Oku Sensei’s Japanese does not offer College credit options, but instead has a course structure and system in place to specifically prepare students for all levels of JLPT certification (Japanese Language Proficiency Test). The JLPT is the world standard for Japanese Language Proficiency, and provides Schools and Employers with a strong objective measurement of a person’s Japanese Language Capabilities. For those who wish to utilize Japanese professionally, JLPT certification of at least the second highest level (N2) is required, regardless if that person has graduated with a degree in Japanese Language studies or not. As such, Oku Sensei’s Japanese has designed a specialized system for students to be able to take the highest University level of Japanese Language Education, and prepare in the best way possible for the JLPT Exams. This combined with unbeatable online flexibility and prices that any student can afford, Oku Sensei’s Japanese looks to be on the forefront of bringing high level Japanese Language Education to everyone.
All Semester courses have a 2 week open course period, where you are free to cancel your registration within two weeks of the first course. However, after this 2 week period your registration will be locked in for the rest of the semester, and you will be unable to cancel your registration. Once your registration is locked in, you will be responsible for paying upon each scheduled course session until the end of the semester. Attendance is at the student’s discretion, but no refunds will be given for unattended classes. This system is in place to avoid the situation in which students drop the course midway, preventing other students who would have liked to join the course from joining. This is very similar to the add and drop period & semester payment systems found at most Universities.
No problem at all! Just log into your account, click on the desired course in your weekly planner, and click the "Cancel" button on the "Courses" tab! In order to reschedule, simply sign up for the course again at your desired time after canceling through the site. Please note that all cancellations or rescheduling must be done within 24 hours of your lesson time. Any cancellations or reschedules done less than 24 hours before your lesson will be non-refundable.
Absolutely! During our initial free 30-minute consultation, we can discuss the course(s) you might be interested in taking, and you can try them out with no commitment and free cancellations. If you don't feel like it's for you, there are no obligations to continue the class, and you are free to try again anytime if you want to. Take your time and see what classes are right for you!
Absolutely! First, you and your friend(s) need to make an Oku Sensei's Japanese account. Once each of you has made an account, you can select the course you would like to take, enter in the names and emails of you and your friend(s), and schedule your private lesson for up to 3 people at the time you have discussed with Oku Sensei!
Any children would be more than welcome! It would be a wonderful idea to start learning a foreign language and culture at an early age. I appreciate any parent(s) who want their child to learn different languages and cultures. I will have regular and close communication with the parent(s) of the child to let her (him) know how their child is making progress in learning Japanese. In turn, I believe that this close communication will also encourage parent(s) to inspire their child to continue learning Japanese language and culture.s
My last lesson would end at 8pm (USA, Pacific Time). I offer my classes from 10am to 8pm (USA, Pacific Time) on Weekdays. This would mean that the latest possible lesson of the day would be a course starting at 7:00pm (USA, Pacific Time). Inversely, my first lesson begins at 10am every day (Pacific Time).
Due to the number of students, it isn’t possible to answer large quantities of complicated linguistic and cultural questions via email. Email is strictly reserved for asking general questions about course offerings, registration, or other administrative functions. For any course content related questions, you can take advantage of the 'Quick Review Session' class. This short class can be used for any type of material review or questions that you may have while taking one of the 4 main private lesson courses or 8 semester courses offered at Oku Sensei's Japanese. To schedule a quick review session, log into your account, select the quick review session, and schedule a time that you would like to take it (If you do not already have a quick review session placed in your regular weekly course schedule). Please note that this course is only available to current students taking one or more of the 4 main private lesson courses or 8 semester courses per week.
Absolutely! Please explain in detail during our initial free 30-minutes consultation as to what you want to accomplish in 3 months. Do you want to focus more on speaking, or do you want to improve your overall Japanese language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing)? Do you need to get JLPT certification before you are transferred, or can you get it during your stay in Japan? Depending on your goals, I will make up a realistic weekly study plan scheduled for a 3 month period, adjusting when needed while watching your progress carefully.
It says 'Oku'. That is my Japanese family name expressed in kanji (The Chinese characters used in Japanese). I come from a very old and traditional Japanese family that has been caring for the same plot of family land since the early 1700s (Edo period). My family land and family name represent the foundations of who I am, and as such I wanted to make it a part of the symbol of my Language Academy.