Nothing is as frustrating as being in a Japanese class to pass the JLPT exam, while your fellow learners are only taking the course out of general interest. The pace will be too slow for you and the lessons will not really be focused. People learn Japanese for different reasons. For the best result, be sure to join a course that suits your purpose.
Purpose # 1: Pass a test. You may need to obtain JLPT or other certification for visa purposes or college admission. Most Japanese schools offer specific preparation courses for this, to help you familiarize yourself with the test format. Also, you will be in a class with people motivated by the same purpose.
Purpose # 2: Cultural interest. You may have visited Japan or seen a lot about it on TV and want to know more about the culture. You like manga. Maybe you even met a Japanese partner and want to be able to communicate with him / her in the native language. Learning Japanese is definitely a good idea to increase your cultural understanding.
If your learning purpose is a cultural interest, choose a class that offers cultural exposure in addition to regular language instruction. Your interest may fade if you are simply learning vocabulary and grammar with determination.
Purpose # 3: Business. If you are going to do business in Japan or work with Japanese, it will be helpful if you can speak their language. A common challenge for business Japanese students is combining lessons with already stressful work.
Most Japanese schools in Singapore offer Business Japanese courses. These courses may require prior knowledge; It’s hard enough to discuss contracts if you don’t know how to say “hello.”
If time is an issue, consider private lessons; either in person or by signing up for an online plan that includes virtual coaching sessions. You will definitely want to squeeze out as much business-relevant learning in no time as possible, so be careful to choose a course that will maximize your outcome.
Conclution
Which course is best for you doesn’t just depend on how good the school or the teacher is. To make sure you learn what you want to learn, choose the course that suits your purpose.