Learning Japanese Language...
The Echenar Way...
Professional Japanese Language Education
is an Aspirational Journey of 2~3 years
Anyone who wants to learn a foreign language is naturally curious. This curiosity leads them to find a good teacher or resource. Deep down, they want to connect with native speakers, understand new cultures, and become a multilingual person.
However, many learners are not fully aware of what the learning journey involves or how to measure their progress. Most importantly, they often don't begin with clear goals and a timeline. Without this structure, their efforts become scattered, leading to confusion and a loss of motivation. This is one of the main reasons why many people give up learning a foreign language halfway.
At ECHENAR, we address these root issues directly. As a result, our successful learners are not only Certified and Employable but also Deployable for the real-world roles.
Let's see how this is achieved step-by-step. Please refer above flow-chart.
1. Learner reaches out
Seeker finds the Teachers, that is a fact. We are discovered through many different paths. It doesn't matter how – once a learner reaches out to us, the journey ahead becomes a thoughtful mix of customised and standardised practices.
2. Counseling
We don’t follow the typical “office-office” style of enrolment used by many educational institutions and universities. Every curious person and potential learner is valuable to us.
However, having a formal education background or surface-level curiosity does not make someone a Language Professional of the future. That’s why Counseling is essential before enrolment.
There are three important aspects of Counseling -
1. Career Mapping – We understand the candidate’s formal education, skill sets, and the reason behind their interest in learning Japanese. Based on this, we outline a few possible career paths. This includes creating a learner-specific, personalized timeline.
2. Doubt Solving - Curiosity often comes with doubts. Those may be about one's own potential, may be due to lack of awareness or some other external factors that affect the potential of learner's capabilities.
3. Motivation Building - If curiosity is a spark, then motivation is the fire. But this motivation needs to
be built and sustained through the right strategy and clarity of thought. We help the learner achieve that.
If a learner cannot commit for 2~3 years' diligence of training, we recommend not to start at all.
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We are very committed to our teaching and professional ethics. So, no false promises with short-cuts.
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Quality of education and thoroughness is highly regarded at Echenar.
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Learners who are not committed to training drain teachers' energy in-vain just to drop-out later. They also bring down team-spirit, morale and success results of the whole batch.
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Please take note - great height of achievement are always built upon strong foundation of commitment.
For Parents - regarding learners below 18 years of age -
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Parents who wish their children to learn at Echenar, we ask them whether they wish to give them professional training or just try out some novelty. Indeed, the later category is not entertained. Ours sessions are super fun but certainly not casual hobby classes.
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Minimum eligibility criteria is Standard 8 pass with minimum 60% in English.
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Let's strategize together ! Parents are expected not to make the child quit learning Japanese language for some over-the-top preparation of Std 12th or entrance exams.
Please take note - there are so many Japanese scholarships and undergraduate programs to be availed. It can be a life changing turning point for the child.
3. Course Level Selection
Some learners are really clean-slate, those are the best ones to groom in our innovative teaching methods. Naturally, they start at the Beginner level.
Some have already started on the path of Japanese Language education somewhere else. They reach out to us for the better experience of learning Japanese. We do a preliminary assessment and they may start at Intermidiate or even Advanced levels.
For the Industry requirement and eligibility's sake, we also train them for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) examination. This international examination is conducted by the Japan Foundation - a Japan Government backed organisation that works for propogation of Japanese Langauge.
Know more about JLPT on JF's official page here.
Yet, as an institution that prioritises comprehensive upskilling, we absolutely do not consider success in JLPT as THE benchmark. It is a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination which assesses candidates only on their Reading and Listening skills. Candidates and Institutions that focus on only JLPT often leave all other necessary skill underdeveloped. We don't appreciate that - neither any seasoned Japanese Language professsional does.
Hence, appearing JLPT is highly recommended for credible certification and endorsement but not mandatory to be a professional.
Generally, this is how the levels are -
N5 = Beginner
N4 = Higher Beginner
N3 = Intermidiate
N2 = Lower Advanced
N1 = Higher Advanced
All the strategic details about JLPT here on our website.
4. Enrolment
Enrolment is simple. No tons of unnecessary documentation required.
However, the candidate needs to commit himself that once started, he/she needs to continue up to Intermediate level proficiency without dropping out. This responsible behavior is must at Echenar. We insist on that. We expect Learners to be serious towards their aspirations.
