Learning a new language in college is one of the smartest things to do, and is especially true for Japanese. You might already be a bit interested in Japan and its culture, you may even be planning on a study abroad to Japan. You may be even looking to study Japanese to help with your international business career, or you could be a fan of anime. Whichever the case may be, Japanese is incredibly helpful in those situations, and it can definitely help you elsewhere too. And for the best part, you can finally take part-time Japanese classes and not take time away from your social life, and it will not interfere with your academic schedule.

This guide will show you how you can take part time Japanese classes, how to choose classes that fit your practice schedule, which formats you can take, and most importantly, how to get ready to take the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).

Why College Students Are Choosing to Learn Japanese

Japanese is one of the most popular languages worldwide. Many college students are also seeing the value of learning it. Japan is still one of the biggest economies and knowing Japanese can give you a big advantage in tech, finance, engineering, fashion, and entertainment. Even if you don't consider reasons for learning Japanese, it is known to improve memory, cognitive skills, and expand cultural knowledge.

Students balancing classes, internships, and extracurriculars find time to be the biggest challenge when trying to learn a language. Because of that, part time and online Japanese classes have become popular around the world.

What Are Part-Time Japanese Language Courses?

A part-time Japanese language course can fit your busy schedule. Full-time courses usually take you to classes every day. A part-time course can take you to classes two to four times a week or let you take classes wherever and whenever you want, at your own pace. These courses can be taken around your schedule, and they teach you all the basics of the Japanese language.

Some common formats are:

• Classes at language institutes on weekends or after work

• Taught online classes for students via video

• Self-paced virtual classes of your own choosing with structured lessons

• A mixture of classes that lets you take teaching through lessons and then gives you a chance to come and practice with the teacher

• University elective credits in the Japanese language

Benefits of a Flexible Japanese Language Course for Students

Here are some of the benefits of choosing a flexible Japanese language course around a student's lifestyle:

1. Study On Your Own Time: Whether it's a lesson, grammar, or a listening exercise you want to get a better grip on, online and hybrid courses offer the tools and resources needed to repeat lessons. Traditional classrooms come with those lessons once, and that's the end of it.

2. Save Money: You're losing a lot less money with part-time courses than you would with full-time schools or immersion programs abroad.

3. Learn The Skills You Need: Specialized tracks give you the desired skills, whether that's business Japanese, conversation, or even preparing you for the JLPT exam.

4. Study With The Best: Use services to be connected with native, certified Japanese speakers with the best authenticity in pronunciation.

5. Study Whenever You Like: Whatever your available time is, whether it's a free Sunday morning or a 30-minute break in between lectures, that's all you need to have part-time classes on your schedule.

How to Learn Japanese for Students: A Step-by-Step Approach

Here is a simple guide if you have just begun your journey of teaching Japanese to students:

Step 1 - Acquire the Scripts: First, you learn phonetics, then the scripts. Scripts are Hiragana and Katakana. These are basic Japanese scripts. You can acquire them in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your constant practice.

Step 2 - Build Basic Vocabulary: When you are a complete beginner, it’s essential to learn simple vocabulary like greetings, numbers, time, food, and how to give directions. You can also avail yourself of the help of apps like Anki or Duolingo to further assist you.

Step 3 - Learn Core Grammar: Japanese and English have very different sentence structures. The most practical approach is to learn through a course since they will teach you how to learn particles, how to conjugate verbs, and how to use the appropriate level of politeness (keigo).

Step 4 - Kanji is a Must: At a bare minimum, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5 requires you to know 100 kanji, so it is better to have a study plan and gradually add kanji to the list of things you study daily.

Step 5 - Speaking Practice is Key: Attend meetups for language discussion, or take lessons with a native speaker/tutoring for language exchange.

JLPT Preparation Classes: Why They Matter

The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) divides learners into 5 categories of Japanese speakers, N5-N1. N5 is the beginner category, while N1 is the advanced. Since 1991, JLPT has been the international standard for evaluating Japanese language skills.

