Japanese Studies In Bangkok?

[erikhs]

Hey

I know this is the thai language forum but maybe some of you knows..

Is there anywhere in Bangkok I can study japanese at beginners level up to the The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) /Nihongo Noryoku Shiken? Maybe an intensive study over 6 months?

Thank you

[Gaccha]

Hey

I know this is the thai language forum but maybe some of you knows..

Is there anywhere in Bangkok I can study japanese at beginners level up to the The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) /Nihongo Noryoku Shiken? Maybe an intensive study over 6 months?

Thank you

You have a lot of options. A lot of the language schools that teach Thai, teach Japanese. Piammitr Language School offers Japanese classes at a decent rate for about 2 hours a day. You could increase the intensity by taking classes at another school as well. But what is your aim? You say up to JLPT level. There are four JLPT levels. You will easily pass Level 4 if you get out of bed and attend the 2 hour classes a day for 6 months. With a lot of effort you could pass the Level 3. If you want to pass Level 2, that is virtually impossible, and if you want to pass Level 1 (12,000 words and 1250 chinese characters) then you are dreaming.

For anyone intermediate (passed Level 3 level) and above I would recommend visiting the Japan Foundation where they have a pic'n'mix selection courses: everything from Manga reading studies to drama/movie studies. They have specialist courses to pass the JLPT and they have a large library with a wide selection of test materials, CDs, and DVDs of Japanese movies.

[erikhs]

Hey

I know this is the thai language forum but maybe some of you knows..

Is there anywhere in Bangkok I can study japanese at beginners level up to the The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) /Nihongo Noryoku Shiken? Maybe an intensive study over 6 months?

Thank you

You have a lot of options. A lot of the language schools that teach Thai, teach Japanese. Piammitr Language School offers Japanese classes at a decent rate for about 2 hours a day. You could increase the intensity by taking classes at another school as well. But what is your aim? You say up to JLPT level. There are four JLPT levels. You will easily pass Level 4 if you get out of bed and attend the 2 hour classes a day for 6 months. With a lot of effort you could pass the Level 3. If you want to pass Level 2, that is virtually impossible, and if you want to pass Level 1 (12,000 words and 1250 chinese characters) then you are dreaming.

For anyone intermediate (passed Level 3 level) and above I would recommend visiting the Japan Foundation where they have a pic'n'mix selection courses: everything from Manga reading studies to drama/movie studies. They have specialist courses to pass the JLPT and they have a large library with a wide selection of test materials, CDs, and DVDs of Japanese movies.

Thanks Gaccha, the Japan Fundation sounds cool, im looking to complete level 3 as its the equivalent of Beginners Japanese A at the university i want to apply at.

So, now thats clear, do you have any idea how much the entire course would cost? Also, is there good oppoutunities to practise the language with japanese students at any of the schools or somewhere else?

[ozsamurai]

I teach Japanese up to 2nd level if you are interested or have something to swap. Lived in Japan 20yrs, worked as a professional translator for the Honda Motor Company. Let me know if that interests you. Im in Khlong Toei

[Gaccha]

Hey

I know this is the thai language forum but maybe some of you knows..

Is there anywhere in Bangkok I can study japanese at beginners level up to the The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) /Nihongo Noryoku Shiken? Maybe an intensive study over 6 months?

Thank you

You have a lot of options. A lot of the language schools that teach Thai, teach Japanese. Piammitr Language School offers Japanese classes at a decent rate for about 2 hours a day. You could increase the intensity by taking classes at another school as well. But what is your aim? You say up to JLPT level. There are four JLPT levels. You will easily pass Level 4 if you get out of bed and attend the 2 hour classes a day for 6 months. With a lot of effort you could pass the Level 3. If you want to pass Level 2, that is virtually impossible, and if you want to pass Level 1 (12,000 words and 1250 chinese characters) then you are dreaming.

For anyone intermediate (passed Level 3 level) and above I would recommend visiting the Japan Foundation where they have a pic'n'mix selection courses: everything from Manga reading studies to drama/movie studies. They have specialist courses to pass the JLPT and they have a large library with a wide selection of test materials, CDs, and DVDs of Japanese movies.

Thanks Gaccha, the Japan Fundation sounds cool, im looking to complete level 3 as its the equivalent of Beginners Japanese A at the university i want to apply at.

So, now thats clear, do you have any idea how much the entire course would cost? Also, is there good oppoutunities to practise the language with japanese students at any of the schools or somewhere else?

