learning japanese

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dimitri_can

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dimitri_can said:
Before i start, how committed are u to learn the language? Are u committed to spend like hours to revise and read in advance what is going to be taught?

I do offer free Skype lessons via http://www.meetup.com/SGJapaneseMeetup/events/235037395
if u wish to try out first.

I can give you a breakdown of what i know of all the schools here in Singapore, but ultimately it all boils down to your own effort, how u surround yourself with the language. No such school in Singapore can encourage the nurturing of good speakers. It's own effort.

Ikoma
One of the more popular schools here in SG.
Employs fresh grads from Japan to teach beginner classes, uses direct method (using Japanese to teach Japanese, not much English used in class), if you are lucky, you will get a good teacher who has 1-2 yrs experience. Overall well-rounded education with Minna no Nihongo 1st edition textbook.
Did my N1 and N2 prep classes there. Prep classes are good, but normal classes can be a bit boring as you might be repeating the same grammar for 1 hour (depending on the teacher), but changing the vocabulary (based on my sources). Allows replacement of classes. Class size: 8-18 students per class

Fees from zero to N5: $360 x 4 terms + $40 (textbook) + $20 (registration fee) =$1500

Bunka
Another popular school here in SG
Prides itself for its patented teaching method from Japan.
High teacher turnover rate. Speaking is more focused when you go to Pre-Advanced level.
Hard to jump school once you start lessons with them as their grammar structures do not follow the norm which other schools use. Did my Pre-advanced 3 classes with them after i got my N2, but stopped after 2 lessons as level of students wasn't on-par to a Pre-advanced 3 level. Teacher tends a bit biased towards clever and handsome guys (have some experience back then and was also informed by other fellow students who took her classes). Ever told us, don't use electronic dictionary in class, else why come for class?
While i agree with what she said, i saw that she did not tell one of her "apples" off for using the electronic dictionary. Allows replacement of classes (i think 3 lessons per term if i am not wrong).

Fees from zero to N4: $360 x 6 terms + $340 x 2 terms +$20 (registration fee) = $2860 (assuming no textbook fee)
Divide by 2: $1430 (est. for N5)

Hougang Japanese Language School

One of the oldest Japanese schools out here in SG. Uses the book, Nihongo no Kiso (the grandfather book of Minna no Nihongo 1st edition). Very cheap fees, but school style is a bit like old school kind of tables..
Did my N2-N5 studies here under principal and 2 other teachers. Was introduced to 国語 (こくご/the Japanese that native Japanese learn) by my 1st teacher, but she went back to Japan after a few yrs of teaching. Principal (Kitahara-sensei) is very traditional uncle, u either like his teaching method or you don't. Sai-sensei is a Taiwanese lady who studied in Japan then after that stayed in Singapore. Conducts her lessons in Mandarin. Nakai-sensei is a Japanese, has some weird habits, but both Sai-sensei and Nakai-sensei are very good in teaching).

Fees from zero to N5: $680

JCS (not JCC)
The education institution for taking JLPT.
Haven't studied there before, but have dealings with their counter staff as i need to register JLPT for my student at times. Large class size as fees are cheap. Recently changed their syllabus to using Minna no Nihongo 1st edition. Can't comment much about here.

Fees from zero to N5: $736

Pyaess Japanese School
Another school that also using Minna no Nihongo 1st edition. Prides itself for using 2 teacher system in 1 class. 1 teacher will teach grammar for 1.5hrs, the other teacher will teach conversation for 1.5hrs.
Something i realize from their website: they put each class is 3 hours (link), but when you view the class schedule is only 2hrs 45 mins (link)...

Fees from zero to N5: $220 x 3 terms + $52 for textbook =$712

Tenrikyo Mission Centre
Some buddhist-related mission centre organized Japanese classes.
Not sure about how their course fee work.
http://kaigai2.tenrikyo.or.jp/singapore

You should go down to every school that you are interested in, talk to their teachers, get a friend who is well-versed in Japanese to go down with you.

However, once again i like to say, learning Japanese is like taking a degree, if you wanna take up the language, be serious about it. Good luck in finding the school that you want.

Last but not least, shall share with you my story... hope it drives you.
Click to expand...
wanted to repost this for those who are asking for reviews.
 
