FAQ
ABOUT CLASSES >>>
Q: What kinds of lessons are offered at English Bridge?
A: English Bridge offers a large variety of content and methodology as requested by students. Particularly in the case of private lessons, students have the main say on what they want to study and how. Lessons tend to focus on building oral communication skills to make the best use of time with native English teachers. One class is 50 minute in length, offered at least once a week either online or on site. Lessons can focus on skills needed for daily conversation, business, travel, study abroad, academic writing, exams, etc. Face-to-face lessons are conducted in a relaxed, enjoyable, and friendly atmosphere. If no students are booked in the session that follows, it is not uncommon for lessons to run 60 minutes or more.
Q: I live too far away, so taking lessons on site is inconvenient for me…
A: For those who are not able to attend lessons on site, English Bridge offers online lessons via a web-based virtual classroom. See the online classes section of this site. It is possible to create a combination of online and face-to-face lessons.
Q: Can I take more than one lesson per week?
A: Yes! Students can book lessons online in advance for as many time slots as available. Be sure to book classes early to ensure that you get the times that are most convenient for you. Reserved time slots can be changed up to 24 hours in advanced once booked.
Q: At the place where I studied before, teachers changed daily, and I often ended up doing the same old self-introductions with new people. I was generally dissatisfied with the classes and dropped out…
A: English Bridge is teacher-owned, and as such there is a keen desire to ensure that clients are fully satisfied by putting the extra care into lessons. This is sometimes not seen in many impersonal and often expensive eikaiwa schools.
Q: Are there Japanese staff members at English Bridge?
A: No, there are no Japanese staff members at English Bridge. There are several reasons for this. First, it would be impossible to offer such low rates were non-teaching Japanese staff employed. Next, as classes are conducted at a home, there is no space. Finally, as much as possible English Bridge wants students to speak in English with native speakers. Nonetheless, as the owner is proficient enough in Japanese if support is needed or requested.
Q: What should I do if I want to take a trial lesson?
A: For a free, face-to-face trial lesson, it is preferable that potential students book through the booking system used by English Bridge. This avoids booking conflicts and keeps affairs organized. It is also possible but less desirable to make a request to info@english-bridge.com or through the contact form on this site. Writing in Japanese is OK, but try in English! Online trial lessons can also be arranged.
Q: What happens if I want to join a semi-private or group lesson and there are no other people who want to study at my preferred time?
A: As indicated in the pricing table, if no other people are available to join students who want to take semi-private or group lessons, there is special pricing until other members join. If a potential student is really keen to study with others, joining with a friend or colleague is recommended, as additional discounts are offered.
Q: We are three people in the class and we do not want any more members to join. Is this possible?
A: Students taking group lessons who want to put a cap on the number of students studying with them in their class are able to do so for a nominal monthly fee.
Q: Is there a maximum number of students allowed in a group lesson?
A: No, but a classroom cannot comfortably hold more than a handful of students, and obviously smaller class sizes are preferable. In practice, it is uncommon for group lessons to have more than 4 members.
Q: My TOEIC score is over 800 points. Am I an advanced student?
A: The TOEIC test is good at evaluating one’s reading, grammar, and vocabulary comprehension in addition to listening skills, but it is not effective at evaluating production skills. Typically, the English speaking skills of Japanese are much lower than other skills, so the test is not indicative of one’s true communicative ability. The best option for high-level students interested in improving their communicative skills is to take private lessons so the teacher can better address their specific needs in an efficient manner. Please note also that TOEIC-focused content can be easily arranged for students.
Q: I often have to meet with and talk on the phone with foreign clients for my job. I can get by in daily English conversation, but I’d like to be able to communicate on a more professional level. Can English Bridge meet my needs?
A: Most definitely. If students have specific content and scheduling needs, private lessons are recommended so that lessons can be better catered to them. English Bridge has print and media resources related to current events, business meetings, telephoning skills, entertaining clients, etc. Texts and self-study resources can also be recommended.
Q: Are there classes for elementary school or Jr. and Sr. high school students?
A: English Bridge does not cater any of its courses specifically to elementary school or Jr. or Sr. high school students; classes are generally geared toward adults. However, if two or more young adults of the same level decide that they would like to study at English Bridge, a semi-private or group lesson class may be opened for them. With regard to elementary school classes, if enough interest is generated, future class openings are a strong possibility. A special elementary school level curriculum is already in the making – in this case, class times, learning materials, and pricing will be pre-set. Please email info@english-bridge.com or use the contact form to express interest. Any changes to offerings at English Bridge will be announced on the English Bridge blog before being reflected on the main pages.
Q: Are there any parties or get-togethers for English Bridge students?
