So how does an online lesson work?

We currently use Zoom for our online Japanese lessons. We email a personalised code for students to join an online chat session. During the lesson, students and teacher will see each other on separate windows on screen. Students receive learning materials, homework and feedback in real time via file sharing embedded in the app.

How do I enrol?

Contact us at 0430103660 or email hello@japaneseaustralia.com.au to enrol. We can even schedule a video meeting at your convenience. Once a course and time slot are chosen we will issue an invoice. Once the invoice is paid in full, we are good to go.

How do I know which level to enrol in?

If this is your first time, there’s a 99% chance we’ll place you into a beginner’s course. If you have experience in learning Japanese, we will conduct a quick complimentary assessment over a video call and decide on the most suitable course for you.

What is required for an online lesson?

A personal computer with a video cam, microphone and speakers with at least ADSL internet connection is required for our online lessons. Tablets are ok too; we find smartphones too small for group lessons (What is this? Japanese lessons for ants?) as we also share teaching materials on screen. The bigger the screen, the less we squint.

How do I pay my fees?

Lesson fee is charged monthly. We accept credit cards only - Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

So, what is the direct method?

The direct method means the teacher will teach predominantly in Japanese.

We recommend the following approach:

1. Our instructors are trained to use Japanese only, unless you request otherwise. This will help you get used to hearing and speaking the language right away.

2. If you are having difficulty understanding, don't hesitate to ask your instructor for explanations in English. This will help you overcome any obstacles and keep moving forward.

3. To prepare for your lessons, try reading the grammar notes and memorizing vocabulary before each lesson. This will help you get the most out of your time with the instructor.

4. After each lesson, take some time to review what you have learned. This will help you reinforce your knowledge and improve your retention.

With dedication and practice, you can learn Japanese like a game, and open up a whole new world of communication and culture.

Sheesh, I’m a complete beginner and that sounds full on.

Not at all, the course is structured like a sneaky ninja and before you know it you're dreaming in Japanese. We believe in you and are here to support you every step of the way!

If the teachers only speak Japanese, does it mean they don’t understand English?

On the contrary, all of our teachers have:

1. Finished at least 420 hours of training at a Japanese government accredited training institution, or
2. Completed a Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test, or
3. Completed a Bachelor degree in linguistics

They do understand English, but will only use it as a last resort.

Are all the teachers Japanese?

Yes, all our teachers are native Japanese.

I’m NOT from or in Australia, is that ok?

We welcome all global citizens!

How many students are there in a lesson?

Group lessons: minimum of 2; private lessons: only you ♥︎

Can I try out a lesson before officially enrolling?

Of course. A single 50 minute lesson can be purchased for $30. If you decide to enrol after that, we will deduct it from the full price. Please see our Fees page for more information.

Am I required to purchase a textbook for class?

Yes. $70 for our textbook is compulsory. $120 for textbook with additional grammar and translation note. (Not required but very handy to have!) Price inclusive of postage. The textbook should last you 12-18 months worth of lessons. Delivery via Auspost takes around 5 business days. If the textbook does not arrive on time, our teacher will be able to provide the appropriate materials in the meantime.

Can I change my lessons after enrolment? Eg., from group to private, or from once-a-week to twice-a-week lessons, different day / time?

Yes you can. There will be a $22 administration fee to do so and we require at least 1 week’s notice.

What happens if I miss a lesson?

Unfortunately we do not offer refund.

1. No notice, same-day cancellations, or not attending:

You lose the full lesson. No chance to reschedule.

2. Group lessons:

Please see point one. Even if notice were given, the lesson is lost, and there's no option to reschedule. You can request a discounted private lesson (catch-up lesson) for $35 before the next lesson resumes.

3. Private lesson:

You can request to change the lesson time with at least 7 days' notice. Your teacher will respond within 48 hours, but it depends on their availability. Cancel the original lesson and ask for a new time through your account. Requests made in less than 7 days will be treated as a missed lesson and no rescheduling is available.

What if my lesson falls on a public holiday?

Lessons will be replaced according to the teacher's availability or credited to the studenst the following term. Please talk to your teachers about schedule for public holidays as your teacher would be teaching from where you live.

What is this JLPT?

The JLPT is a standardized test to evaluate and certify Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers, covering grammar, reading, and listening. Go to our JLPT page to learn more.

I’m travelling to Japan soon, how long should I study?

We generally recommend studying for minimum 8 weeks. The first 8 weeks of a beginner's course 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 foundation to understand simple Japanese. We think it's the right amount of time for your mind to get used to speaking with a native Japanese teacher. If you’re travelling next week, we recommend installing Google Translate.

I particularly want to learn ‘business’ Japanese. What do you recommend?

We recommend private lessons. You can work with your teacher to tackle the topics that you would like to focus on the most. If you would like to learn business Japanese, but don't have any previous experience in Japanese at all, it is important that you work with your teacher to first cover the basic structures of Japanese (self introductions, etc.) so that you have a foundation to work towards your goal. If you are are entering a boardroom for negotiation next week, we recommend a translator / interpreter.

I just want to converse in Japanese, which course is the best?

It really depends on your personality. Private lessons are good to study by your own pace. The teacher will focus on your strength and weaknessess, working only for you. On the other hand, group lessons cover reading, writing, listening and speaking, you’ll be interacting not only with the teacher, but also with other students with similar interests. If you find that, after trying a group lesson, that you would still like to focus only in conversations, then private lessons will be best.

If you’re an advanced learner and would like to polish on your conversational skills, please contact us and we’ll work something out.