FAQ
Q1: Do you teach in English or Japanese?
A1: At Japanese Sydney (JS), we use the Direct Method of teaching in our classes mainly. This means that students are immersed in the language, and from the very first class the teacher will speak in Japanese, and you and your class mates will be encouraged to speak in Japanese.
* Except beginner introduction and continue class, and JLPT preparation course
Q2: How do I know which level I should enrol in?
A2: If you are unsure about which level of class would suit you, please take free level assessment at reception or online. We'll have a quick conversation and test your Japanese so that we can recommend the right class for you. Please contact us to book an appointment.
Q3: How do I enrol?
A3: If you would like to enrol for any of the courses at JS, please contact us as soon as possible. Firstly, contacting us by email is the best way.
Q4: How many students are in a class?
A4: All of our group lessons are minimum 3, and maximum 9 students per class. Private lessons are one-on-one with the teacher. And semi-private lesson, which is only your group, is also arranged.
Q5: Can I try out a lesson first, before buying an 8 weeks package?
A5: Yes. Single class can be purchased so that you know the course or class before committing to the package.
* Except beginner introduction class and JLPT preparation course
Q6: Am I required to purchase a textbook for class?
A6: Yes. Our classes do require students to purchase a textbook; however, depending on your level, a textbook should last you around 40 - 100 lessons worth of classes. Which textbook you will be required to purchase will depend on the class you are enrolled in. Our textbooks are priced from around $50.
* Except beginner introduction class
Q7: When are fees due?
A7: Fees are due in full before the first class. A $50 deposit needs to be paid at the time of booking to secure your place for the first time, and then the remaining amount is due on or by the first class. Deposits will be forfeit by the student if they cancel their class(es).
Q8: How can I pay my fees?
A8: Fees can be paid in person using cash or eftpos (bank card and credit card, VISA and Mastercard only). Or electric fund transfer (online bank transfer) is fine.
Q9: Are there any cancellation fees if I cancel my class(es)?
A9: There is no cancellation fee, but all lesson fees including deposit are non-refundable. We recommend students stay the term end. 8 weeks package may have some option to change the class or lesson time. For further information, please view our cancellation policy.
Q10: Can I change my class type after I’ve enrolled? (Eg., from group to private, or from once-a-week lessons to twice-a-week lessons?)
A10: Yes, if your term has not started yet. Notice at least 1 day (business day, by 5 pm) before the lesson is required to change your class type, and if you would like to make any changes for your private lessons during an 8-week invoice period, there will be a $22 administration fee to do so.
Q11: Can I change my class time permanently?
A11: Yes, if you take private lessons. If you decide that you will need to change your class time, please let us know as soon as possible. Notice at least 1 day (business day, by 5 pm) before the lesson is required to change your class time, and if you would like to make any changes during an 8-week invoice period, there will be a $22 administration fee to do so.
Q12: What happens when my class falls on a Public Holiday?
A12: As no class on public holidays, an 8 weeks package will be extended to cover for the total lesson numbers.
Q13: Can I split my 8 weeks package, or extend it if I miss a lesson?
A13: Private lessons have up to 2 weeks extension with prior notice. Please let us know before committing an 8 weeks package.
Q14: What happens if I miss a group lesson?
A14: If you miss a group class, you may take a catch-up private lesson to help you make up for it. The fee depends on length, day and time.
Q15: Can I attend a different group class if I miss one of mine?
A15: Yes, a casual lesson fee is charged. However, there may not be a class that has the exact progress at that time.
Q16: What happens if I miss a private lesson?
A16: If you are going to miss a private lesson, you may shift the lesson later date/week with prior notice at least 1 day (business day, by 5 pm) before the lesson. For further information, please view our cancellation policy.
Q17: I want to learn 'Travel Japanese' because I'm planning on going to Japan. Which course is best for me?
A17: For students who are going to be travelling to Japan and want to learn travel Japanese before they go, beginner introduction class will cover various topics including hiragana, self-introductions, numbers, shopping in Japan and asking for directions. Because the course covers these various topics, it will give students a good base with which to understand simple Japanese.
Q18: I particularly want to learn 'Business Japanese'. Which course is best for me?
A18: Our course teaches Japanese language with polite form mainly. That is used in normal life and work situation. After moving to higher level, there are various expressions to say politer or respectful and humble forms. They will be used in the business scenes. We also offer private lessons for students who are a little more serious about their study. Both classes group and private are generally taught in a similar way, but obviously with private lessons, you have more scope to decide how and what you learn.
Q19: I just want to concentrate on 'Conversational Japanese'. Which course is best for me?
A19: Our course focuses on conversation. We recommend you group class first and seeing how you go. The group course covers reading, writing, listening and speaking, but being with other students provides a friendly environment in which you can practice not only with the teacher, but with other people too! If you find that, after trying a group out, that you would still like to devote more time in class to conversation, then private lessons will be best.
Q20: How long does it take to study for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)?
A20: This depends on your abilities, previous study experience, and which level you are aiming to take. Studying for the JLPT is a very big commitment, and JS always recommends students to set aside at least 1 year in order to study for their desired level (N5 - 1). If you are a beginner and would like to take the JLPT level N5 (the lowest level), you will need to set aside at least 1-2 years preparation time.
Q21: When is the JLPT conducted in Sydney?
A21: The JLPT is usually conducted once a year in Sydney on the first Sunday of December. Please contact the hosting institution for the test to confirm the date of the test.
Q22: How do I enrol to take the JLPT?
A22: Enrolling for the JLPT is a student's responsibility - JS is not allowed to enrol students on their behalf. Students will need to contact the hosting institution and enrol directly through them. Students should also be aware that enrolments for the JLPT are only accepted during a strict time period each year (usually around August/September), and that they will need to contact the hosting institution for exact dates.