A: The blog is the place to visit to find information related to goings-on, updates, and other details associated with English Bridge. However, as most students are busy adults with many demands from home and work, there are no official events.
Q: I do not live in Japan, nor am I a native Japanese speaker. Can I still learn with English Bridge?
A: With online lessons this is no problem. Payment in US dollars or other currencies is also possible. Please inquire at info@english-bridge.com or through the contact form.
ABOUT TUITION >>>
Q: How much is the sign-up fee?
A: The enrollment fee is a flat 10,000 yen per person. This does not apply to students who solely take online lessons. Also, through certain referral programs and during occasional promotion periods, the joining fee may be reduced or wavered. Students do not have to pay this fee until their third lesson (trial lesson not included) so they can get a fair sense as to whether they would like to continue or not.
Q: How should I go about paying for my lessons?
A: Payments for all classes can be made either via PayPal or in cash directly to the teacher. Students can receive a written receipt of payment upon request. Students taking face-to-face lessons can also receive payment envelopes on which payment data is recorded for their reference.
Q: Does English Bridge offer any discounts?
A: English Bridge offers discounts to students for payment of lessons in advance. It also offers incentives to students: If two students sign up together, they each get one lesson at half-price. If an English Bridge student introduces another person who subsequently enrolls with English Bridge, the student who made that referral gets a free lesson.
Q: At the school where I previously studied, I had to buy a wad of tickets in advance, which cost me so much I had to take out a loan to pay for them! In addition, when I ran low on tickets, I felt pressured to buy more…
A: English Bridge is committed to providing fair policies and programs that benefit the student. Students can pay as they go if they wish. The costs and plans are hard to beat. Have a free trial lesson to see if English Bridge seems like a good choice for you.
ABOUT SCHEDULING >>>
Q: I don’t see any schedule on this site. Where can I find it?
A: There is no set schedule at English Bridge, although classes are generally available weeknights and Saturdays, as well as some afternoons. Scheduling changes periodically, as teachers have changing commitments to other employment sources. Please check the online scheduling system to get a picture of current availability. You can cancel once you have made a booking, so don’t feel obligated.
Q: I work a shift schedule, so it’s impossible for me to take lessons at the same time each week. Can something be arranged?
A: For busy people who do shift work or who often work overtime, sometimes getting to class, even an online class, can be difficult. For that reason, there are no set class times at English Bridge. Students taking private lessons can easily schedule, cancel, and reschedule through the online scheduling system. Times indicated online are in Japanese standard time. Students are encouraged to have lessons booked online for at least month in advance at all times to ensure their preferred time slots.
Q: How do I go about canceling a lesson?
A: Cancellations can be made at any time via the online scheduling system up to 24 hours in advance of the booked class. If all members of a semi-private or group class agree, the class representative that originally scheduled classes online can reschedule on behalf of the class. In cases where classes were not originally scheduled via the online system, the class representative can notify of a class cancellation/ rescheduling by email, via the site contact form, or simply advise the teacher face to face as early as possible. Students who are studying with members who do not wish to cancel, however, will not be able to reschedule. For students who want maximum scheduling flexibility, private lessons are recommended.
Q: What if I get sick and suddenly have to cancel within 24 hours of my class?
A: Students taking private lessons can cancel after the 24-hour limit (and get a return on pre-paid classes or reschedule for a later time) in the case of last minute illness. Please contact English Bridge at info@english-bridge.com or contact the teacher directly.
Q: What if the teacher gets sick?
A: In the case where the teacher is not able to teach a class due to sickness or leave of absence, the teacher reserves the right to allot a substitute teacher where possible. The teacher may in fact cancel at any time, and in such cases students who have paid in advance have the choice of getting refunded for missed classes or having their classes postponed or rescheduled.
Q: When is English Bridge closed?
A: In addition to the closed hours indicated on the online scheduling system, English Bridge is usually closed for periods over the summer, during Christmas, and in early spring. These days are not permanently set and will likely vary from year to year.
Q: Is it possible to book classes during Japanese national holidays?
A: There are no preset holidays at English Bridge, so lessons may be available on national holidays. Please check via the online booking system.
Q: Can I drop by to check out the classroom?
A: Unfortunately, that is not possible. As English Bridge classes are not conducted in formal facilities, you may arrive in the middle of someone else’s lesson, or there may be nobody available to receive you if classes are not scheduled at that time.
Q: What if I decide that English Bridge is not for me?
A: If lessons at English Bridge are falling short of expectations, or continuing lessons has become impossible for whatever reason, it is easy to quit. There is no contract. Our only request is that we be informed as soon as possible about the student’s decision. If there is anything English Bridge could have done better, please tell us!
