The two-month language program offered us invaluable experiences that were both intellectually and culturally stimulating. We were expected to work hard and participate activity in all the classes we took, but the workload never went beyond what’s reasonable. Actually, most of us had a lot of time doing our own research and/or extra-curricular activities. All the instructors, librarians and staff members were highly professional and extremely devoted. They worked really hard to pull things together, and made sure that every detail had been ironed out. We were constantly impressed by how much time our instructors had invested into us. In short, we enjoyed the whole learning experience to its fullest.
How was your life in Japan?
A typical day at the JF Kansai Center included five hours of intensive language courses, ranging from integrated Japanese and conversation, to presentation,. Courses varied depending on our proficiency level which was determined by the placement test. Other than Japanese language courses, there were plenty of chances for cultural exposure. They were arranged by the Center, such as two field trips to Kyoto and Tokyo, Ikebana, Yukata and calligraphy. Other activities such as sailing, Bon-odori, and Tanabata Festival, were organized by regional organization on weekends. Life in Center was comfortable and pleasant. You can take a stroll along the seashore, watch the sun dip into ocean spurring a dazzling display of color in the cafeteria, dance to midnight at the Russian party, engage whole-heartedly in academic debates( and also gossips), or spend a lazy afternoon in the library ransacking books, Many commented that we retrieved the motto, “work hard, play hard,” from our collage life, which was truly wonderful.
Advice for future participants
Come prepared and be mature. An all-embracing gesture will win you a lot of friends and supportive colleagues at a place as cosmopolitan as the Center. Language proves not to be a major problem, if you are willing to laugh off your mistakes. In addition, you learn quickly when you are put on the spot. Many of us were amazed at how much our classmates improved in the Japanese language after the two-month program. Since the final presentation is considered very important, you’d better figure out what you want to present at least by the first a couple of weeks. You don’t have enough time to do a presentation based completely on the research you carry out here. Largely, the final presentation is about what you have done before you get here. Read the pr-departure kit carefully. Bring formal clothes and culturally symbolic souvenirs. Finally, do send thank-you notes to your instructors and others at the end of the program for the excellent job they done according to Japanese custom.
The two-month language program offered us invaluable experiences that were both intellectually and culturally stimulating. We were expected to work hard and participate activity in all the classes we took, but the workload never went beyond what’s reasonable. Actually, most of us had a lot of time doing our own research and/or extra-curricular activities. All the instructors, librarians and staff members were highly professional and extremely devoted. They worked really hard to pull things together, and made sure that every detail had been ironed out. We were constantly impressed by how much time our instructors had invested into us. In short, we enjoyed the whole learning experience to its fullest.
A typical day at the JF Kansai Center included five hours of intensive language courses, ranging from integrated Japanese and conversation, to presentation,. Courses varied depending on our proficiency level which was determined by the placement test. Other than Japanese language courses, there were plenty of chances for cultural exposure. They were arranged by the Center, such as two field trips to Kyoto and Tokyo, Ikebana, Yukata and calligraphy. Other activities such as sailing, Bon-odori, and Tanabata Festival, were organized by regional organization on weekends. Life in Center was comfortable and pleasant. You can take a stroll along the seashore, watch the sun dip into ocean spurring a dazzling display of color in the cafeteria, dance to midnight at the Russian party, engage whole-heartedly in academic debates( and also gossips), or spend a lazy afternoon in the library ransacking books, Many commented that we retrieved the motto, “work hard, play hard,” from our collage life, which was truly wonderful.
Come prepared and be mature. An all-embracing gesture will win you a lot of friends and supportive colleagues at a place as cosmopolitan as the Center. Language proves not to be a major problem, if you are willing to laugh off your mistakes. In addition, you learn quickly when you are put on the spot. Many of us were amazed at how much our classmates improved in the Japanese language after the two-month program. Since the final presentation is considered very important, you’d better figure out what you want to present at least by the first a couple of weeks. You don’t have enough time to do a presentation based completely on the research you carry out here. Largely, the final presentation is about what you have done before you get here. Read the pr-departure kit carefully. Bring formal clothes and culturally symbolic souvenirs. Finally, do send thank-you notes to your instructors and others at the end of the program for the excellent job they done according to Japanese custom.