Client Comments

Tamie (French, fashion industry) I have been learning Japanese at PY for almost 4 years, and I have to say that it is a great experience to me : 1 lesson per week makes me feel always in progress and motivated. I am lucky enough to have private lessons (not in group), so I can ask freely the meaning of some expressions I hear, even though they are sometimes rather casual. In addition to my progresses in oral conversation, this moment represents for me a fun and interactive moment every week, a moment that helps to make my daily life in Japan wonderful!! Stephen (American, security company) Japanese is difficult, but not impossible, to learn and master. I have studied Japanese for almost 10 years now so I should know. Everyone has their own study style and expectations when they start learning a foreign language. I don't think it's my place to say what is good or what is bad. I think that is up to the individual but perhaps my experience can be of some benefit to the future Japanese students. I studied Japanese for 5 years at college in the United States. During that time I spent one summer as an exchange student in Japan and another as an intern. During my last 2 years I roomed with a Japanese student. I worked in the U.S. for about 2 years (using no Japanese) before coming to Japan where I have worked and lived for the past four years. I have taken and continue to take weekly Japanese lessons. When you first start studying Japanese, I think there are many things which must just be memorized. Later as your ability increases it's good to go back and understand the "why" part but at the beginning focusing too much on the "why" can be an impairment. It's a tricky balance. Using Japanese outside of class is very valuable, too. I was very lucky to room with a Japanese friend and through him meet many other Japanese. My timing was good as well. I don't think I would have gotten as much out of those relationships if I was a beginner. I was at a point where I could pickup new phrases or words gradually and during those two years my Japanese really improved. The same can be said about living in Japan. It's possible to live in Tokyo without speaking or understanding any Japanese. However, if you make the effort to speak and learn as much as possible, it will pay big dividends. I've been a student at PY for almost 4 years now. What I like most is their flexibility. Flexibility in scheduling and in how classes are taught. Classes can be as demanding or as easy-going as you want. The teachers and staff are always asking for feedback and ways to improve the class and thus help you achieve your Japanese goals.