Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How do I improve my Japanese in Fairfax, VA and what are my options in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with mobile applications, you have 4 primary opportunities for learning Japanese interactively in Fairfax, VA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your 2nd option can be local commercial language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Finally, you can opt for a private Japanese tutor in Fairfax, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Fairfax, VA and online Japanese tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Japanese and what do Japanese tutors charge?
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 overall charge for about 50 instruction hours each semester. Language schools and individual Japanese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Japanese tutors can be found online, with prices on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and popularity. Real student rating average for Japanese lessons on Preply is 4.97 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Japanese do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared pass a few pre-requisites. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research those in advance. With personal Japanese tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for students of A, B, or C leves, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Japanese so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
One-size-fits-all 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 several hours a week you will be able to understand common phrases, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and affordable 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 learn Japanese?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Japanese will necessitate at least 600 hours of dedication. The amount of time can differ significantly depending on your current level of Japanese or proficiency in other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, write using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Japanese out loud. If this is a greater challenge than you had anticipated you can also take conversational Japanese classes online.
🤳 Can I choose my own Japanese instructor?
In colleges and universities, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved Japanese tutors with detailed profiles and real student reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges usually offer classes twice a week over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually give 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.