What people say about TJP

"The Technical Japanese Program has been an extremely challenging yet wonderful experience. I joined the program because I had been accepted into the JETRO internship program and felt that I needed assistance in interacting in Japanese on a professional level. This type of training is not available in other Japanese programs here at the University of Washington. The class is filled with extremely capable students, but the instructor, Kato-sensei, does a wonderful job making sure that all students learn, keep up with the class, and are able to earn competitive grades. There is a lot of homework and outside assignments, which have turned out to be a blessing rather than a hindrance in learning. Together the oral and the written tracks make an excellent combination to fully prepare students for experiences abroad. My comfort level with using polite phrases has improved, and my translating ability has increased ten-fold. This class is a wonderful addition to the curriculum of any student interested in using Japanese in the real world."

--Undergraduate, Botany/Anthropology

"As someone who has lived, worked, and studied in Japan for eight years, I found the "Technical Japanese for Business Professionals Program" to be a great asset in my continuing study of Japanese. Because I have spoken the language for so many years, I had become complacent about my abilities, and somewhat lazy in terms of trying to improve my skills, particularly reading and writing. I feel that the curriculum forced me to look at and think about the language in a new way. I would recommend it to anyone who is considering a career using their Japanese language skills."

--Technical Japanese Business Program Student, Sony Corp. Employee

"Don't be intimidated by the early class time! TJP is a truly rewarding program I can't recommend enough. You'll learn valuable and practical skills that will greatly benefit you if you ever work in Japan or do business with Japanese. And it's something you won't learn in a regular Japanese language class. It depends on your schedule, but I recommend taking both the oral and the reading class for the entire year because each quarter's class builds upon the previous one. Like any language class, the homework load is demanding, but it will definitely be worth it."

--Undergraduate, Japan Studies/Economics

"As a student in the Jackson School of International Studies Japan Studies program, I'm glad to have been introduced to the Technical Japanese Program. An often heard sentiment among graduate students in the Japan Studies program is, 'Can you believe the best Japanese language course is in the Engineering Department?' TheTJP program requires hard work and effort; but you definitely get what you put into it! I recommend taking both the reading and oral courses. Expect to spend 6-7 hours per week on preparation and homework. Also, it is helpful to be familiar with Japanese language software and Japanese search engines as well as Japanese e-mail capabilities prior to beginning classes.

TJP courses offer practical tools that are beneficial to anyone planning to study and/or conduct business in Japan. I challenge those of you who are interested in truly improving your Japanese skills to take advantage of the Technical Japanese Program!"

--Graduate Student, Jackson School of International Studies

"This is the best Japanese class I've ever taken. The teacher makes you laugh and keeps the class interesting. The curriculum is extremely focused on what you need to know to survive in the Japanese workplace--nothing more. There's no busywork. The class is more useful than normal fourth-year classes, and there's a great student-faculty ratio. Students should be prepared to spend extra time practicing dialogues on the computer."

--Undergraduate, Comparative Religion

"TJP's oral classes have been helpful. Learning and practicing different speech levels were the most beneficial. Before taking the classes, I mainly used masu form in every kind of situation. However, I now know only to use the casual form when talking to friends and the formal speech level when talking to superiors. I now feel more comfortable changing speech levels as needed.

The Language Partner computer language-learning program that helps us practice dialogues is also useful. It shows you how to properly pronounce words and phrases, and it demonstrates how people interact in certain situations and use body language to communicate.

I wish I could have taken both classes (oral and reading) together. The reading class covers many important grammar points and vocabulary information. If class schedules permit, I encourage students to take both classes simultaneously."

--Undergraduate, Business

"Although the classes are fast paced, they cover the material thoroughly. However, expect more than 3-credits worth of work. Ato tangohyouwo itsumo tsukutte kurete totemo arigatai!!! It is a fun class, and Kato-sensei's humor at 8:00 a.m. helps. I also enjoyed learning about customs and culture more than I expected!"

--Undergraduate, Drama

"The oral technical Japanese course is extremely useful for anyone who is considering working or living in Japan. It teaches skills necessary for successful communication and prepares students to deal with real-life scenarios. In addition to verbal communication, this course also familiarizes students with nonverbal communication and basic etiquette, which can be just as important as what you say. By taking this class, I have more confidence that I will properly handle various situations."

--Undergraduate, Neurobiology/Botany