Taking JLPT prep courses will give you the knowledge you need to gain an N5-N1 rank. These courses are formatted like the test and include sample activities for each language category. For students looking to create a competitive résumé with a world-wide accepted language credential, JLPT is an essential certification.

Almost every part-time language school has 8 to 12 week prep courses for the twice-a-year JLPT (July and December) that are in high demand by language learners heading to Japan for study or work.

Choosing the Right Online Japanese Language Classes for Students

With so many options now available for online Japanese classes, how do you know which ones to choose? Below are some tips to help select which online Japanese classes suit you best.

• Qualified Instructors: It’s best to choose courses taught by educators who have received certification and have had training in teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language (TJFL).

• Structured Curriculum: Less chaotic courses that are more valuable are those that are aligned to a clear progression of the JLPT levels or the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

• Live Interaction: If your goal is conversation practice, you should avoid platforms that have pre-recorded content. Instead, choose platforms that have live classes.

• Student Reviews: Before selecting a platform, look at reviews from other college students. It will give you an idea of the course’s pace, flexibility, and general value.

• Trial Classes: A lot of online learning institutes provide free trial lessons. Make sure to choose a platform that offers one.

Final Thoughts

Plenty of people say Japanese is one of the hardest languages for English speakers, and while that's true to an extent, it's possible to get the hang of it even while balancing a full course load in college. The most important thing is looking for a part-time Japanese course that's suited to your individual learning habits and personal needs.

Part-time courses that regularly offer new lessons and take a flexible approach to learning make reaching your goals of fluency, especially conversational fluency, and preparing for the JLPT, possible. You've got nothing to lose by giving it a shot today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How long does it take to learn basic Japanese in a part-time course?

If you want to learn Japanese and take a part-time class with a commitment of 4-6 hours a week, you should be able to have basic conversations and reach the JLPT N5 level in about 3-6 months.  N4 or N3 can be reached with an additional year or two of study, combined with independent practice.  Your motivation and study habits are crucial in determining the results you achieve.

Q2. Are online Japanese language classes for students as effective as in-person classes?

Yes — as long as the course has real-time participation, qualified instructors, and an organized curriculum. Online language learning has the same potential to achieve learning outcomes as face-to-face learning, with the added benefit of flexible timing, which is a huge advantage for students, the busiest of learners. Research indicates that the same or better results can be seen through online programs that foster interactive language learning. In fact, with college students, you can strategically plan sessions to harmonize with your lectures, exams, and other commitments, so the campus geography and the online Japanese language sessions make a great fit for the busiest of learners/students.

Q3. Do I need any prior knowledge of Japanese to enroll in a part-time Japanese course?

Definitely not. Beginner-level Japanese courses don’t expect any knowledge. These classes will teach you hiragana, katakana, vocab, and useful phrases, which you will add on to as you progress through the material. A majority of the students who sign up probably know only anime and pop culture vocabulary, and that's completely alright.

Q4. What is the best level of JLPT to aim for as a college student?

Learning Japanese can be quite the experience, especially for those who are inclined to learn on their own. For about a year or two of attending Japanese language lessons, it is reasonable to aim for certification at the JLPT N5 or N4 levels. This is especially so if your end goal is to list Japanese skills on your CV. N5 is considered to be knowledge of the Japanese language at a basic level and, for those who want to be competitive in schooling or the workforce in Japan, people are usually expected to have at least the JLPT N3. If you are targeting a higher level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, then it is advisable to join study classes that specifically aim to cover JLPT.

Q5. Can a flexible Japanese language course help me prepare for studying in Japan?

Definitely. A good Japanese course will help you with your basics that you will require to interact with the basics of university life and interact with people in Japan. While a course like this helps you with your language skills, it helps to combine it with cultural studies to bring you up to speed. Try to get in as many writing and speaking sessions with native Japanese speakers as possible. Many students who've committed to 1-2 year of part-time studies of Japanese have found themselves ready and able to speak as soon as they land in Japan.