When do courses start?

Please check the courses page for up-to-date info.

Who can take classes at Step Up Japanese?

My courses are for adult learners - anyone who is over 18 can join.

How do online lessons work?

We use Zoom. To join the class, you’ll need a device you can join a video call on, such as a computer, tablet or phone. You may wish to use headphones for better audio quality and to minimise feedback. I’ll share my screen and show slides during the class, so I recommend using a computer or a device with a larger screen, not a smartphone.

Lessons are interactive and designed to get you speaking Japanese as much as possible. A typical class includes a variety of different communicative activities. I use slides and share my screen to present new grammar and language points, as well as online video and listening activities. Depending on the class size, students also do group and pair work in breakout rooms (smaller virtual rooms in Zoom).

If you are joining internationally, please note that the UK observes daylight savings time, and the dates that the clocks change may be different from in your country. In the UK the clocks go forward 1 hour on the last Sunday in March, and back 1 hour on the last Sunday in October.

Do you teach face-to-face lessons?

Step Up Japanese is a fully online school, and I don’t teach face-to-face. I love teaching on Zoom and many students prefer it, finding it more flexible and more convenient. Students can join from anywhere, if you have to miss a lesson you can watch a recording to catch up, and we can use a wider variety of interactive online materials in class. I run occasional in-person social events for my students in Brighton.

If you have specific questions about online lessons, why not get in touch to book a free consultation call? I show you how my online lessons work and answer any questions you might have.

Which level Conversation Course should I take?

If you aren't sure which level to take, please get in touch for a free consultation call. We can chat about your level and needs, and I can answer any questions you have about how the lessons work. Consultation calls usually take around 30 minutes and are no-obligation. After the call, you can decide if you wish to go ahead with lessons or not. I’m looking forward to speaking with you!

How do I pay for lessons?

Please enrol online and make payment through this site. Payment is required in advance to reserve your space.

If you have any problems with the online booking system, please contact me and I’ll be happy to help.

 

What's your cancellation policy?

Group courses: Course fees are fully refundable until 14 days before the start of your booked course. If you cancel your booking less than 14 days before the start of the course, fees are refundable minus a £10 admin fee. Once the course has begun, fees are non-refundable.

One-to-one lessons: Private lessons can be cancelled or rescheduled without charge, up to 24 hours before the start of your booked lesson. If you cancel your booking in the 24 hours before the start of the lesson, no refund is available.

Do you have testimonials from students who have taken your courses?

Yes! You can find them on my testimonials page.

Who will my teacher be?

Hi! I'm Fran. I've been teaching Japanese since 2012. I started Step Up Japanese in a little yellow classroom in sunny Brighton in 2015, and in 2020 I moved all my teaching online. I love the Japanese language, and I love sharing that with students!

You can read more about me here and find out what I'm all about.

 

How did you learn Japanese?

I learned Japanese as a foreign language, as an adult - just like you. As a non-native speaker, I understand the difficulties and the joys of learning Japanese, and I can guide you through it.

I wrote more about how I learned Japanese here on my blog - check it out.

 

What qualifications do you have?

I graduated from Sussex University with a BA in English with proficiency in Japanese, and a Trinity Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Cert TESOL). I then taught English as a foreign language in Japan and the UK, mostly to adults and teenagers, before moving into translation work and Japanese teaching.

In 2013 I passed N1, the highest level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), and I passed it again in 2016, just for fun.

Do you use a textbook?

Conversation Courses: Most courses use free online textbooks; others use a textbook which must be purchased separately. Please check the description for your course. My goal is to get you speaking as much as possible, but textbooks are really useful for reference and self-study. Apart from the textbook, all materials are provided.

Short courses (including summer courses): These courses typically don’t use a textbook, and I make a lot of the materials for these courses myself. All materials on short courses are provided.

One-to-one lessons: We can use a textbook, or other materials. I’ll work with you to choose the right resources for you.

How can I get the most out of my Japanese course?

I'm glad you asked that! Students who get the most out of class are those who:

  • Attend all the lessons where possible

  • Make time each week to practise outside of class

  • Ask when they have questions (in class, or you can always email me)

If you do have to miss a class, you can use the materials I'll provide you with to catch up at home. This shows you what we study and when. Some online classes are recorded, so you can watch the recording to catch up. Please check the description for your course.

Do you teach private lessons?

One-to-one lessons will be back in 2024. Click here to get an email from me when availability opens up.

When will you run this course again? / When will you have availability for new one-to-one students?

Sign up for my newsletter and I’ll keep you updated about new courses and availability.

I have another question!

Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.