learning japanese

[dimitri_can]

i not from bunka...so won't know

 

[Ah_keong]

My wife and I are thinking about signing up Japanese classes since now she just quitted her job, and got lots of spare time. Both of us are in love with Japanese culture and often dreamed of living in Japan.

I'm currently working in an investment bank, and quite possibly that I can be posted to Japan in years to come (not for now, as finance market is in a turmoil). Although Japanese is not a must in working in Tokyo investment bank branch, having minimal command of Japanese will be advantageous.

Which school would you recommend to us? From what I gathered from this thread, there are 3 schools I will consider

1. Ikoma
2. JCS
3. Bunka

As my work schedule is quite hectic, I just worried that I might not be able to catch up with Ikoma's pace. From what I read here, their 1st lesson is already quite challenging.

I'm considering JCS, as their lessons are slower, and give me more time to digest. I must say I'm a slow learner when come to foreign language, I have stayed in Thailand for 2 years, and can't really hold a decent Thai conversation.

How's about Bunka? Their website looks quite impressive.

Any recommendation is welcome.

JCS
The classes are big, pace is fast (intensive courses) and they only focus on written part (they have separate courses on conversation though), cost are cheap

IKOMA
the classes are small, pace are average and they are balanced in terms on written and conversational part, I have heard that their JLPT notes are very well written...

BUNKA
I have not studied there before but heard from my friend they are also balanced while focusing grammer and informal style for users at the beginning. Which i think is good for beginners and for people who need 2 talk 2 japanese, (i was given the strange stare when i 1st talk with my japanese friends with formal style)...

 

[sgbargain]

i'm swaying towards bunka, as I heard from my colleague they begin with teaching u vowels and 6 forms (which I interpret as grammer?). The downside though is they will focus less on vocabulary.

I think we just might go for bunka for beginner classes, and switched to ikoma when we are ready.

thanks for advice!

 

[Ah_keong]

i'm swaying towards bunka, as I heard from my colleague they begin with teaching u vowels and 6 forms (which I interpret as grammer?). The downside though is they will focus less on vocabulary.

I think we just might go for bunka for beginner classes, and switched to ikoma when we are ready.

thanks for advice!

hmm, i will advise u 2 stick 2 1 school if u are comfortable with the teaching style...
although I am studying in JCS and IKOMA...

most impt is that u are comfortable and happy with ur progress...

 

[ender51244]

JCS
The classes are big, pace is fast (intensive courses) and they only focus on written part (they have separate courses on conversation though), cost are cheap

IKOMA
the classes are small, pace are average and they are balanced in terms on written and conversational part, I have heard that their JLPT notes are very well written...

BUNKA
I have not studied there before but heard from my friend they are also balanced while focusing grammer and informal style for users at the beginning. Which i think is good for beginners and for people who need 2 talk 2 japanese, (i was given the strange stare when i 1st talk with my japanese friends with formal style)...

i don't want to clash with you, but i think JCS teaching pace is slower than Ikoma. but then again, i attended only ikoma's JLPT prep course and JCS's normal classes, so it isn't really fair ?

Ikoma (JLPT prep) classes are quite stressed (but like what you say, is indeed very well written), from my point of view, because of the homework and tests every week.

JCS's homework is not given every week but as and when available. when you progress up, you will get into more conversation parts. the 5th-year class did presentations (of news articles) in Japanese - so its not really no conversation, and and to top it off, JCS have oral and composition exams. don't know if other schools have this, but its quite tough when you go further up. the teachers won't let you off as easily as what you have in year 2 or 3. if you have been watching anime or knows a bit on japanese, year 1 and year 2 would be a breeze. =) to be honest, JCS exams are not hard to pass - It is impossible to fail, you will just get borderline marks when you don't study (but i advise not to learn such bad habits).

 

[sgbargain]

Thank you all for your tips and advice. My wife and I decided to go down to Bunka tomorrow. Hope we can meet up sometime in the future.

 

[Ah_keong]

i don't want to clash with you, but i think JCS teaching pace is slower than Ikoma. but then again, i attended only ikoma's JLPT prep course and JCS's normal classes, so it isn't really fair ?

Ikoma (JLPT prep) classes are quite stressed (but like what you say, is indeed very well written), from my point of view, because of the homework and tests every week.

JCS's homework is not given every week but as and when available. when you progress up, you will get into more conversation parts. the 5th-year class did presentations (of news articles) in Japanese - so its not really no conversation, and and to top it off, JCS have oral and composition exams. don't know if other schools have this, but its quite tough when you go further up. the teachers won't let you off as easily as what you have in year 2 or 3. if you have been watching anime or knows a bit on japanese, year 1 and year 2 would be a breeze. =) to be honest, JCS exams are not hard to pass - It is impossible to fail, you will just get borderline marks when you don't study (but i advise not to learn such bad habits).

ehh, i am talking abt JCS ntensive classes which is only available 2 elementary and intermediate.. anything beyond that is different...

i was planning 2 enrol into IKOMA JLPT class, does it start in January or?

 

[ender51244]

the best is start in the beginning, which is in january. but you are allowed to join in the class at any time of the year.

 

[kjaskk]

Anyone have japanese learning experience to share at AOBA Language Centre.

Seems like this is a new school with some good teaching to offer. I have not seen any info on AOBA here.

Anyone had studied there before?
I will visit them soon.

 

[Demonic88]

Upszszszszs.

 

[dimitri_can]

M back from Japan

 

[ender51244]

eto.... okaeri ?

have you learn any new japanese culture or stuff that amazes you ?

 

[dimitri_can]

Yes. definitely. =)

Like why do Japanese inhale temple smoke and rub it against their bodies.

 

[ender51244]

its their culture.... i think korean(?) or some chinese people also do the same.

 

[Ah_keong]

the best is start in the beginning, which is in january. but you are allowed to join in the class at any time of the year.

i see, thanks!

 

[Ah_keong]

Back from OOoooooSaka!

 

[Clarity]

Hi all..

Juz completed Int 4 lessons at Bunka.. Now on waiting list for Pre-Advanced 1... Have enrolled for JLPT3.. But somehow, have a feeling, Im not gonna make it -.-..

Haha.. In any case, would like to know if anyone had signed up for bunka JLPT prep classes? Cant seem to find any class schedule for that on their webby

 

[Ah_keong]

Hi all..

Juz completed Int 4 lessons at Bunka.. Now on waiting list for Pre-Advanced 1... Have enrolled for JLPT3.. But somehow, have a feeling, Im not gonna make it -.-..

Haha.. In any case, would like to know if anyone had signed up for bunka JLPT prep classes? Cant seem to find any class schedule for that on their webby

did u try 2 do some past year papers for JLPT 3 and pit ur skills against it??

how 2 u fare? else in 2 months time, u need a kind of intensive course sia 2 pass...

 

[dimitri_can]

Clarity, if u need help, you might wanna drop me a MSN?

I've pm u my MSN.

 

[ender51244]

if you work hard now, maybe still can get a pass for your exams.