Here are some frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not answered here, we would be happy to answer it at a trial lesson.
About CLIL & Immersion Courses
- Q.
Are classes determined by grade level?
- Classes will be determined based on the child's English learning status and learning ability, not by grade level.
- Q.
Do you have homework?
- In the BB and CC courses, the focus is on writing new vocabulary learned that day in notebooks, while in the CC-FF courses, the focus is on a short "Daily Journal," grammar exercises, and presentation practice.
- Q.
I can't read English yet, is that OK? (BB/CC course)
- In the BB course, the goal is for students to understand the names and sounds of the alphabet and be able to read words at the 3-letter level; in the CC course, students will practice reading using phonics rules in addition to what they have learned in the BB course. Just as there is an order to learning to read in Japanese, there is an order to learning to read in English as well, so let's take it a step at a time.
- Q.
I speak in Japanese. Can you please remind me to speak in English? (BB/CC course)
- Since the BB Course is still at the beginner level, it is at a difficult stage to communicate in English at the level that the parents think it should be. In fact, the BB Course emphasizes time for input rather than output.
- Q.
I can still only speak on a word basis, is that OK? (DD-FF course)
- It is important to communicate first, so we recommend that you do not put too much pressure on yourself. During the lesson, the instructor will follow up with you to make sure you say things with correct grammar and sentences, so don't worry. We hope you will enjoy learning while having fun.
- Q.
How should I have my child practice writing? (DD to FF course)
- For children who have trouble coming up with ideas for what they want to write, it is important to first elicit ideas verbally. Then, vary the vocabulary of the example sentences to help them grasp the structure of the sentences.
About the Junior Boarding Course
- Q.
I would like to apply to a school overseas. Can you introduce me to a school?
- GLI is not a study abroad agency and does not provide school referrals. However, we can provide information on quality schools through our alumni and referrals. Please visit the school and determine if it is a good fit for your child.
- Q.
What do I need to do before I take the exam?
- The content of the test varies depending on the country you are taking. We will meet with you once to discuss your future roadmap in detail and give you advice.
- Q.
Can you translate documents to be submitted to schools for entrance examinations or provide interpretation for inquiries?
- Yes, for an extra fee, we can translate and correct transcripts and prepare letters of recommendation.
- Q.
Interviews are conducted online.
I am not sure about conducting the exam at home, can you offer GLI as a testing site? - Due to classes, time will need to be adjusted, but can be accommodated. There is also an additional fee.
- Q.
I am a complete beginner in English.
- Yes, it is possible; GLI has textbooks that allow students to learn step-by-step from English beginner to being able to use all four skills at the EIKEN® Level 2. Therefore, even beginners can study abroad.
- Q.
When should I study abroad?
- The appropriate time to study abroad depends on the characteristics of your child. However, if you take the entrance exam while your child is still in elementary school, your child's English ability may be taken into consideration. On the other hand, the higher the grade, the higher the English proficiency requirement.
It is also important to know whether you should study abroad after receiving some Japanese education and acquiring Japanese qualities, or whether you should go abroad at an early stage of your education.
About Kinder Course
- Q.
Separation of mother and child?
- Yes, lessons are conducted with mother and child separated.
- Q.
I don't speak Japanese perfectly yet, but is it too early to start speaking English?
- It is never "too early" to learn a language. Young children absorb quickly and can learn several languages at the same time. We recommend starting with input.
About the integrated junior high and high school course
- Q.
Are classes determined by grade level?
- Classes will be determined based on the child's English learning status and learning ability, not by grade level.
- Q.
Do you support high school and college entrance exams?
- Yes, we can accommodate you. We recommend that you first learn the basics of junior high and high school, and then prepare for the school of your choice through individualized instruction.
- Q.
English proficiency test®Can you take measures only for the
- We are very sorry to inform you that this integrated middle and high school course is a group class.®Preparation only is not available. However, in the Junior Boarding Course, which is a tutoring program, Eiken®We can design an individualized plan for your child's goals and the plan necessary to pass the course, including the preparation for the program.
- Q.
Are you prepared for the Comprehensive Type Selection?
- Yes, we do. In addition to grammar and English conversation classes, we offer workshops by alumni and representatives, and even invite outside instructors, providing many opportunities for experiences and activities that form the basis for the aspirations required for the integrated selection process.
- Q.
I don't know the examination system in Tokyo.
- We provide detailed information about the examination system within our regular meetings. We are also available to answer your questions and concerns at any time through the app communication tool we use at our school.
