Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Exit Minato Mirai Line Motomachi Chukagai exit no.3 and turn right. Bayside Academy is on the 6th floor (Room 602) in the second apartment building (Clio Remington)
From JR Ishikawacho Station, walk straight down through Motomachi past Starbucks. Upon reaching the corner with the police box, make a left. Cross the Yatobashi Bridge and go over the large intersection. We are on the 6th floor of the second apartment building (as above).
From YIS, St. Maur, or the Korean Consulate – go down the hill with the Harbourview Park on the right. Turn left at the bottom past the subway entrance and then turn right at the police box corner. Cross the Yatobashi Bridge and walk over the large intersection. We are on the 6th floor of the second apartment building on the left (as above).
About the Lessons
How do I know if there is a class that fits my level?
Please arrange a meeting with us! Tell us what you would like covered in your classes and we will help design appropriate courses for you.
How many hours can I take per day?
For private lessons - it is up to you.
How many lessons can I take per week?
This depends on your schedule. We offer intensive course discounts if you take more than 6 hours per week.
Do you recommend private or group classes?
We recommend private classes if you are busy or have specific topics to cover. However, if you would like to have lessons with friends, colleagues, spouses, or families, group lessons are available. If we see multiple people with similar language abilities and goals, we can group candidates too. This is popular with the ladies’ group lessons!
Can I join a group lesson at any time or do I have to wait for the beginning of a semester?
As long as there is a suitable group, you can join at any time!
We would like group lessons at our office. Is this possible?
We do have teachers that can commute to your office. This can be during office hours but an early bird, lunchtime, and evening lessons can also be arranged.
I do not want to learn hiragana or katakana. Is that possible?
Most definitely. We can use romaji (using the alphabet) so you do not have to learn or work with Japanese characters.
I would like to learn basic Japanese skills for shopping and traveling. How many lessons do I need?
The beginner's course covers basic daily conversation techniques over 30 lessons. You will learn useful and relevant Japanese conversation skills meant for daily life.
I would like to be able to do business in Japanese. How long would that take?
A lot depends on your working environment and how frequently you use Japanese. In the past, we have had students pass the Japanese Proficiency Test Level 1 and JETRO business Japanese language exams. Yet, you would have to learn kanji and work on vocabulary so it will take at least 2-3 years.
I am interested in learning about Japanese culture (e.x. tea ceremony, ikebana, and cooking). Do you have courses for these?
We do not have a specific course but we can discuss the various aspects of these in our conversation classes.
Scheduling
When do the new terms start?
New terms start in September and January, but applications are welcome at any time of your convenience.
Can I just take lessons for 1 month in the summer?
We offer summer, winter, and spring holiday intensive courses. Please let us know what you would like to learn and we will draw up an appropriate curriculum.
I have many business trips. How do we decide the lesson schedule?
At the beginning of each month, we plan lessons for the immediate 1-2 months for reservations. You can decide dates depending on your business trips and general schedule.
What do I do if I need to cancel my lesson?
If you call us with 24 hours' notice, we can reschedule your lesson once. If you fail to contact us or cancel on the day, we will charge the full price.
When is the school closed?
We are closed during the New Year and for Obon. If you need to have lessons during these periods, please notify us and we will do our best to make suitable arrangements.
Application and Tuition
How do I apply for lessons?
Please e-mail or phone us and we will get back to you. We will first arrange a meeting and ask you to submit your application.
When do I pay the tuition?
We ask that you pay in advance but if there are specific company policies, we will consider these. Please discuss with us directly!
Visas and Accommodation
Can I get a student visa?
No, we do not provide student visas.
Is there student housing for your school?
We do not offer student housing. However, weekly rental apartment rooms can be found nearby.