Aitas Japanese Immersion School

Q1. May I register for the course without trial lessons or level check?

Answer
No, a trial lesson or level-check must be completed before registering for a course.

Complete beginners:
All complete beginners must take a trial lesson. As we’d like to get to know your learning style and whether Aitas will be a good fit for you prior to course registration, new learners require a trial lesson to register.

Those with prior Japanese study experience:
Experienced learners must complete a level-check session. As our courses encourage collaboration between students within small classes, it is important that we group students with those who share the same skill level. With that in mind, a level-check session is required in order to determine which course level is best suited for you.

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Q2. Unfortunately my schedule doesn't allow me to attend a trial lesson.
Can I apply for the course without taking the trial lesson?

Answer
Sorry, you cannot apply for the course without taking a trial lesson. Our teaching approach is quite unique in the sense that you begin in a "full immersion" (Japanese‐speaking) environment right away. We do not use English in any of our classes, even at the beginner level. We believe that full immersion is by far the most effective language teaching method but we also understand that some people prefer to be taught in their native language. We want to make sure that you like the full immersion experience, and you'll be able to determine this by taking a trial lesson first.

(*If you have studied Japanese before, you need to start in the right class level. We offer you a free level‐check session so that we can identify where you best fit.)

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Q3. I am not a beginner, but can I take a trial lesson or observe an actual class to see what your teaching style is like?

Answer
Sorry, we do not currently offer trial lessons or observation classes for those who have studied Japanese before. To get a better idea of how we teach, visit our "Testimonials" page to read comments from our students » Click here.

The best way to continue your learning at Aitas is by determining your current level before you begin. By taking our free level‐check lesson, we'll be able to evaluate your skills and place you in the right level so that you can get the most out of your learning experience. By letting us know your Japanese study experience and your reasons for learning Japanese, you'll give us a good idea of where you best fit, whether it be in one of our courses, group sessions or private lessons.

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Q4. Which classes have available spaces?

Answer
Entry Level classes (Level 1) are fairly popular. Level 2‐7 classes are for those people who have been studying Japanese for some time already and they tend to be filled very quickly with students who move up from the Entry Level classes.

We can only accept a few new students each term. Please note that registrations are confirmed on a first‐come, first‐serve basis. We start to accept applications 2 months prior to each course's start date. The registration deadline is 7 days prior to the course commencement date for level 1 courses and 3 days prior to the course commencement date for all other courses.

If you are interested in our courses, we propose that you take a trial lesson or schedule a level-check session before your course of interest is scheduled to begin. We announce courses and begin registrations approximately two months before their respective start dates.

To make an appointment for your trial lesson or level‐check session » Click here

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Q5. How can I pay for classes?

Answer
We accept cheque, cash, Interac (debit card), credit card (Visa and Master Card), money order, online transfer or bank transfer.

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Q6. I have never studied Japanese. Can I still join?

Answer
Absolutely! Our Level 1 (Entry) course will be perfect for you.

Sign up for a trial lesson (introductory lesson) and you will see just how well you'll fit into the program! To make an appointment for your trial lesson » Click here

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Q7. Do you offer group lessons particularly for teenagers (not adults)?

Answer
Sorry, no we do not. Aitas Japanese Immersion School specializes in teaching Japanese to students who are 20 years of age and older.

If you're looking for classes for people under the age of 20, contact the local school board in your area.
For your reference, visit the Toronto District School Board: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/

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Q8. I'm not able to sign up for a full course at this time, but should I still take a trial lesson right away?

Answer
Yes. Even if you are too busy to begin learning Japanese right away, we still urge you to contact us and begin the process now by taking a free trial lesson (introductory lesson) or level‐check session. We've found that we've been able to help many students get a better grasp on where they stand in the beginning stages of learning Japanese, before they've decided to commit to Aitas. There is no obligation and no one will push you to register for the course. Just try it and find out whether or not you think it will be a valuable investment of your time.

To make an appointment for your trial lesson » Click here

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Q9. What is the class size?

Answer
The maximum number of people in each class at any given time is 10. This class size gives the instructor the ability to promote positive interaction between students on a regular basis.

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Q10. How is it possible for a complete beginner to engage in a class atmosphere where no English is spoken?

Answer
In our experience, the courses we teach have proven to be extremely effective for first‐time beginners. The classes are structured in such a way that learning is non‐threatening, motivational and fun! Take a free trial lesson to get a sample of what the classroom atmosphere is like. You can learn about our teaching methods hands‐on. Your personal ability to learn Japanese is probably better than you think.

To make an appointment for your trial lesson » Click here

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Q11. How soon can I start communicating in Japanese?

