OLS Home Learning

Bill Andersen (Baltimore, Maryland, USA)

Beginner 1 Full Course (March, 2008-)
(Passed JLPT Level 3, 2008)

I enjoy learning languages as a hobby. It's fun and it makes traveling a lot more interesting! After visiting Japan for the first time this year, I was hooked -- the people, culture, sights and language are fascinating. But the little bit of Japanese I'd learned from tapes didn't help much and of course reading was a complete mystery.
So ... I decided to learn Japanese seriously when I got home, but quickly discovered that resources for learning Japanese were practically non-existent. There were no tutors where I live. Plus, I'm a busy guy and there's no way I can take the time for a university course.

OLS to the rescue! I found OLS by a random web search and decided to take the trial lesson. At first I didn't know what to expect, but after the trial lesson I was convinced. Japanese is the eighth language I've studied and I can say with all honesty that the OLS method and teachers are as good as or better than any I've encountered anywhere. The instructors are demanding -- expect to work hard.
But they are really supportive, and the learning environment using Skype from home is great. I found I could work at whatever pace was comfortable to me.
The instruction is excellent, the price is right and I don't have to get in the car or deal with non-native teachers. I've been taking about 2-3 lessons a week for 3 months now and already have had real conversations with Japanese people I've met in the States. Incredible! I can't say enough about OLS and can't wait to use my new language on my next trip to Japan!!