Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Japanese in Suffolk, VA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have four main possibilities for learning Japanese interactively in Suffolk, VA. 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 2nd option can be local for-profit language academies that charge less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, international learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can find a private Japanese tutor in Suffolk, VA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Suffolk, VA and online Japanese tutors.
🎟 Is it cheap 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 fifty or so instruction hours each semester. Language academies and private Japanese tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the more affordable Japanese tutors can be found online, with rates on Preply averaging 19 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, positive reviews and student demand. Average student satisfaction for Japanese lessons on Preply is 4.96 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 to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research the details 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 classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Japanese not easy and are there ways to learn it faster?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Japanese. According to experts, 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 words, express yourself, socialize in about a year. Finding native speakers is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a rapid and easy 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 speakers.
🤷 How long does it take to learn Japanese?
Some people brag about their natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Japanese will take at least 600 hours of dedication. The amount of time can differ by a lot depending on your current level of Japanese or knowledge of other languages in the same group. After alphabet and basic reading it is a good idea to use the language as often as possible: watch videos, try typing using your new language skills, look for native speakers to speak with, try other 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 teacher?
In language centers, there's a chance you can choose your own tutor (from up to a dozen teachers). Online, absolutely! The largest selection of verified Japanese tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning resources like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges schedule classes twice a week over a semester (75-day period). Language schools have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, you can choose your own lesson frequency and time, on weekdays and/or weekends.