Long story short: I’ve been trying to study by myself on/off for 7 years, but because I have ADHD, it hasn’t gone too well. Now that I’m 19, I have “grown up money” (more like student money), and I’m thinking of finally getting a teacher/tutor. I honestly don’t think I can learn japanese alone, after all.
I wanted to see how your study changed after getting one?
2 comments
I booked a teacher once a week in italki for some time and it definitely helped me be more consistent, plus they generally give you homework so you can have more practice. I would say definitely try it at least!
I have ADHD too, and having a private tutor has helped immensely. When I have a standing reservation I don’t flake, meaning I stay consistent with my studies. I also have variable speed in learning; some things come easily while others take longer than normal or requires a different way of explanation to make sense. Prior to dropping money on the lessons I bought a couple of books and… never started them.
I highly recommend it BUT absolutely check the person is qualified to teach and understands your goals, and that you gel well with them (prior to my excellent teacher now, I had a nightmare of a weeabo non-native, untrained teacher who I was duped by because they had changed their legal name, who did not even have passing JLPT in their credentials).
I found a native teacher on Nihongopro who was qualified to teach up to N2 and they’ve been happy to move things around to accommodate what happens to be most interesting for me at that particular season. Sometimes the lesson ends up just focusing on unexpected cultural aspects unique to Japan so that I’ll be prepared when I relocate there later this year. I’ve progressed quickly for a guided learner and I have confidence in active conversation because I absolutely have had to speak in Japanese the whole lesson. Highly recommend to help you overcome your challenges in sticking to things, like I did.