Will I learn to read and write Japanese as well as speak?

     Our classes are designed to teach you how to speak, formally and conversationally as well as to learn how to write in the three "alphabets" of hiragana, katakana, and Kanji

I've heard that Japanese is very difficult to learn.

     Among the various languages such as Spanish, French, and German, the Japanese Language has been rated the most difficult to learn for native English speaker.

How are group lessons different than private lessons?

     Private lessons are often used as tutor sessions for those who already are familiar with the language and want to brush-up or refresh their skills at their own pace.  Also private lessons are individualized following the clients' demand so requires the different textbook.  They are also a common way to learn for the business clients who can take time of their day.  For private lessons, we will make up the lesson with a notice of the cancellation 24 hours in advance, however we will not make up/reschedule for group lessons/special offered programs. 

How are private lessons different than semi-private lessons?

     They are virtually the same and are used when several friends or family members want to learn together in a more private manner. 

What age is reasonable to start Japanese lessons in general?

     You can learn at any age, however the younger you are when you start, the better.  There are many people who began learning Japanese for the first time at college and became fluent in Japanese later.  Actually some of my students have more knowledge and much better language skill than average native Japanese.  The only problem they have is pronunciation.  They speak, write and read fluently but can't pronounce certain words correctly like a native Japanese.  I can't fix their problem because it's too late.  Young people will not have this kind of problem. However, if it's necessary for the instructor to spend more time for discipline than teaching, it's too early.  We recommend the private lesson for the children younger than 10 years old in general.  However, minimum age requirement for students of JLC is 15 years old, and no exceptions.

How is "Teens Japanese Course" different than "Japanese Courses"?

     To begin with, the textbook is different.  We use "JAPANESE FOR BUSY PEOPLE" for Japanese 101-303 and "JAPANESE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE" for Teens Japanese 101-303.  In the both courses, students learn the same grammar and sentence structure but the topics and vocabularies are different.  Teens Japanese Courses focus on the daily life of average teenagers. However, minimum age requirement for students of JLC is 15 years old, and no exceptions.

Is it okay for teenagers to take "Japanese 101-304" instead of "Teens Japanese"?

     Yes, teenagers are welcome though the textbook for Japanese 101-303, "JAPANESE FOR BUSY PEOPLE"  is essentially designed for adults.  The instructor adds the realistic topics and vocabularies for young people and actually several teenagers have taken these courses and did great job.  However, minimum age requirement for students of JLC is 15 years old, and no exceptions.

Can I drop off my child?

     Yes, please drop off or pick up your child at the appropriate time.  If your lesson is from 5:00PM to 6:50PM, we open the door for the students to come in at 4:50PM and close the door 10 minutes after the end of class.  Otherwise we deal with any waiting time the same as a private lesson and charge $45 per every 55 minutes.

Can I stay there after/before class?

     We are sorry but we do not wish to have students use the premises for self-study purposes.  We open the door for the students to come in 10 minutes before the class and close the door 10 minutes after the end of class.  If you have a gap between lessons, you have to spend the gap somewhere else and come again.  

Can I observe a class before registration?

     Yes, if you would like to observe a class, you must make an appointment for that, but please note that observation is limited to 15 minutes.  Otherwise we deal with any observation/participation the same as a private lesson and charge $45 per every 55 minutes.

Could you describe the typical group lesson?

     For the group lessons, the textbook is "Japanese for busy People" or "Japanese for Young People" our goal is to complete  one chapter in a lesson. The typical process of beginners' lesson (110 minutes) is as follows:

1. Greetings

2. Question and Answer where I ask a question and you answer (Something timely, everyday life)

3. Review of the previous lesson

4. The key point of the day

5. Dialogue

6. Role-play and simulation

7. Culture (I introduce one item)

8. Kanji

9. Exercise

I don't spend class time with verbal repeating practice where we review pronunciation over and over again,  or alphabet writing practice. The first priority of language skill (beginners' level) is to express your opinion/feeling 100% somehow even with broken Japanese. That means, small mistakes of grammar are OK if native Japanese can understand your message.

How do I enroll?

     For the first-time student there are two ways to enroll.  (1) You can print out a hard copy of our enrollment form and send it with a check for the amount of the selected class so that we have it no later than 3 days prior to the first group class.  (2) You can enroll online at this website and pay using a secure connection with PayPal, again no later than 3 days prior to the first group class.

I've never used PayPal, is it safe or difficult?

     PayPal is the leading fiduciary intermediary (money middle-man) for internet payments in the world.  The connection is secure, using SSL / HTTPS which means it's encrypted so the information won't be stolen in transit.  You use a credit card, which PayPal is obligated to protect.  The Japanese Language Center will never see your credit card number.  It is easy to setup at the time of payment.

School campus?

     No.  Please note that it's the residence area. So there are not any shops or stores in the immediate area.