By the time I'd been taking French or German as minor subjects for ONE year I'd at least be able to come up with something to say. Hell, I've NEVER learned Russian and I could still come up with a sentence at least. (Even if it's "Is this a house? There is a cat, a table and a chair."...)

As for Japanese people's English sucking... I would disagree with that as a stereotype. Quite a few people I met there COULD speak English a little, they were just shy to try it out.

I hope the class goes well for you, at least. :\