English test that can be used®About the Course
- Q.
Do you have homework?
- Yes, there is. Basically, homework consists of drills (writing sentences, filling in holes, sorting) to review what you have learned in the lesson. The time required is about 15-20 minutes.
- Q.
Eiken still®I have never taken the "K" level before, but I don't know which level to start with.
How do I decide? - Once you visit our classroom, we will check your level and suggest an appropriate level.
- Q.
English proficiency test®Will you provide specific measures before the exam date?
- The main goal of this course is to "learn to speak" using words and phrases that appear in the Eiken. In the process, students will naturally develop their Eiken skills, but if they wish, we will also prepare them for the test before the exam.
- Q.
English proficiency test from upper elementary school®Is it not too late to start the Can I still aim for Level 2 or Level 2?
- It is not too late at all. The special feature of this course is that if a student passes level 5 in, say, six months, he/she can move up to level 4 in the middle of the year, without having to wait a whole year. The ability to move up to the next level depends on the student's level of understanding and effort.
- Q.
I am considering taking the junior high school entrance examination.
- Since the course meets once a week, it is suitable for students who plan to take the junior high school entrance exam. The amount of homework is not too much, and if you set aside a little time to review, you can manage both without difficulty.
- Q.
Are students of different levels ever placed in the same class?
- No, there is not.
About GLI Online
- Q.
Are the lessons fixed? (Is it the same teacher each time?)
- Fixed lessons on fixed days and times. Basically, the same teacher will be in charge continuously. (*If you take lessons more than two days a week, you may have a different teacher for each day.)
We do not have a teacher appointment system, but we will guide you to the most suitable teacher according to your child's level and goals.
- Q.
How do you check writing?
- The teacher will take screenshots and correct them in class. Writing homework assignments may also be requested to be sent to us from home in the form of photos.
- Q.
How much help should parents/guardians give? (May I or may I not? (Should they? Should they not?)
- If your child is unfamiliar with starting up a computer, logging in to Zoom, etc., please help him or her start the lesson smoothly.
We don't need to help you by teaching you English in Japanese if you don't understand it. We will help your child to ask questions to the online instructor on his/her own.
- Q.
Sometimes the text and the screen are different...?
- The screen may show supplementary material that is highlighted in color or contains illustrations or videos to aid your understanding of the text at hand. The grammar and vocabulary covered are consistent with the unit.
- Q.
Do you give homework? I don't know where my homework is...?
- Basically, homework will be given each time. If you are not sure, please check directly with your teacher or ask the classroom staff.
- Q.
Can I change teachers? (Can I change my schedule mid-session?)
- Once decided, the regular schedule and teachers can be changed. However, we do not have a nomination system, so we may not be able to provide you with the teacher of your choice.
Also, if there are no vacancies in your preferred lesson time, you may be asked to wait until one becomes available.
- Q.
Can I make a transfer?
- Up to one make-up lesson per month is available. In case of absence due to illness, please contact us before the lesson starts. In case of outings or school events, please contact us at least one day in advance.
Other
- Q.
If I cancel on the day, is there a make-up?
- Only in case of sickness, make-up classes are available. Please note that if you do not contact us, we will not be able to make up the class.
- Q.
English Proficiency Test before graduation®What level does the "Mere Old Man" need to pass?
- GLI is not a school specializing in EIKEN® preparation. Therefore, the EIKEN®We leave it up to the family to decide whether or not they wish to take on the challenges of the program. However, GLI ensures that by the time students graduate (FF), they will have a foundation at the following levels
BB/CC: Eiken®Levels 5 and 4 CC/DD: English Proficiency Test®Level 4 and Level 3 EE/FF: English Proficiency Test®Level 2 and Level 2
- Q.
I don't speak English at home at all, what should I do?
- Home is a place for children to relax, and it is natural for them to communicate in their native language if they are not in an environment where they must speak English.
We hope that you will use English as much as possible in the classroom and at events.
- Q.
Are you prepared for the exam?
- Yes, it is possible to use English for junior high school entrance exams and to prepare for high school and university entrance exams. Depending on your needs, we recommend that you study in the Junior Boarding Course, which is a tutoring course, instead of group lessons, so please consult with us at the interview.
- Q.
What kind of instructors are teaching?
- Our teachers are well trained to teach the GLI curriculum. We hire highly qualified teachers from all over the world, not just those from general English-speaking countries.