FAQ

Q1: What are the features of the JF Nihongo courses?

All JF Nihongo courses focus on practical activities which may occur in daily life or business situations and set up specific goals which can be applied in real life in Japan.  Through the JF Nihongo courses, you can assess yourself to see what you can do now in Japanese, what you need to learn, and what you will be able to do upon completion of the course.

Q2: What is JF Standard?

JF Standard, developed by The Japan Foundation, is a tool to help think about teaching, teaching, and learning in Japanese-language education. Based on JF Standard, a learner’s proficiency is not measured by whether grammatical structures or vocabulary are memorized, or how many chapters of the textbook are covered.   Instead, it measures what the learner “can do” in Japanese as the need arises in a specific context.  JF Standard makes it possible to grasp a learner’s proficiency and knowledge in a more practical manner.

Q3: Why are JF Nihongo courses not divided into common levels such as "Beginner", "Intermediate", or "Advanced"?

Each JF Nihongo course is designed with “Can-do” statements in mind, which describe specific themes and learning goals; what learners want to be able to do after taking a course.  These courses cannot be divided using common levels because the common levels are based on overall proficiency.

Q4: What are JF Standard levels, such as A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2?

Instead of the common levels, JF Standard classifies using six “Can-do” levels, which are based on CEFR, the basis of language education in Europe (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), so that learners can clearly self assess how much they can achieve toward their learning goals. Note that the “Can-do” levels are applicable only for the proficiency of certain language activities in the course, but not overall proficiency.

Q5: What materials are used in the course?

We use “MARUGOTO” STARTER (A1 LEVEL), KATSUDOO (ACTIVITIES). 

 

For new students: You must purchase your own textbook which is available in AMAZON or Kinokuniya USA.  It usually takes 1-2 weeks to be delivered.

For past students who have taken our class in the past and already purchased MARUGOTO textbook: No need to purchase a new textbook since you will be using the same textbook (the white ones, not the pink ones).

 

Q6:  Do you offer a course that focuses on a conversation?

Depending on the course goal, some courses offer more conversational practice. Please read the course description and objectives to determine which course you should choose.  We will offer regular meeting times for free conversation practice with native speakers of Japanese in the near future.

Q7:  Are JF Nihongo courses useful for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)?

Although there is no guarantee that you will pass the JLPT, every course can be useful and will contribute to your understanding and knowledge of the Japanese language.

Q8: How large are your classes?  Do the courses have age restrictions?

The maximum number of students per class is 10.  All courses are open to individuals 18 years or older.

Q9: What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation and refund requests must be received via e-mail (jflacourse@jpf.go.jp) by the cancellation deadline for a full refund.  You may change your course level (if space is available) before the cancellation deadline, but no changes are allowed after the deadline.

Q10: How do I choose the correct course Level?

Read each course description, and choose one that has activities and themes that fit your interest.  Read the self-check list for the course you are interested in to check if the course is a good fit.