I've studied japanese for a wee while now and im above a year 1 student, probs around year 3 ish i dont know.. its hard to tell.. all i can do is compare myself to my friend whos in a year 2 class and still writes in romaji..

(main point of post -> ) but i still would have to draw to explain ive lost my backpack at the ATM.. i dont know the words for backpack, or ATM :p

EDIT: Or the verb to lose. *goes off to study*

i didn't know this question was asked already....sori ^^"
im new
:D :cool:

Best way to learn a language is total immersion.

That being said, learn what you can, as much as you can, before going over there.