The purpose of the Practical Conversation Course is to develop oral communication skills and to enable students to enjoy life in Japan. In order to achieve this goal, the curriculum is structured into practical situations that students would likely encounter in their daily lives in Japan.
Levels 1 through 5 can be completed in 4 weeks per level. Level 5 can be extended for up to 16 weeks. Practical Conversation “Course 20” offers an elective class every day, recommended for those who wish to improve reading and writing skills.
Original Textbooks
The original textbooks in the Practical Conversation Courses are structured with situations that students would likely encounter in their daily lives in Japan. Along with learning practical vocabulary and expressions, you will learn basic Japanese grammar from a visually- illustrated-textbook to enhance efficient learning and understanding.
Small-Group Class Lessons
The maximum number of students per class is 12. Our teachers will provide you with a welcoming atmosphere and thorough individual attention to each of the students. The lessons are conducted mainly through group work to maximize students’ conversational practices.
Small Steps
Each week, students learn a new unit and each level is completed by finishing 4 units. Students are assigned homework every day and have a review test every week. By doing this, students will build up steady progress each week, one step at a time.
Elective Classes (reading, writing, and cultural understanding)
For those who also wish to learn reading, writing, and culture, the practical conversation course has a 50-minute elective class every day. Classes include writing (hiragana, katakana, and kanji), reading comprehension, dictation, vocabulary, etc. Students can choose their electives based on their reading and writing skills. In addition, Japanese cultural experiences (tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami, sushi making, etc.), as well as cultural instruction classes (religion, hot springs, Japanese cuisine, etc.) are offered.
Assessment
Students’ progress is evaluated by weekly review tests, a final interview, and class performance as well as the attendance rate and homework submission rate. Students need to maintain a 70% or higher to advance to the next level.
* The elective classes are decided based on your proficiency test on the first day.
* The lesson time also depends on the elective classes.
Level 1 – To Experience Tokyo –
This level is for complete beginners. At this level, students learn basic Japanese communication skills that can be used for sightseeing in Tokyo. You can immediately use what you have learned in the classroom. You will practice conversation patterns by situations, such as ordering at fast-food restaurants, buying train tickets, and shopping.
Japanese level: Complete beginner to JLPT N5 (listening level)
Level 2 – To Enjoy Life in Tokyo –
In this level, students learn Japanese communication skills that will make their life in Tokyo more comfortable. You learn how to engage in more sophisticated Japanese conversations to enrich your life in Japan. Some topics include: inviting friends to
Japanese level: JLPT N5 to N4 (listening level)
Level 3 – To Talk with People –
In this level, students learn higher Japanese communication skills. You will learn how to act depending on the situation and whom you are talking to. The topics include: Talking with Japanese friends, talking to people for the first time, etc.
Japanese level: JLPT N4 (listening level)
Level 4 – To Talk about My Thoughts –
At this level, students learn how to express their ideas, opinions or feelings about various topics.
Japanese level: JLPT N4 to N3 (listening level). Able to read hiragana and katakana.
Level 5 -For More Sophisticated Conversation –
In this level, students learn to build concrete personal relationships using Japanese. You will learn to understand the feelings and situations behind the context of the conversation for advanced communication. You will also learn some essential expressions to express your feelings and situations.
Japanese level: JLPT N3 (listening level). Able to read Hiragana and katakana.
Level 6 – To Be an Expert of Japan –
Japanese level: JLPT N3 to N2 (reading level). Kanji: 300 to 800 characters.
Level 7 – Responding to Advanced Academic/Cultural Topics –
In Level 7, Students strive to converse about challenging academic subjects such as science, literature, economy, politics,
Japanese level: JLPT N2 or above (reading level). Kanji: 1000 characters or above.
2020 Schedule
| Start Date (Mondays) | End Date (Fridays) | Application Deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. | Jan. 20 | Feb. 14 | Jan. 6 |
| Feb. | Feb. 17 | Mar. 13 | Jan. 31 |
| Mar. | Mar. 16 | Apr. 10 | Feb. 28 |
| Apr. | Apr. 13 | May 8 | Mar. 27 |
| May | May 11 | Jun. 5 | Apr. 24 |
| Jun. | Jun. 8 | Jul. 3 | May 22 |
| Jul. | Summer Courses | ||
| Aug. (3 weeks) | Summer Courses | ||
| Sep. | Aug. 31 | Sep. 25 | Aug. 14 |
| Oct. | Sep. 28 | Oct. 23 | Sep. 11 |
| Nov. | Oct. 26 | Nov. 20 | Oct. 9 |
| Dec. | Nov. 23 | Dec. 18 | Nov. 6 |
2020 Tuition and Fees
| Practical Conversation 15 | Practical Conversation 20 | |
| Registration | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Tuition (Per Week) | 25,000 | 29,000 |
| Material Fee (Per Week) | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| WAVE’s Handling /Application Fee | $350 USD | $350 USD |
- The Practical Conversation Course 20 is the Practical Conversation Course 15 PLUS one additional reading & writing lesson every day.
- If you bring your own tablet, you can download not only digital materials but also an extensive library of ebooks including grammar and JLPT resources, available for up to two years. Those without a
tablet can use an iPad from the school (limited availability), but will not be allowed to take the materials home.
The length of the Practical Conversation Course, from level 1 to level 5, is 4 weeks, and it will be 16 weeks for