Answer
Once you've completed Level 1, which is an 8‐week course, you should have successfully learned all of the basic skills you need and should be able to participate in small, simple conversations in Japanese.

If you wish to further improve your Japanese for more sophisticated communications, we recommend that you continue for another 4 months following Level 1, to complete your Levels 2 and 3. You don't need to commit to all levels right away. After you've completed Level 1, you can decide if you want to continue.

Each level is 9 weeks long, with 1 lesson per week. Aitas courses can easily fit into your busy schedule, and at the same time will help you learn Japanese quickly and effectively.

For more information on the different levels and Aitas curriculum » Click here

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Q12. If I have to miss class, what happens?

Answer
If for some reason you need to miss class, inform us of your absence so that we can tell you what you'll be missing and give you your homework. If you know you'll have to miss more than 3 classes at the time of your enrollment, we don't recommend taking the course.

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Q13. Is there a final exam?

Answer
No. However, it is possible for you to get your level checked at the end of each term. Aitas is far different from attending college or university and we do not believe in forcing a final exam on our students. An exam is a one‐time evaluation and when it comes to learning the language of Japanese, to get a true feel for where your skill level is, it takes more than just one written test.

Each week, students are encouraged to submit their homework. Not only does this allow your teacher to see your achievements, but you'll also receive comments and feedback to help you continually improve week after week. Aitas believes in the regular practice of outputs as you learn.

At the end of your course, you will be asked to write an essay about a topic of interest (instead of a final exam). This will give you an opportunity to practice your writing and your work will be published in the Aitas Students' Journal. All students receive their very own copy of the journal at the end of the term, and can enjoy reading their own writing pieces as well as the work of their fellow classmates.

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Q14. Will I receive a certificate for the course I take?

Answer
Yes. We issue you a course certificate and give it to you on your last day.

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Q15. Is there a preparation course for JLPT?

Answer
We offer beginner to advanced levels in private setting (N5,N4,N3,N2 & N1).

JLPT: Japanese Language Proficiency Test is a yearly test, which takes place in December. Canadian testing centers are in Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton.

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Q16. Can I ask for a tax receipt for the course I take?

Answer
Aitas Japanese Immersion School is certified as an educational institution approved by the Employment and Social Development Canada in Canada. (List of Certified Institutions.) This certification enables us to issue tuition tax credit receipts for amounts over $100.

Eligible Tuition Fees: Lesson fee, Registration fee, HST (Books, CDs, and HST are NOT eligible).

However, this Certification by the Employment and Social Development Canada in no way guarantees that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will automatically accept all tax receipts issued by our school for purposes of the tuition and education tax credits. This is dependent upon each individual student's circumstance.

Quote from Part 8 in the Bulletin " IT‐516R2 " Canada Revenue Agency:

"If a claim relates to tuition fees paid to an educational institution certified by the Minister of HRSDC, such fees cannot qualify for the tuition tax credit unless the student is enrolled in the educational institution to obtain skills for, or improve the student's skills in, an occupation. The phrase "to obtain skills for an occupation" means that there must be sufficient skills to be acquired in the course to enable the student to work at an occupation. The phrase "to improve the student's skills in an occupation" implies that the student already possesses sufficient skills to enable the student to work at an occupation and the course must be capable of improving those skills. It is a question of fact whether a particular course is capable of improving a student's occupational skills or is sufficient to furnish the student with enough skills to enable the student to work at an occupation. If a student takes a number of courses that are required in order to acquire the skills necessary to work at an occupation, each course will qualify. On the other hand, if a student takes only an initial or introductory course in a particular trade or profession, that course will normally not qualify because sufficient skills have not been obtained. However, if the student goes on and takes the necessary additional course required for a person to carry on the trade or profession, both the initial course and the additional course will qualify."

In depth questions regarding this tax issue should be directed to Revenue Canada: www.cra-arc.gc.ca. You can also access the applicable bulletins, IT‐515‐R2 and IT‐516R2, online for further details.

If you have any questions, please contact us by sending an email to japanese@aitas.ca.

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Q17. Can I obtain a Student Visa to move to Canada if I take your course?

Answer
Unfortunately, we offer only part-time courses, and do not offer full-time courses that require an issuance of a student visa.

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Q18. Where do your students come from?

Answer
Our students come from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and all around Ontario: Toronto, Ajax, Barrie, Brampton, Burlington, Etobicoke, Kitchener, Guelph, London, Markham, Mississauga, Newmarket, Niagara Falls, Oakville, Oshawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines, Scarborough, Thornhill, Waterloo, and Woodbridge. We also have students from other areas such as Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton since starting virtual lessons.

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