese teachers who work between the centers. I know several Berlitz English teachers who learn from the Japanese teachers there, but they have a really sweet deal where they pay only for the teacher's wage. Unfortunately for the private student, the lessons are really expensive and there are no group classes because there's not enough demand. Your best bet would be to get someone else who wants to learn and do a "semi-private class". It doesn't halve the cost but it's more affordable and you still have flexibility in when you schedule your classes. FYI, Berlitz uses the "Berlitz Method" which is "total use of target language". That means no English. In fact, most of the Japanese teachers actually know very little English. It's interesting to be on the other side of this equation, but with a good teacher it can work quite well.

If you're strapped for cash, why not advertise for a language exchange? There are quite a lot of Japanese people around. You just have to find them.

[Dixon]

http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/all-japanese-all-the-time-ajatt-how-to-learn-japanese-on-your-own-having-fun-and-to-fluency