A couple of months ago, I enrolled at the nearest language school to keep my Japanese from being totally forgotten. This is, of course still part of my multilingual plan born out of my chronic linguistic vanity. I had my first taste of formal Japanese lessons in 2012 when I was still at my old job and had nothing to do during weekends but binge-watch episodes of How I Met Your Mother., sleep, and then binge-watch episodes of anime. Thankfully, ME Nihongo Language and Culture Exchange, Inc. was two blocks away from my apartment in Makati. It was a small establishment, which made the classes really focused. A big plus is that the teachers are actual native speakers from Tokyo. I still remember that during the first class (where we learned the proper poster of bowing in Japan), I realized my love of their culture. Plus, it was also cheap (compared to larger review centers). At P7,000.00 I was essentially ready to take the JLPT N5 level.
After my sensei left for Tokyo, I enrolled at the Ateneo de Manila Japanese studies program, against my reservations that it was, well, in Ateneo. To be honest, right off the bat I was iffy at best during every class because (a) at 8am it was way too early for me (this was still during my wild nightout phase) and (b) I was surrounded by (I don't want to say snooty) Ateneo students. Overall, I learned nothing from the class except that Genki is trash compared to Minna no Nihonggo.
My JLPT N5 course at Unmei Nihonggo Center is nearing it's end and I have found that this language center falls short of what was expected. At P30,000.00 you'd think you'd be able to hold decent conversations with a Japanese at the very least. And that was in compound with my previous learnings. The sensei (a term which I use loosely) -- not a native speaker but has worked in Japan for 3 years and is an N3 passer -- employs a teaching method which is unacceptable considering the fee that we paid. Anyway, I'm happy the end is nearing because I have decided to finally take the JLPT next December, so I have a little over 4 months to prepare. Whether N4 or N5 I'm still reeling it over since the exam is only held twice a year. It might be a good idea to dust off my old review materials, too and start learning by myself.
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