Enrollment Steps

My first introduction to Nihongo-Pro was via a sound check from Steve. The sound check provided so much more than just verifying the technology would work. I learned so much about learning Japanese, cultural features in the study, and Nihongo-Pro’s options.

I was paired with my current teacher Michiko Nakano sensei. I have been taking regular Japanese lessons for three months and have learned so much in these past months. Michiko sensei is kind, patient, and has an astute ability to see precisely where my learning difficulties are. She gently helps me understand and focus on these areas. Additionally, she is quick to point out areas of strength and to reinforce all of the learning we are doing together regularly. Following each lesson, she provides me with a “lesson file” which includes the material covered and any new vocabulary. I am then able to review the lesson and vocabulary to reinforce the study. I cannot believe how much Japanese I have been able to learn in a short time. Although I have so much more to learn, I am well launched on understanding some of the fundamentals of the Japanese language through my studies with Michiko sensei.

Michiko sensei is not only a gifted teacher, she is also a warm and interesting person, willing to share her own experiences both in the United States and in Japan. She is open and personable and highly flexible. When a topic arises such as dining at a Japanese restaurant, sports, or where my travels in Japan will take me, she is quick to produce a link in the online classroom to enhance my understanding and experience. I have also found her flexible with re-scheduling classes, when my schedule does not allow me to take the class at my regular time.

A note about Nihongo-Pro would not be complete without a word about Steve. He has been extremely responsive regarding any issues related to technology or administration. I also found him incredibly personable and engaging, helpful, and generous with his time. To anyone looking for online Japanese lessons, I would recommend Nihongo-Pro and Michiko sensei without a moment’s hesitation.

I find writing the journal very useful as it allows me to express my experiences in Japanese and it makes it easy to identify mistakes I make while writing. The pace of the classes is appropriate and if I need more time on a certain Japanese grammar point Arai-sensei will make time for it. Being a foreign tourist, I also appreciate the occasional explanation of Japanese culture in conjunction with lessons.

Since I work evenings it is important to me to have a consistent schedule to learn and Nihongo-Pro allows me to do this while still maintaining flexibility when I occasionally need to make a change to the schedule. The Nihongo-Pro classroom is well designed and allows for a customized lesson. While I still have a long way to go with my Japanese studies, I look forward to continuing my learning with Arai-sensei through Nihongo-Pro.