I was being a little shady on the costs because I'm not sure. The classes at the Japan Foundation are virtually all 1,000 bahts but the information sheet I have doesn't say how long this is for... I think the staff said 4 weeks. I think you might have to take a look. The offices are at the Skytrain/underground junction on Sukhummvit. Google for details. You'll need to go to have a look at the fantastic library. It is very cheap to join.

As for Piammitr, I can't remember the cost, but I remember thinking it was competitive, probably around 3,500 bahts a month.

I think if I was choosing, I would want a class with a Japanese teacher, rather than a thai or a farang, but that is your call: there are pluses and minuses with both. Both the Japan Foundation and Piammitr use both. Piammitr are more than willing to have a chat with you. Just go their offices in the "Trendy" building just off Soi 13 of Sukhummvit. I would personally use both schools as there methods are quite distinct. The Japan Foundation is trying to clean up errors in your Japanese, the language school is trying to ste-by-step progress you. The Japan Foundation has specific classes for passing the Level 2 and Level 1, but not, I'm afraid, Level 3. But hey, just take the "drama class'-- sounds like great fun.

[TonyBkk]

Im looking to take the level 4 exam this Dec, anyone know where I can apply? Is it possible to skip levels, can I go straight for level 3?

I took the level 1(basic) course at Piammitr but didnt like the course material that much, so took level 2 at the brexley institute in the mall Ramkamheang, the teacher here is awesome and they use the nihongo yoroshiku 1 book (but use Thai as the medium for teaching), they limit group sizes to 4. I'm also taking business japanses as my minor is AU, the classes are pretty intense there and they progress very fast, we have to learn about 40 new kanji a week.

[Gaccha]

Im looking to take the level 4 exam this Dec, anyone know where I can apply? Is it possible to skip levels, can I go straight for level 3?

I took the level 1(basic) course at Piammitr but didnt like the course material that much, so took level 2 at the brexley institute in the mall Ramkamheang, the teacher here is awesome and they use the nihongo yoroshiku 1 book (but use Thai as the medium for teaching), they limit group sizes to 4. I'm also taking business japanses as my minor is AU, the classes are pretty intense there and they progress very fast, we have to learn about 40 new kanji a week.

The JLPT is available in Bangkok as well as Chiang Mai and Songklha. 3900 people took it in Bangkok last year. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_lang...ion_in_Thailand

The test is administered by the "Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Administration Committee in Thailand". Give them a ring on (66-2)234-6951.

The Japan Foundation may be able to provide further details.

http://www.jfbkk.or.th/

The exam will be on the 7 December and application forms will be available through August (this is a 1 month period that is quite tight as you need to collect the application, fill it in and send it to them with lots of admin rubbish-- it needs to be filled in in Japanese and can take some time. You will need a Level 3 or above Japanese speaker to fill it in for you). The application forms seem to be available from the same places that the exam will be held. The addresses are in English on this page:

http://www.jfbkk.or.th/jl/announce0136jp.html

Ganbatte!

[Gaccha]

Im looking to take the level 4 exam this Dec, anyone know where I can apply? Is it possible to skip levels, can I go straight for level 3?

I took the level 1(basic) course at Piammitr but didnt like the course material that much, so took level 2 at the brexley institute in the mall Ramkamheang, the teacher here is awesome and they use the nihongo yoroshiku 1 book (but use Thai as the medium for teaching), they limit group sizes to 4. I'm also taking business japanses as my minor is AU, the classes are pretty intense there and they progress very fast, we have to learn about 40 new kanji a week.

...and yes you can skip levels. You could do Level 1 if you wanted. I recommend taking a level you can comfortably pass, as if you fail, you will have to wait a whole year before you get another chance. If you pass, then you get a certificate and you have achieved something. And if you find the exam easy you will get 95%.

[Zolt]

Hi,

Nice to know there's so many people interested in japanese here. I'm planning to go for 1-kyu in december, so I'm going to try and get that application form tomorrow (I hope the guys speak english or japanese). See you on dec 7!

Erikhs, I don't know about schools but I know quite a few japanese students in bangkok who'd be interested in language exchange.

(else you can just post an ad at Fuji supaa).

A few things to know about the JLPT

- There's a huge gap between level 3 and 2. 4 is basically no use at all, 3 is the minimum required by japanese companies in thailand.

- To have any hope of landing a good job in Japan (ie: same level as you've got at home), lvl 2 is barely enough. Level 1 is much harder, but is a huge boost on a resume.

- To get in a reputable japanese uni, you also need level 1.

I passed level 2 after a 6-month intensive study course (was about lvl 4 when I started), chinese students often get level 1 in as much time because they know kanji.