FlexLessons—Learn Japanese on Your Schedule

FlexLessons are our small-group, online Japanese lessons. With a modular curriculum that fits busy lifestyles, no other online Japanese class matches the value and convenience of FlexLessons.

• FlexLessons are our most popular lesson choice! A 50-minute live, online lesson for as little as $6. See price list here.
• Take FlexLessons on your schedule, at your pace. No start dates, no fixed schedule. Take a break when you need to, and later pick up where you left off—a truly flexible way to learn Japanese online.
• Choose conversation-focused classes or JLPT/grammar-focused classes, or take both!
• Exclusive features available only with FlexLessons keep your Japanese learning at full speed. Learn more about FlexLessons exclusive features.
• Get FlexLessons FREE with TrialPay! Here's how.

The Traditional Approach: A Lesson Chain

Most other Japanese courses follow a linked "chain" of classes, where each lesson depends on the lessons that came before it. To understand lesson 4, for example, you need to take lessons 1, 2, and 3 first. That approach works if you are able to attend every class, but what happens if you miss a session? Because the later lessons are tied so closely to earlier ones, you can’t easily start and stop lessons, or take breaks from classes.

The traditional approach fails unless you can attend every session.

The JOI Approach: FlexLessons Modular Instruction SystemTM

In contrast, each FlexLessons class at JOI is a module, a stand-alone unit of learning that doesn’t depend on other modules. Our unique curriculum system, the FlexLessons Modular Instruction System, means you don’t have to follow a rigid course structure. Instead, you can take online Japanese lessons when your schedule permits, at the pace that meets your style, and—the best part—in any order you like!

JOI’s FlexLessons let you take classes at your pace, on your schedule.

There are no start dates or end dates for FlexLessons classes at JOI. You can learn Japanese online when you have time, take a break when you need to, and later pick up where you left off without falling behind.

Is a FlexLessons Class for Me?

FlexLessons are our most popular and affordable lesson choice. We recommend all students—even students who opt for private lessons—take FlexLessons as well.

FlexLessons are small-group classes, never more than 7 students. This small size ensures a lively classroom environment, but gives each student plenty of individual attention from the teacher. Plus, you can have three-way conversations, class quizzes—and just plain fun learning Japanese online—that can’t be created in a private lesson.

During class, take advantage of the time when another student is interacting with the teacher. Rather than wait for your turn, create your own learning zone:

• While another student is answering a question, try to answer the question yourself. Challenge yourself to use the grammar form or phrase being introduced in the class. Did the other student use a word you didn’t know?
• If a student is reading a sentence from the whiteboard, don’t just listen— read it aloud yourself! Afterward, when the teacher repeats what was read, compare your pronunciation and pacing with the teacher’s. Read the sentence to yourself until you get through it without any hesitation.

FlexLessons Exclusive Services

With your FlexLessons enrollment, you have access to services available only to FlexLessons students, including:

• Discussion Dojo—The best way to improve your Japanese conversation skills (for intermediate and advanced students).
• Last-minute reservations—Reserve most FlexLessons classes as little as 2 hours before class.
• Tensaku essay correction service—Have your Japanese essay reviewed and corrected by a professional Japanese teacher.
• Stepping StonesTM goal-tracking system—Keep on track to achieve your Japanese learning goals.
• See available FlexLessons classes here.
• Compare JOI class features here.