Online Japanese FAQs
Pre-Enrollment Questions
Do the JOI teachers speak any language other than Japanese?
Can I take both FlexLessons and private lessons?
Setting Up Your Computer Help
I'm not good with computers at all! Will I be able to use JOI's service?
Managing Your Account
Reserving and Cancelling Lessons
What is the deadline for reserving a class?
How do I cancel a reservation?
I couldn't connect to the Internet for a class. Can I get my lesson ticket refunded
I want to reserve a class for tomorrow, but they all say "reservation deadline has passed".
I want to reserve a class 10 days from now, but I cannot select the date on the calendar. Why?
I want to take a class at noon, but there aren't any offered.
Pre-Enrollment Questions
After we receive your completed enrollment form and after you have purchased a lesson package, we'll send you a confirmation email message. This email, which is your official enrollment notification, usually takes no more than 24 hours from the time your payment clears.
JOI offers three kinds of lessons:
- FlexLessons, which are small-group classes instructed by a JOI teacher
- PrivateSilver lessons, which are one-to-one lessons with a JOI teacher
- PrivateGold lessons, which are one-to-one lessons with a JOI teacher, with additional features and services
We recommend FlexLessons for all students. The FlexLessons curriculum is modular, which means:
the order of lessons does not necessarily follow the order of sections in the textbook; and
as much as possible, later lessons do not depend on earlier lessons.
This modular approach means you can take lessons at your own pace, on your own schedule. Even if you choose not to take a class every day, you can be confident of keeping up when you rejoin the class.
FlexLessons are available at all learning levels, from Beginner to Advanced, and include JLPT classes and discussion classes. Learn more about FlexLessons.
The best way is to try our 2-lesson trial package, and check out the different course levels.
Once you feel confident at your current level, step up to the next level. Our philosophy is to create a learning space where you can learn at your own pace.
With our FlexLessons, you're always free to choose the teacher, level, and times for your online Japanese lessons (subject to scheduling availability; please see lesson schedule for class availability).
With private lessons, you choose one teacher, who prepares a customized, individualized curriculum for your online lessons. That teacher will instruct all of your private lessons.
If you need more flexibility in scheduling private lessons, you can take advantage of our Team-Up Private Lessons. Two or more teachers will prepare coordinated, customized lesson plans to meet your Japanese learning needs.
Do the JOI teachers speak any language other than Japanese?
Online Japanese classes at JOI are conducted fully in Japanese, and our teachers are experienced in teaching all levels. At the Beginner level, teachers use some English for explanations.
Can I take both FlexLessons and private lessons?
Yes. FlexLessons and private lessons are purchased separately, but if you purchase both packages, you're free to take lessons of both types.
Which payment methods do you support?
JOI accepts PayPal payments and direct bank transfers ( only Private lessons).We recommend PayPal, where you can use 3 methods
- Credit card payments (no Paypal account necessary)
- A direct transfer from your bank account (a verified PayPal account is required)
- An e-check ( a verified PayPal account is required and e-checks take up to 5 business days to clear)
In the case of direct bank transfers outside of PayPal, transaction fees and charges are incurred by the applicant.
Are there any costs besides lesson packages?
No, there are no extra costs other than your lesson package. For some classes, you may wish to purchase a textbook.
Setting Up Your Computer Help
I'm not good with computers at all. Will I be able to use JOI's service?
The classroom system is really simple we're confident you'll find it easy to understand. JOI's unique system lets you reserve online Japanese classes in your local time zone, so you don't have to keep track of Japan time. When class time approaches, simply log in, click your classroom link, and you're learning Japanese live, online!
We want your JOI experience to be a success, so please test the classroom software on your computer before buying lessons.
No, while all teachers use a web cam (which means you can see your teacher during class), web cams are optional for students.
Managing Your Account
I forgot my username or password.
Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a new password and username reminder.
I've used all my lesson tickets (or my tickets have expired). How do I re-enroll?
If using a credit card or a PayPal transfer, simply complete a purchase from the Buy Lessons page.
We'll credit your account with the new lessons within 24 hours. (For direct bank transfer procedures
(please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
＊Bank transfer is available for private lessons only.
Reserving and Cancelling Lessons
Login to your account after you have purchased lesson tickets, visit your Current Reservations page,and click the "Make a Reservation" link.
What is the deadline for reserving a class?
The reservation deadline is 17 hours before class.
(This JOI feature is the best service among all online Japanese schools !)
How do I cancel a reservation?
To cancel a reservation, visit your Current Reservations page, and click the "Cancel" button next to the reservation you wish to cancel. When you cancel a reservation, the lesson ticket is added back to your account balance.The cancellation deadline is 17 hours before class.
I couldn't connect to the Internet for a class. Can I get my lesson ticket refunded?
Unfortunately, no. Although we understand the frustration of this situation, we cannot re-award a lesson ticket after the cancellation deadline, even if you couldn't take the lesson for reasons beyond your control.
I want to reserve a class for tomorrow, but they all say "reservation deadline has passed".
How can I reserve tomorrow's class?
The reservation deadline is 17 hours before class.
I want to reserve a class 10 days from now, but I cannot select the date on the calendar.Why?
Classes are available for reservation 7 days in advance.
Private Gold lessons can be reserved 30 days in advance.
I need to cancel a reservation, but the screen says "cancellation deadline has passed".
How can I cancel my class?
Unfortunately, the class cannot be cancelled after the cancellation deadline.The cancellation deadline is 17 hours before class.
I want to take a class at noon, but there aren't any offered.
Please try to find another class within our schedule.
Troubleshooting