1. Fees Payment -
We can proudly say that our course fees are one of the most economical amongst the competition. Once the the candidate pays the fees, the admission is confirmed. We employ various payment methods for the convenience of candidates. Easy installment facility can also be availed. (Indeed, terms and conditions applied. All decisions and discretion about fees remains with Echenar.)
2. Batch Allotment -
The batches are on alternate days of the week (Mon-Wed-Fri or Tue-Thurs-Sat) evening 6:30pm to 8:30 Indian Time (GMT+5:30).
Along with the 6 hours per week training, learners are to required to do at least 6 hours of self study. Means, sustained practice of approx. 12 hours per week for 2 years would yield the results.
Sessions are conducted in hybrid way. Learners can freely opt for Classroom or Online mode whichever convenient.
3. Learning Resources -
We provide ample learning resources that goes along with our innovative Curriculum Delivery Mechanism (CDM).
5-A. Japanese Language Training
Echenar's teaching methodology is drastically different and way more comprehensive. It starts with our sequence -
1. Listening
2. Reading
3. Writing
4. Conversation
Along with these four base aspects of comprehension, we include a plenty more as follows -
5. Personal Interview
Candidates who can appear interview more confidently and skillfully are have more chances to score the opportunity. Interviews are also of three types -
a. Panel Interview : Single Interviewee, Multiple Interviewers. Candidate needs to have more presence of mind due to related or unrelated questions coming at him/her.
b. Online Interview : This requires some specific understanding etiquettes and know-hows to appear strong since Interviewers cannot sense important factors like body language, micro-expressions or even depth and small nuances in voice. How the Camera and Microphone are set-up can also give a very different impression on the interviewer's end.
c. Interpersonal : This are one-on-one type of interviews. Yet, these hold more importance. The questions are of more importance and interviewer can assess the candidate in much thoroughly compared to Panel or Online interviews. Ex., an interview with HR for final selection round and salary/appraisal negotiation.
6. Group Discussion
Discussing ideas in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic or multi-disciplinary group is a special skill. It requires not only great listening and note-taking skills but also responding and putting forward own ideas effectively and productively.
7. Cultural Awareness
Our long time observations is - people study the language, fail to study the culture. Most of the time the content of education and the learners themselves do not go beyond what is taught in the classroom. This flaw is classic espcially in countries like India where the performance is measured based on rote repitition and technicalities of language.
Echenar understands this and we have incorporated the Cultural awareness in Language Learning.
a. Day-to-Day Life : A fair objective of foreign language learner to visit the target country, stay there. Try to enjoy the more of the beauties and nuances of the people. Most importantly, make the everyday life much efficient and stress free.
b. Workplace : Working shoulder-to-shoulder with Japanese people is not an easy feat. They admire meticulous, well-prepared and well-executed style of work. The knowledge workplace etiquettes, manners, hierarchy and honorifics give the candidates an edge and help to progress more effectively.
c. International Relations : Understanding the basics of Indo-Japan relations, worldview of the countries and the mutual cooperation is along with any upcoming developments helps the candidates to explore his own scope as the global citizen. This may include laws, agreements, bilateral treaties, events, trade & business etc.
8. Gamified Assessments
We have automated the redundant, time wasting activities of assessments and assignments for both Teachers and Learners.
We have successfully gamified almost all of the Vocabulary, Grammar, Listening and Reading exercises. That too at an extent where we can monitor the performance logs of the learners in real time - from first day-first session-first question to last day-last session-last question of the language training.
We need not to wait or base our assessment of student on JLPT exam results. We get to understand the strong and weak points of the learner as we progress. This helps us in enriching the strengths and work on the weakness.
Most importantly, they are much more fun, colorful, with multimedia. High levels of competitive replayability as well.
9. Digital Device Readiness
In this digital, cyber age of information, everybody must be tech-savvy - at least tech-ready. A Japanese language learner has to develop these skills volitionally as per his domain requirement. By teaching the necessary basics, we aid the candidates to upskill.
1. Input Methods : Ability to work with different input methods for multilingual work environments. ex., ability to switch keyboard styles as per work requirement.
2. Typing Skills : Ability to use physical keyboards by changing input methods.
3. User Interface : Change of UI should not limit a candidate from using a device. Especially important for candidates aspiring to do career in Information Technology industry.
4. Application Awareness : From frugal Dictionary apps to sophisticated industry applications. A learner has to know what Japanese people are using, what they prefer and how do they use it.
