language school

[Sharvani]

Does anyone know where i can go to school to learn Japanese in Okinawa? I can only do it part time and i am not in the military. I have been here 4 months and i will probably stay for alot longer but i have to work too. I want to be back in a school enviroment because i cant seem to motivate myself for too long :p anyway thanks

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

There is Mimi's on Kokusai Dori, across from Mitsukoshi (2nd floor). She sometimes has weekday mornings and/or afternoon slots available for private or group lessons. One of her former English students set up his own Japanese/English language schools near the Yui-rail Onoyama Koen Station. I can't remember the name of the school or find the homepage, but his name is Wataru and his number is 090-1945-3896.

[okisteve]

I think the one that Eelecurb is referring to is called ICLC - Int'l Language something something. That and Nichia Language Academy are the only two large and successful ones on the island. They both have classes all morning, 5 days a week. If you need classroom motivation (like me), you won't find Mimi's very useful, although it is super-cheap.

I am currently enrolled at Nichia, returning after a one-term absence. I am the only non-Chinese student. That in itself is not a problem, but the Chinese students naturally have a lot less trouble than me with the Japanese kanji. At ICLC they get a wider mix of Asian students, so they spend more time teaching kanji. It is a bit more expensive than Nichia too. Please PM me is you want more info about Nichia (it is located near the Yui-rail Asato Station).

I see you live in Yomitan - either of the schools would be a long haul to get to class, unfortunately.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Japanese Language Learning

Learning the Japanese language is a good idea if you plan to live in Okinawa for a long time (or even a short time). Fortunately, the Urasoe City International Relations Association offers Introductory Level Japanese Language courses once or twice each year at the Community Center Annex. The classes are free; there is only a nominal fee for membership in the association and for the educational materials.
For more comprehensive courses, check out the following:

International Center of Language and Culture (ICLC), Naha Tel. (098) 859-3881 The 1 year course is about ¥800,000, and the 1 and a half year course is about ¥1,127,000.
Nichia Foreign Language Academy, Naha (Asato) Tel. (098) 886-3117
Cross Cultural Communication Center, Ginowan Tel. (098) 893-6467 The CCCC contains an accredited Japanese Language School as part of its program to teach Japanese Language and culture to people of Okinawan descent who grew up abroad (particularly in South America).
There are also Universities in Okinawa, such as Okinawa University and The University of the Ryukyus (Ryūkyū Daigaku), which accept foreign students. You may also want to look at the Japan Student Services Organization (http://www.jasso.go.jp/index_e.html) (JASSO).
http://8761234.jp/kokusai/guidebook/education.html

The one I'm thinking of has only been open about a year. The one's Steve mentioned are different. The ICLC has a good reputation, and I know several former students with very good levels in Japanese language. They do prefer students engaged or married to Japanese nationals, and second/third/fourth generation Japanese emmigrant returnees, and give them preferential registration. Any remaining slots are open for the rest of us. Nichia has a reputation as a visa factory for Chinese wishing to live & work in Okinawa, so as to save and send money home. A friend claims the owner admitted as much when he went to check the school out. I don't think I know any former or current students, so Steve would be a better bet for info regarding the quality of the instruction.

[okisteve]

In addition to a very intensive course that is meant to prepare students for university-level course work, I think Ryudai offers a much more basic and very part-time course, maybe for spouses etc of students - I'm not remembering it exactly.

Correct about Nichia - probably 1/3 of the students are there for the visa and work, but in a way that's an advantage for the rest because they tend to nap quietly during class :). The level and quality of instruction is excellent though, and many students have passed the higher level exams and have also entered universities here. One Chinese girl I know just gained admission via the fast track to Ryudai.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

In addition to a very intensive course that is meant to prepare students for university-level course work, I think Ryudai offers a much more basic and very part-time course, maybe for spouses etc of students - I'm not remembering it exactly.

Yes, Ryudai has a good intensive program. I know a couple guys that are basically fluent after a one year course (and another year or two residence on Okinawa). More info at:

http://www.cc.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/~insc/en/to-ryu/j-course01.htm

[Sharvani]

thanks i will have to check some of thoes out. If i can't find something that suits me i might just have to get a private tutor :p

[okisteve]

Good luck....

Also, my experience in finding a private tutor who really knows how to teach a language has been pretty poor. Maybe 2 out of 6 that I've had were competent.

You could also try Japan Online School if you have a webcam. Their teachers are very good and you also have a large choice so if you are not happy with one you are free to try someone else. They are a little expensive but competitive with going rates for private tutors.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Found the homepage for that place near Onoyama Koen Station. It's called Oroku Language School.

http://www4.plala.or.jp/oroku/

More lesson options can be found in the JU classifieds section, under lessons offered.

[Sharvani]

oh thanks, that last one looks like what i am looking for. ^_^ appreciate it!

[rosk0e]

awesome information guys. thanks!
all the japanese i have learned, i have learned from friends. I didnt learn until recently that most phrases can be gender-specific; which explains some of the looks i get when i attempt conversations. i definitely need to "unlearn" and attend a school