Academics

Some Reasons to Take Japanese at Elk Grove High School:

1) Studying Japanese is doable.

Though Japanese is a difficult language, we go at a slow pace and use mnemonic (memory-helping) pictures to make the writing system much easier to learn. It is no more difficult to get an A or B in Japanese than in any other foreign language. In fact, some students find they get higher grades in Japanese, where everybody starts at zero, than in their other courses, where a lot of students seem to have a head start. "Average students" do not need to shy away from Japanese, provided they have good attendance and are motivated to listen in class and do some work outside of class.

2) Studying Japanese is interesting.
                 
Students are exposed to a language and culture that is very much different than English. Studying Japanese exposes students to a culture that offers both a rich ancient heritage and modern contributions in technology, film and animation, and design and fashion.

Many students go on to participate in our Japanese Exchange Program, hosting a Japanese exchange student in March and traveling to Japan in June. Even those who don’t go on the exchange can have fun meeting the students in class.

3) Studying Japanese is rewarding.

Many students take pride just in doing something that is not just run of the mill—very few Illinois high schools even offer students the chance to learn Japanese. Students are, moreover, learning the language of one of America’s largest trading partners with significant investments in the Northwest Suburbs.

Read what students have written about studying Japanese at EGHS:

"Learning Japanese isn't as difficult as it seems; if you put yourself to the task, the class becomes quite fun and enjoyable. The course goes beyond learning a language; it immerses you in a new culture as well."  –Katya P.

"Coming to my freshman orientation, I was both scared and excited. I was excited to see what was available to me but I was unsure how I would react to some of the activities I signed up for. This was especially true for the languages at the orientation. I had no background in any foreign language and when I came to the language tables I saw Spanish, French, Italian, and Japanese. The Japanese table appealed to me the most because it stood out and seemed unique. I signed up for Japanese on a whim, hoping that i would come out of the year alive. After the first day of class I was hooked; after the first semester I couldn't wait to come back; after my first year I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Thanks to Mr. Darnall's Japanese program and participation in Elk Grove's Exchange Program, I was able to go to Japan. It was a dream come true."  –Matt M.

"EG's Japanese language program literally opened my eyes to the world. Now I'm studying Japanese and business at a major university and I'm planning to study in Japan for my junior year of college. EG's Japanese language program makes learning doable and fun, and in addition to the excellent exchange program, it can change your outlook on life forever."  –Andy S.

"I think the Japanese language has opened my eyes to a whole new world that I never knew that existed outside our common barriers. It showed me the world. It showed me that anything could happen. Why? I never thought that I could have visited Japan and I did and I fell in love with the country and its people. It shows that even though we are so isolated from the rest of the world that life does continue and it does not revolve around the United States. It made me aware of other countries of other customs and the desire to know all. I don't know if I can truly express what this class has done for me, but I do see it day to day with life's challenges and rewards."   –Evelyn B.

"The language looks hard at first, but it is really easy. I would, however, recommend studying outside of class since you can fall behind easy if you do not keep up. The exchange program is a wonderful experience if you get to go to Japan or just take part in the activities with the Japanese students in March. If you are worried about not being able to communicate with the Japanese students, they want to practice as much English as they can during their stay. Also you can practice your Japanese with them, and they will gladly help you."  –Maria S.

"It is only now that I realize how rewarding, fun and comprehensive the Japanese program is at Elk Grove. In my current 200 level Japanese language classes in college we still learn "new" things that I was introduced to almost 4 years ago in Japanese 3 with Mr. Darnall. The class time was well spent, not only on the language but also learning small bits about the culture. And for those of us that were eager to get more than just a taste, there was the exchange program. The exchange program not only integrates to aid in helping with the learning of the language, but also it helps widen the students’ scope. For me, it took my blinders off and allowed me to realize there is a whole world out there that I know nothing about. The exchange program gave me life long friends. The Japanese Language Program and the Japanese Exchange Program at Elk Grove High School changed the coarse of my life forever as well as how I view the world around me." –Rob R.