5. Domain Specific Devices : Manufacturing, Research, Health Sciences etc. Such areas of work often require to handle special devices that may use the interface, manuals, SoPs etc in Japanese Language.
5-B. Personality Development
Echenar has a hand-in-the-glove approach for Personality Development for all its Japanese Langauge Learners.
It has to be an integral part of the training as it requires diligence and time. It is also an efficient practise when done simultaneously during the training period.
1. Work Ethics
One's respect towards his own work improves quality, satisfaction and social standing. We are talking about Japan - a country which takes the Work Ethics very seriously.
A candidate should develop better Civic Sense, Diligence, Punctuality, Truthfulness, Sense of Responsibilty etc to be a well-respected, productive global citizen working in Japan or a Japanese organisation. Equally important even if the clients of his organisation are Japanese.
2. Cultural Neutrality
Cultural neutrality, in various contexts, refers to the concept of avoiding biases or preferences based on one's own cultural background when interacting with others or making decisions. It can involve being mindful of cultural differences, avoiding ethnocentrism, and striving for inclusivity.
3. Resilience
The ability of a system, community or society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate, adapt to, transform and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner, including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic structures and functions through risk management.
4. Well Being
Maintaining wellbeing involves a holistic approach to self-care, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional aspects. This includes prioritizing healthy habits like nutrition, exercise, and sleep, as well as nurturing social connections, engaging in meaningful activities, and practicing mindfulness.
5. Presentability
What one can see about the candidate in first 6 seconds and more than what meets the eye. Researchers have proven that 95% percent effective communication may actually be non-verbal. Considering this, learners must understanding distinctness of Japanese Body Language, Microexpressions and preferences in Attires and Accessories.
a. Body Language : Body language refers to the nonverbal communication conveyed through a person's physical behaviors, including facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact. It's a crucial part of communication, often conveying more than words alone. Body language can be used to express emotions, intentions, and attitudes.
b. Microexpressions : These are brief, involuntary facial expressions that reveal a person's true emotions, even if they are consciously trying to conceal them. They are fleeting, lasting only a fraction of a second (1/25th to 1/5th of a second). These expressions can expose emotions like anger, fear, sadness, disgust, contempt, surprise, and happiness.
c. Attire & Accessories : They hold significant cultural value, acting as visual representations of identity, heritage, and social status within a community. What may be very well accepted in one culture may not be equally well recieved in other. This awareness is thus necessary.
6. International Assessment Standards
and
7. Certifying Authorities
We follow an all encompassing standard that satisfy multiple educational and industrial norms. Language Learning's Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is just one of them. Our curriculum and its delivery mechanisms checks all the marks required by -
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Japan Foundation Teaching Methodologies
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Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) / National Aptitude Test (Level N5, N4, N3, N2, N1)
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Comparable to Japan Govt. Ministry of Education norms
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New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 of Indian Education System
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Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) examinations
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Interview and Assessment standards for MNCs and Immigration Authorities
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National Skill Quality Framework (NSQF) of India
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Inline with UGC and ICCR Objectives
...and any other which may have missed enlisting here.
However, for the well-recognized assessments' sake, we consider the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Exams. Read more about it - if you have skipped it earlier - here.
One more credible way of external assessment is via participation in competitions. ex. Zonal, National and International Level Japanese Language Speech Contest organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Govt of Japan. We consider this one of the truest competition along with getting selected for some respected scholarship in Japan.
Our Internal Assessments are based on the Performance Log Reports of classroom activities and gamified assessments as well as observations of teacher from a qualitative perspective. Also, interviews and opinions given by our frequently visiting Japanese Language fraternity and native Japanese guests.
After successful completion Assessment Stage,
candidate loops back to Stage 2 - Counseling
until at least Level N3 of JLPT is achieved.
8. Placement Services
Our placement services aid job seekers connect with employers to help Japanese Language Proficients find suitable employment. We act as a bridge (KākeHāshi) between those looking for work and credible employers seeking to hire, facilitating the process of matching candidates with open positions.
To avail these services, candidate must demonstrate the proficiency in various language skill areas along with the main Domain, if any. We do the assessments.
Indeed, we also help candidate upskill in Japanese language as well as prepare proper documentation readiness.
N3 is Entry !
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The minimum eligibility criteria is JLPT Level N3 - it is the most sought after and accepted industry norm.
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Yet, just JLPT N3 pass does not directly and necessarily equate to Employability of a candidate.
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Candidates who go through our process have very high probability to land a job right after the training.