The first time I heard the Japanese language, I thought it was an extremely hard language to learn. But, I love challenges and I decided that I would one day be fluent in Japanese! After doing some research, I found what I needed: JapanesePod101. Check out my honest JapanesePod101 review to see if this is the right Japanese language learning platform for you!
Want to find out more about Japan language? Check out:
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- Common mistakes people make when learning Japanese
- Best way and tips to learn the Japanese language quickly and easily
- Japanese phrases for your night out in Tokyo
- Useful Japanese slangs
- Japanese onomatopoeia
JapanesePod101 Review: An Honest Look
What is JapanesePod101?
JapanesePod101 is a language learning platform. It has been around for more than 12 years, having reached as many as 1 billion lessons downloaded. As you might guess from the name, the Japanese language is the sole focus. What sets this platform apart is that all content is pre-approved by a certified Japanese teacher. This kind of professional guidance is invaluable for any student looking for structured and effective learning.
I have always preferred teachers who are simple and direct, as this helps to ease any anxiety, especially when learning something new from scratch. JapanesePod101 excels in providing this kind of support.
Registration Process
When I first looked into JapanesePod101, I was immediately drawn in by its credibility. After logging in, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of the process. The first thing I noticed was a prompt asking me to enter my email to join without needing a credit card. After completing this step, I had an account created and activated in seconds.
The next page presented the various offers, deals, and packages available. The most promoted offer was a one-dollar trial package. While this offer may seem too good to be true, if you take the time to understand what’s included and how long it lasts, you’ll likely be even more intrigued!
Once I paid, a pop-up asked how I’d like to customise my experience. I started by selecting my level (beginner), and then I was directed to my dashboard, where I could begin my first lesson straight away.
JapanesePod101 Packages & Pricing
While working on this JapanesePod101 Review, I noticed that the primary difference between the available packages is the duration you get access to the platform. The more you pay, the more time you receive. The features are the same across all packages.
According to research by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Japanese is considered one of the most challenging languages for native English speakers to learn, alongside Arabic, Chinese, and Korean. The average time to achieve proficiency in Japanese is around 88 weeks (2200 hours) of classroom instruction. This equates to about 22 months of study. For an absolute beginner, a 12-24 month package on JapanesePod101 could be ideal, particularly in a virtual setting where you manage your own time.
The cost ranges from around USD 252 to USD 439, which is a great price for learning such a complex language virtually. The option to pay in instalments is also available, making it even more accessible.
But what exactly do you get for your money?
Teaching Method
Many language platforms focus solely on one-on-one interactive tools. However, with JapanesePod101, you can learn Japanese whenever and wherever you choose. The platform uses a combination of video and audio lessons to help you master speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and even Japanese culture.
One-on-one lessons are also available as an extra feature with the premium subscription. Although it can feel a bit risky to pay for lessons without interacting with the tutor first, JapanesePod101 offers options to get to know the tutors beforehand. While I didn’t try this feature, it seems ideal for those who prefer practising conversation with a tutor.
Audio lessons are widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to learn a new language. For visual learners, the platform also provides transcripts or video lessons to accompany the audio.
Final Thoughts
After testing and writing this JapanesePod101 Review, I can confidently say that this is one of my favourite tools for learning a new language. It offers a wide variety of options, features, and learning styles, making it suitable for learners at different stages of their journey.
For those who prefer learning exclusively from a tutor, I’d also recommend Preply. If you’re looking for a more structured, step-by-step programme, Rocket Languages could be a good alternative.
What do you think of this JapanesePod101 Review? Have you used this platform before?
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