8 key points for choosing online Japanese conversation classes

Japanese firms are embracing a growing influx of foreign workers, with their numbers surpassing 1.8 million in 2023. This marks an all-time high since 2007, when reporting foreign employment status became mandatory.

In this evolving landscape, skill in Japanese language communication has emerged as a critical challenge when recruiting international talent.

In this article, we’ll explore eight key factors to consider when selecting an online Japanese language course. The focus will be on lessons that emphasize conversational skills and overall communication ability.

The importance of improving foreign workers’ Japanese conversation and communication skills

According to data from Japan’s labor bureau on challenges in hiring and employing foreign employees, 20.7% of companies reported that foreign employees’ Japanese language proficiency falls short of required standards, and 19.6% cited frequent issues in communicating with Japanese employees. This highlights the critical challenge of enhancing Japanese language communication skills.

For Japanese companies welcoming an increasing number of foreign workers, improving their Japanese language abilities is a crucial task. Acquiring Japanese is essential for smooth communication. However, face-to-face learning is often difficult, making online Japanese classes an attractive option. Online learning offers flexible schedules and can be accessed from any location, making it ideal for busy professionals. This can enhance both company efficiency and teamwork.

For more details, please refer to this article:

Link

Eight key points for choosing online Japanese conversation classes

Point 1: Company credibility and reputation

When selecting a provider for online Japanese conversation lessons, it’s crucial to verify the company’s credibility and track record. A reputable company will be supported by many students and will have provided consistent, stable services over a long period. You can assess a company’s reliability by looking at factors such as its year of establishment, the number of courses offered and success stories of past students. You should check reviews on both the company’s official website and independent review platforms. Opt for a provider that receives a large amount of positive feedback from its users.

Point 2: Quality and experience of instructors

The quality and experience of teachers greatly influence the effectiveness of online Japanese conversation lessons. Excellent teachers can provide effective instruction tailored to learners’ needs and boost their motivation. It is important to check the teachers’ qualifications in Japanese education, years of experience and feedback from past students. Teachers should have a deep understanding of different cultures and be able to cater to learners from diverse backgrounds. This ensures that learners can study with confidence.

Point 3: Curriculum content and flexibility

The content and flexibility of the curriculum are crucial for effective Japanese language acquisition. To develop practical conversation skills useful in business settings and daily life, the curriculum should include specific and applicable content. It’s important that a wide range of courses are offered, catering to learners from beginner to advanced levels. Additionally, check if lessons can be flexibly adjusted to fit the learner’s schedule. This allows students to progress effectively at their own pace.

Point 4: Ease of use of the learning platform

The format and interactivity of online Japanese conversation classes are important for deepening learners’ understanding. One-on-one lessons via real-time video calls and small group discussion lessons are effective. These formats provide learners with opportunities to use Japanese in real conversational situations. Using interactive materials and practice exercises makes it easier to retain learning content. Check the lesson formats and interactivity offered by the company and choose the method that suits you best.

Point 5: Flexibility of lesson schedules

The format and interactivity of online Japanese conversation lessons are important for deepening learners’ understanding. One-on-one lessons via real-time video calls and small group discussion lessons are effective. These formats provide learners with opportunities to use Japanese in real conversational situations. Using interactive materials and practice exercises makes it easier to retain learning content. Check the lesson formats and interactivity offered by the company and choose the method that suits you best.

Point 6: Price and cost effectiveness

When selecting a company for online Japanese conversation classes, the cost and pricing structure are important factors. It is essential to choose a service that fits your company’s budget. Evaluate cost effectiveness by considering not just the price, but also the quality of services, materials and support provided. If multiple employees are taking the courses, check for group discounts or special plans for companies. Proper budget management ensures sustainable support for continuous learning.

Point 7: Support system and feedback

To maximize the effectiveness of an online Japanese conversation course, a robust support system and appropriate feedback are essential. Ensure that there is a system in place where learners can receive immediate support when they encounter difficulties and that progress is regularly checked with feedback provided. This helps learners identify their weaknesses and receive specific advice for improvement. Choosing a company with a high-quality support system and feedback can significantly enhance learning outcomes.

Point 8: Student reviews and reputation

Student reviews and reputation are crucial sources of information when choosing a company for online Japanese conversation classes. By checking the opinions of learners who have actually taken lessons from the company, you can understand the quality of the service and the level of satisfaction. Check review sites, social media and the company’s official website for reviews, and choose a company that receives high ratings from many students. By checking specific success stories and feedback on learning outcomes, you can find a company that suits your needs.

Summary: Key points for choosing an online Japanese conversation service

We hope you found this useful. By keeping these key points in mind, you can select the best online Japanese conversation lesson provider and maximize your learning outcomes.  Sustained language learning support will elevate communication across your entire organization.