Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Japanese in Cupertino, CA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using apps, you have four primary opportunities for learning Japanese interactively in Cupertino, CA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are cheaper.) Your second possibility can be local commercial language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, government-supported learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Fourth, you can find a private Japanese tutor in Cupertino, CA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Cupertino, CA and online Japanese tutors.
🎟 Is it expensive to learn Japanese and what does a lesson with a tutor of Japanese cost?
For university and college courses you can estimate Japanese course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for about 50 lesson hours each semester. Language schools and private Japanese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Japanese tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor location, experience and student demand. Customer review average for Japanese lessons on Preply is 4.96 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Japanese do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared pass a few pre-requisites. Planned classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework level and tests, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Japanese tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other extras they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Japanese so difficult and are there ways to learn it the easy way?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Japanese. Realistically, you can gain basic Japanese fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback five hours a week you will be able to understand everyday words, have simple conversations, shop and place orders in about a year. Physical language immersion is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Japanese. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Japanese tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to get better at speaking Japanese?
Some people seem to have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Japanese will require at least 600 hours of study. The amount of time can differ a lot depending on your already acquired level of Japanese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, write by hand and online using your new language skills, seek native speakers to speak with, try as many as possible ways to think and speak in Japanese out loud. If you're struggling when starting a discusssion you can also take conversational Japanese classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Japanese instructor?
In learning centers, it's possible that you can choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of approved Japanese tutors with full profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning 'supermarkets' like Preply.
🗓 Will I be able to fit lessons in my busy schedule?
Colleges structure classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools typically offer shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can take as few as one lesson a year, as many as several a day - and as many (or as few) as you want during any time of day, on weekdays and/or weekends.