All lessons are communication skills based Japanese classes. The program includes testing and revision classes. The classes require preparation time and private study. You will need to prepare for classes and submit homework tasks. All students also have free access to the online resources being produced for Yamasa's online distance learning campus (the OCJS) as they are published.

Classes are taught via the direct method. The fastest way to learn Japanese is to be taught in Japanese and hear nothing else. Japanese is the language of instruction, however all of the texts at elementary level also have supporting translations and grammatical notes available in a range of foreign languages and other multilingual aids. You will be able to prepare your lessons in advance so that you can understand the Japanese language only lessons. The program concentrates on communication skills - learning to speak and understand Japanese.

Please note that even though Discovery programs are short courses, Romaji - the Roman alphabet - is not used in instruction. From the initial lessons, you will be reading and writing exclusively in Japanese. This is for a number of reasons including; (a) the highly multinational nature of the student body, (b) the fact that use of Romaji oftens retards correct pronunication and (c) you will not be using Romaji later when you put your Japanese to use - so it makes sense to learn real Japanese from the outset. For more information please browse through the levels and curriculum section.

Kanji Dictionary Support

Notes regarding Kanji: The Discovery program has an emphasis on improving listening and speaking skills, although you will also learn to read in Japanese. At intermediate level you will need to study some Kanji. At the elementary level you do not need to be able to read the Kanji as all of the texts have "furigana" (the reading of each kanji indicated with small hiragana - (see the curriculum section). However, if Kanji is one of your study objectives you can of course study the Kanji and various learning aids and faculty assistance will be made available throughout your program. In the group formats (SILAC & Acceleration), the writing of Kanji is not covered in the 23 or 28 classes per week, though it can be covered in the CALL seminars or private lessons. Bringing a good kanji dictionary is helpful, although if you bring a laptop computer you will also have free access to the yamasa.org online Kanji dictionary (all of your classrooms have internet connections). In the private class formats 18 or 12 classes per week, you can choose exactly what you would like to study.

Correct grammar use is a major focus. It is a key objective of the program that you will be able to communicate using precise and correct grammar. As a result a large number of classes are discussion based classes interacting with both Yamasa faculty and your fellow students. Faculty members focus on correcting errors and keeping the communication skill level rising.

Notes regarding preparation: Your mistakes are always corrected. This is why lesson preparation and homework is so important. Particularly in the seminar format, where there is a lot of time allocated to debates, role-plays, and conversational fluency, lack of preparation will prevent you from making the most of your opportunities.

In addition students can choose to participate in an optional culture program that is paid for separately and is offered on Friday afternoons or weekends. During the summer you may need to reserve a place in the culture program, as availability is limited compared to the number of applicants. The cost of the activity will vary depending upon the event or destination. For details of the culture program schedule, please browse the ACE schedule or contact us.