Japanese Language School FAQs Following are some of the most frequently asked questions: Q: Do I have to be a member to join the language school?   A: No, but there is a financial advantage to doing so, because members get reduced tuition. Plus, being a member of the Society provides you with additional benefits. Q: How do I know which level class I should join? Will you test me? A: Students choose their own level. Our staff cannot assess your language ability. The language school announcement indicates what students are expected to know at each level. In addition, you can review the textbooks at the Society’s office to determine your level. The one exception is the 日本語読解対論 seminar. As the highest class offered at the JASW Language School, a phone interview is required. Q: What if I choose the wrong level? Can I switch classes? A: You can change to another class, provided there is space available. JASW must approve the change. Q: Do you offer academic credit for your classes? A: No. However, we will issue a letter of completion to you upon request, provided that your attendance during the semester was 60% or higher. Q: How do I know if I got the class I wanted? A: We will mail or fax a letter to you, confirming your registration.   Each class has a maximum of 12 students, and we register students in the order in which they apply and pay. Once a class is full, we will post a notice on our website. If a class has five or fewer registrations, it will be cancelled. Q: You haven’t announced the next semester yet, but I want to be sure I get a spot. Can I pre-register or reserve a place? A: No. Like other schools and academic institutions, you cannot register before registration formally opens. Q: When does your next semester begin? It’s not on your website. < A:  We have three semesters a year. The starting date will be announced approximately 3-4 weeks before classes begin. The starting date is based on the Society’s overall calendar and the availability of a full complement of qualified teachers. Q: Can I be on a waiting list for the class I want? A: Yes, once registration opens, we do have waiting lists. You must provide us with your payment information, although we will not process any payment until a place becomes available. If the semester already has started and you join the class later, we will not pro-rate the tuition.   Q: If I miss a class, do I get a refund for that class? And can I get a make-up class? A: No. Q: Do you offer private tutoring? A:  No. Q: Can I make private arrangements for tutoring with my teacher? A: That is up to you and the teacher. We assume no responsibility for any private arrangements. Q: If I drop out, can I get a refund? A: If you drop out within the first week, you will receive a full refund. If you drop out in the second week, we will refund 50% of your tuition. After that, there will be no refund. If you call by telephone, you must follow-up with a written request for a refund.   Q: Where do I get the textbooks and other materials? A: All textbooks and materials can be purchased from us before or on the first day of class. Once purchased, they cannot be returned. Q: You say you are an adult language school. I am a high school student? Can I study with you? A: Because classes are taught in the evening, if a student is under 17 years of age, an adult must accompany him/her to and from class. Q: How do I find out more about the Japanese Language Proficiency Test? Where and when is it given? A: You should visit the website of the Japan Foundation, which administers the test. The Japan-America Society of Washington, Inc. 1819 L Street NW, Level 1B, Washington DC 20036 (T) 202-833-2210 (F) 202-833-2456 Email: jaswdc@us-japan.org