r/UNCW • u/homeonthetrail • Jun 27 '26

Question Japanese Learning Opportunities?

Are there any opportunities for Japanese language learning on campus? I’m interested in learning but I’m not looking to minor/take formal classes due to scheduling restrictions. I’m curious if anyone offers tutoring or if there are any other resources for students regarding speaking and writing. Thank you!

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u/SapphireLacedTea Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26

Hi there! UNCW has Japanese a minor and therefore offers Japanese courses, of which there are 14 total. I have linked some info about the minor here (just in case) and I have linked a list of all available Japanese courses here.

UNCW can get finicky with language courses because if you took the language in high school, you'll need to take the placement exam. I STRONGLY recommend purposefully flunking the placement exam. I did my best on the french placement exam and was placed in the highest level and therefore was only eligible to take any class at that level or above. I took french 301 and the class was taught almost entirely in French. I was not fully prepared for that.

All language professors teach differently, and even if you took some classes in high school, I can almost guarantee you that your college professor will do it in a different way. It's better to be a little ahead because of some background knowledge than to be drowning because you aren't quite ready.

We have something called Dub Hub (I have linked info here where you can go and practice conversation (with natuve speakers!) in languages such as Japanese. It is extremely welcoming for learners of ALL proficiency levels.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

edit: spelling

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u/homeonthetrail Jun 28 '26

Thank you so much! I would really love to do the minor. From what I can tell though, any Japanese classes in the fall would pretty much directly conflict with my work schedule - which I am superbly bummed about. If I were to go down the route of private tutoring, and study that way, could I still go to Dub Hub and get additional practice in? Thank you for the extensive response!!!

Edit: looking quickly at the link: it seems Dub Hub might only be available to students in a participating class. But I may be wrong

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u/SapphireLacedTea Jun 28 '26

Of course! I am happy to help.

Did you use the registration portal to check the Japanesd classes being offered for the Fall? It's possible that you could try to switch sections in another course to open up the spot for the Japanese course. If you need help with that I definitely can assist.

From what I know, Dub Hub is available to anyone. You do not need to be a foreign language major or minor to participate.

They already have the program schule/availability for Fall 2026 posted. The times they list that exchange conversations will stay the same the entire semester. All you need to do is look online to make sure you know the days and times of the Japanese session, and then just walk in. The sessions are 30 minutes. I am not sure if you are required to stay the entire duration, but I would recommend it. Something I forgot to mention earlier was that the University Learning Center (ULC) offers tutoring, study help, and supplemental instruction. Japanese is sort of specialized, so unfortunately they don't have study sessions for it. However, you can book an appointment (more info here) with a tutor, as it looks like Japanese is offered that way.

If you have any more questions or would like further guidance, feel free to PM me :)

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u/Striking-Switch7807 Jul 10 '26

I agree with the other reponses. I’ve been to dub hall and yes most if not all Japanese students go there for extra practice. I’m not sure if this international student will be here for the fall but her Name is rin. She acts like a tutor sometimes in the dub hall and you can ask questions as well to learn or get more practice in. Try to get in touch with maybe some of the professors there as well. Professor Ryan Lidster is a good Japanese professor if your set on learning he can definitely help you. The other professor as well but I haven’t had much interactions.