Toast A La Plunger

Toast A La Plunger

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Anyone received their certs already? Haven't got mine sia :(

EDIT: Called and they said they will be sending out late Feb/early March :)
 
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plutoplace

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Might be off topic here... Anyone has experience working in Japanese company?

From my experience, Japanese companies are one of the most challenging places to work for foreigners (Non Japanese). For those who have worked in Jap firms, 報連相、サビース残業、年功序列 should be quite familiar...
 
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dimitri_can

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plutoplace said:
Might be off topic here... Anyone has experience working in Japanese company?

From my experience, Japanese companies are one of the most challenging places to work for foreigners (Non Japanese). For those who have worked in Jap firms, 報連相、サビース残業、年功序列 should be quite familiar...
Click to expand...
what do u wanna ask?
 
Ah_keong

Ah_keong

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plutoplace said:
Might be off topic here... Anyone has experience working in Japanese company?

From my experience, Japanese companies are one of the most challenging places to work for foreigners (Non Japanese). For those who have worked in Jap firms, 報連相、サビース残業、年功序列 should be quite familiar...
Click to expand...

to a certain extent, I agree with you.
There are challenges when working in Japan in Japanese HQ companies.

:D
 
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onepiecepop

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dimitri_can said:
wanted to repost this for those who are asking for reviews.
Click to expand...

Juz to add on. Personally study in Tenrikyo mission centre

School fee: $440 for one year course

Textbook: Mina no Nihongo

Suitable For: People who want to enjoy the language & culture, not for those who is into hardcore "study" the language, wanna aim JLPT. Don't get me wrong. of course there is some studying and learning. but not so stressful environment

Additional info: As I say earlier, "enjoy the language & culture", they do organize different small scale event for interaction, getting to know one another. eg. xams party, cooking lessons, mochi making new year day, etc.

Note to point: Even though it is a religious organization, no one will force you to join their religion so no worries. In addition, they seldom talk about their religion in lessons unless u ownself express interest. If u like, they will welcome u let u go see see. I personally went to see a few times to experience what it is like for their prayers.

Teachers: they are all Tenrikyo followers. Some has experience in teaching in Japan while others do not.

Lessons: You can go multiple times as long as you don't find it bored since teachers teaching same things. Eg, One week got 3 lessons. you already attend once. If you don't quite understand or juz want to immerse yourself in Japanese, you can go 2 more times. no additional charges.
 
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onepiecepop

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dimitri_can said:
u mean chapter 1-13?
Click to expand...

yup. slow pace. as i say earlier, this is more for those who wants a stress-less environment to enjoy the language / culture.

those who wanna chiong JLPT mostly did some self study and
1. take the JLPT course offered specially in our school.
2. no take JLPT course but juz ask sensei whenever he / she free.
 
yuukiXkaname

yuukiXkaname

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dimitri_can said:
Got online copy. no need to buy...
just go Google...
Click to expand...

I see....

I managed to find the intermediate version, but the basic version is hard to find......or my googling skill is downright terrible.

I have another question,: At what level would it be comfortable to start learning dialects like Akita/Osaka/Gifu-ben?
 
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lillyelf

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Question to the Japanese teachers here, do you know anything about taking the 漢検 in Singapore? Google says there is a juku in Singapore which I think arranges it for their students to take it, but I wonder if anyone who's not their student might have approached them to take it before.
 
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lillyelf

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Cos I like studying for the 漢検 and don't like talking on the phone? Seriously though, I prefer to take tests that Japanese people recognize. It'll be nice if someday someone creates a recognized test that's like the TOEFL/IELTS of Japanese that tests all skills and not just one or two.
 
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lillyelf

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dimitri_can said:
as far as i know, 漢検 is only recognized among native Japanese. Even if you pass 1級, i dont think there is any meaning to it.

Anyway, u can try to email to the organization for more info to see if you can take the exam.

City Square Mall 180 Kitchener Road 09-09 Room 04-00 , Singapore 208539
TEL:+65-92272941

info@supermedia.jellybean.jp
http://supermedia.press.ne.jp/
Click to expand...

Exactly, Japanese people get impressed when non-Japanese people get qualifications meant for native speakers. In fact, you do need a pretty high level of Japanese comprehension to pass the higher levels and it's a great way to study vocabulary. I just wondered if anyone might have tried taking it in Singapore.
 
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