Meiji Academy

Even though my course was just for two weeks, I really enjoyed my Japanese language studies at Meiji Academy. The staff was really helpful with a lot of insider information on where to go for cheap and yummy places and also their sightseeing walking tours in Tenjin were a lot of fun. I liked the strong focus on conversation that they applied during the classes. Sometimes we even took the lesson outside the classroom by interviewing people on the streets and ordering food with the staff at restaurants. Good practice, but it took me quite a while to adapt to that "real-life" classroom practises ^o^;;

I took the standard Japanese course for five weeks and I can say that my Japanese improved from literally zero to a decent conversational level. I still have a lot of difficulties to talk Japanese (obviously I have only studied five weeks so far…) but my overall understanding of conversational Japanese is pretty good. Some notes about this great city… Before coming to Fukuoka, I haven’t really heard of the city. Now I realize how underrepresented this lovely cozy city is. Beautiful beaches, great nightlife, abundance of events, and the food…really craving for a bowl of Toncoutsu-Ramen! I really miss the cute little cafes and of course this LINE café in downtown Tenjin ☺

I was doing the Standard Course with additional private classes for six weeks this Spring. I have to say I learnt in this short period more than I have done in my half year Japanese studies before. The teachers are really capable and insist to talk Japanese during the classes all time. The other really good points about their teaching method are their small classes sizes (2-5 people), strong focus on conversational Japanese and role-plays outside of the classroom. Yes! You heard right!! We went outside of the classroom once or twice a week to practice real life situations: - Interviewing locals in the park or pubic places about their recommendations of local foods, rstaurants and hobbies - Buying things at convenient and drug stores - Asking for directions at subway and train stations - Ordering Sushi and other yummy food at restaurants and more! I have to admit, I was quite shy at the beginning, but I really learned so much from this new learning approach. P.S.: Make sure to join their free language exchange events with local high school and university students! Helped my Japanese speaking a lot!!!^_^