An Experience to treasured

DLGL 2008/2009 batch consisted of 30 participants from Africa (5 participants), Asia (13 participants), Central America and the Caribbean (3 participants), Europe (2 participants), and Oceania (1 participants), Latin America (2 participants) and the Middle East (4 participants). Our eight months stay gave us a lifetime of experience and memories.

The Japan Foundation Advantage

In this rapid pace by which the world is evolving, and the rate of globalization impacting our lives, being multi-linguistic is becoming ever more essential in our daily lives. But those that are reading this right now and are considering about this program might pose this question: Is eight months of Japanese language study sufficient for me to be proficient in Japanese?

The answer to the above question comes with at whopping ‘YES’. From the first day you arrive at the Kansai Centre to the last day of the eight month program, you would be more than amazed by the immense progress you would have achieved. Day to day, you would be immersed in constant intensive Japanese language classes while experiencing a facet of Japan unknown to you before. The Kansai Centre is an expert in integrating linguistic teaching while incorporating Japanese multi-cultural elements into your study. The diversity of the student body and the richness of the program could be undoubtedly claimed as ‘The Japan Foundation Advantage’.

The Paramount of Linguistic Experts

The linguistic experts afforded by this program are considered to be the ‘cream of the crop’ or it could easily be said they are ‘the paramount of linguistic experts’. The complexity of Japanese language learning has never been made much easier through the skillful and professional caliber of our wonderful Sensei. Our Sensei took us through the voyage of learning the Japanese characters to advanced forms of writing and conversation, simplifying in ways that would dazzle your mind. You must experience it, to believe!!

What does it mean to be Japanese?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be Japanese? Being proficient in the Japanese language is not enough to effectively operate in Japan. You must understand the underlying ideologies, mentalities, history and the country’s social makeup.

We were provided　with mind-challenging lectures that open our vision and horizon concerning the Japanese society, culture, history, politics, etc. which have been of tremendous help for our line of work. Through these lectures, carried out by high-caliber guest speakers from all over Japan, we have come to a much greater appreciation and understanding of ‘What does it mean to be Japanese’ and to effectively co-exist within the Japanese society.

Tajiri-cho - a home far from home

Upon arriving at the Institute, you will be engulfed by the beauty of the premise and its surroundings. The tranquility afforded by Tajiri-cho can only be surpassed by the splendor of the so called ‘Marble Beach’ just across the centre.

The Institute is filled facilities to satisfy your every graving. For sports, you have a gym, a tennis and volleyball court, indoor table-tennis and badminton hall, and for those who like to ‘sing ‘til you drop’ there is a plasma screen karaoke lounge. If you would like to impress your friends with your culinary skills, there is a kitchen packed with utensils to dazzle every taste bud. But should you prefer to surf the internet, chat with you family and friends or just cram for your next test, there is a study hall equipped with more than enough computers with high-speed internet access.

Social life is not only restricted to the premise of the Institute. You are provided with bicycles to freely roam where every your heart leads you. Just explore and meet new friends and people in the area. The Centre also provides free shuttle bus service to the major shopping arcades and amusement centre.

Through all these wonderful amenities kindly provided by the Institute, after eight months here you would be more than surprised that most people call the Kansai Centre their home. But don’t take my word for it, come and experience it for yourself!

Japanese Cultural Immersion

You will be taking part in an immersion experience unlike no other. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself into the numerous cultural activities arranged by the Kansai Centre. Throughout the program, you would come to a deeper understanding of the detailed formality of the Tea Ceremony, the elaborate power of the stroke of Calligraphy, the undivided focus and discipline of Sumo and the enchantment of traditional theatrical presentations of Bunraku, Kabuki and Noh and Kyogen. The Institute also constantly offer sightseeing excursions to engage you in the rich culture of Japan host cities. These are but just a small list of the arrays of options you will be offered that will enhance your Japanese learning experience. From the moment you arrive, you will be invited to truly live Japan as you learn Japanese.

Independent Research

Please do not be afraid of this ‘master thesis sound alike heading’. It is less stressing, but more of a great compliment to your language learning experience. This Independent Research will provide you with the opportunity to select a research topic and arrange a study excursion to any part of Japan.

The assignment is challenging, but you will be able to travel and see fascinating things that will widen your perspective and transform your outlook of Japan. Participants of this program have traveled as far up north to confront the snow blizzard in Hokkaido to the utmost south of the sunny beaches of Okinawa. The Independent Research is a transformative learning experience, shaping and molding your bond with Japan ever stronger than ever.

Small Nuggets for your stay

In order to further make your stay more enjoyable and the transition less stressful, we came up with some ‘Life Nuggets’ for you to consider to make the most of your language and cultural experience.

1. Be prepared with materials about your country. National costume, flag and souvenirs are ever so helpful for the many "show and tell" opportunities.
2. Due to weight restrictions upon departure that most students are confronted with, it is recommended not to bring to much unnecessary clothing. You will be amazed at how your luggage will quickly fill up with souvenirs from all the various destinations you will be visiting.
3. Keep an open mind while appreciating the diversity of cultures from different parts of the world in a Japanese setting.
4. Expand your network of friends. Making friends from all walks of life is fun and you may end up working with them along the way. