Private lessons may provide the motivation and instruction to get you to the next level. Listed here are various resources at your disposal. If you know any other private or public resources, please let us know!

AIEOU

Where: Oita City, Compal Hall, 2nd floor.

Every Thursday at 6:30 PM, Japanese volunteers tutor foreigners in nihongo specifics. It is a relaxed atmosphere with friendly tutors eager to be of assistance. A possible downside of this little gathering is that what you learn, how fast you go, how you proceed is completely up to you. It is your job to bring material to work on and to set goals for yourself to conquer. The Oita International Plaza is a good place to check for updated information and schedules.

Inihongo Japanese Language School

Where: Oita City, above Banjiro restaurant, next to Compal Hall.

A small, personable Japanese language school, this facility is run by Kataoka-sensei. It’s a good place to go if you need someone to set goals for you, give you homework, vocabulary lists and other materials. If you`re interested in studying for the JLPT, Kataoka-sensei is accustomed to and proficient in preparing her students. Depending on your schedule and zeal, most JETs tend to go for an hour every week to the school. Group lessons cost ¥8,500 per person for 4 one-hour classes. Individual tuition is also available at a cost of ¥4,000 per hour. A free trial lesson is offered to all potential students. For further details please see www.inihongo.com.

Kumon

Where: A national franchise located all over Japan.

There are no actual classes as such. You listen to the CD and do the worksheets at home, then take them to a Kumon school where they are marked. You then read aloud to your teacher, and self-correct your mistakes. You can study at your local Kumon school (they are everywhere!) or by correspondence. For roughly ¥8000 a month, you can go to school as often as you like. Ask about the free two week trial they offer from time to time. You can order a free information pack in English at the Kumon website.