By Bryce Marley-Jarrett
In today's world there are so many options to study new languages. The online Japanese study market is plentiful, however for many, online study doesn’t have the same effect, accountability, or progression of an actual person-to-person class. Today we have a review of the Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School, serving the Melbourne area with private tutoring, group and conversational classes.
Simply put, learning Japanese is no easy task. You are not only taking on a new language, but also with it you are having to learn three sets of characters used in everyday Japanese life.
Many people learn for different reasons. You might love watching and reading Japanese anime and manga, and want to learn to read and watch it without any English translation. You may have visited Japan and fell in love with the country and want to expand your understanding and communication for future visits, or you may even need it for work if dealing with Japanese customers or businesses regularly; there are so many reasons to be learning Japanese.
For myself, I wanted to start learning after several trips to Japan and my growing love of the country. I wanted to get to a place where I could communicate when in Japan, and also understand signs, menus, ads. I wanted to understand everything.
I originally started learning in a group class at another Melbourne language school for about a term. However, I didn’t enjoy it and felt stalled. Group classes were not working for myself (full disclosure - I seem to be in the minority in this, most people I speak with love learning in group classes). Subsequently I dropped out, and lost the little I did learn.
Over the following 2 years I picked up a few online Japanese site memberships and basically got to the point I did in group classes and just stopped. In this I did learn one thing I need to progress in study: accountability. And that was something you just don’t get from online learning.
In September 2015 I made the move and contacted Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School and booked a trial lesson and started attending weekly private tutoring lessons.
When I started learning Japanese at the Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School it began with a trial lesson. This was conducted with one of their native Japanese teachers prior to starting my lessons.
Their level check/trial lessons are a great way to get an idea about the school’s teaching style, teachers and how lessons are conducted.
My Japanese teacher took the time to assess what my level of Japanese knowledge was, which helped customise my lessons so that I didn’t have to start again from scratch after doing previous study (mainly that I hadn’t forgotten the Hiragana).
After my trial lesson I began weekly 90min private lessons. My weekly lessons have me working through the beginner course content currently, with a mix of new Kanji introduced each week to study and memorise.
This was where I found Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School different to the other schools. They are not afraid to introduce Kanji early on and also really focus on practicing speaking Japanese as well. I can confidently say I have progressed in my studies and Japanese speaking so much more than I have in the past.
Each class is well structured and taught very well. I can see the teachers pay very close attention to lessons and are very passionate about teaching which helps me stay motivated as well.
So, how is it all going? Well I’m now 9 months in and I can say my Japanese is thriving. In the nine months I have been attending lessons at their school I am now able to write pages of full Japanese, speak more confidently and understand Japanese far more than I ever thought possible. With more than 120 Kanji under my belt now and a massive Japanese vocabulary that is expanding weekly, thanks to Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School I am finally achieving my language goals.
Conversation Classes
Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School runs regular Conversation Classes on Saturday’s for all of their current students at the school. These classes are one of the aspects that really put the school above other Japanese language schools in Melbourne. These classes can really help you excel with your Japanese learning and are a fantastic option if you are heading to Japan soon.
These classes focus on everyday Japanese situations, and how to communicate in Japanese as well as understand what is being said. Previous class topics have been visiting temples, shrines, hotels, shopping at pharmacies and convenience stores, eating out in Japan, even how to understand and ask for directions and also direct people where you want to go. These classes go beyond the standard learning structure of learning a language to help you see how the language is used outside of a classroom environment.
They are fun, detailed and immersive. I’m always surprised with each class by the amount of work put in to create these conversation scenarios, from play money and items to purchase to a mini temple environment so you learn not only how to speak and interact when visiting a shrine, but also how to go through the shrine as a native Japanese person would and be respectful to the culture.
Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School gets Japlanning’s tick of approval as the go-to Japanese language school in Melbourne. We can confidently say they are the best Japanese language school in Melbourne and if you are looking to start learning Japanese or even pick up where you left off, we highly recommend trying this Japanese school in Melbourne.
All the teachers at Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School are native speaking Japanese teachers and have all completed Advanced Teaching Course and Master Courses provided by The World Japanese Language Centre. All Japanese lessons are taught in the Native Japanese Tone and explanations are provided in English.
If you are in Melbourne and looking to start or restart learning Japanese, and want to progress with your studies, the classes at Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School are your best option.
All the details
Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School are located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne in Nunawading, about a 35min train east from the Melbourne CBD and just a 2min walk from Nunawading Station with ample free parking nearby. They are at 8A Wood Street Nunawading.
Class options
Group Classes - These group classes are small and provide a great learning environment. All students attend a pre-level check trial lesson and are placed into suitable groups. Lots of fun and usually with 2 Japanese teachers present.
The lessons are mostly taught with Japanese command which helps students learn Japanese in Japanese. This encourages students to listen and respond in Japanese from the beginning.
Cost:
- Adults Groups: $45 per 80 minute class
- Children Groups: $35 per 80 minute class
Japanese Tutoring (one on one) - Classes are just you and a teacher, these are perfect for those who have tried a group environment and found they need the extra support and flexibility to learn at their own pace.
Cost:
- Daytime Tutoring 9am-6pm: $40 per 60 minutes
- Nighttime Tutoring 6pm-9pm $50 per 60 minutes.
Conversation Classes - These classes are designed to improve your confidence with speaking Japanese. Lessons are created around real life situations that you will face when visiting Japan. It’s a great way to practice the Japanese language and use it in conversations with other Japanese speakers and students.
Cost:
- $25 per 60 minute lesson.
All classes are subject to availability and open spots. To book a trial lesson please complete their student application form here.
Enrolment Process
- Complete the student application form online
- Attend a free level check/trial lesson
- Start learning Japanese
If you are located in the Melbourne area and surrounds and are looking for a language school to learn Japanese, Japanese Tutor Melbourne Language & Culture School is the place to go. With group and individual class options, as well as amazing conversation classes to complement your main studies, it’s a great local option for studying and progressing your Japanese language comprehension more than any other school can offer in Melbourne.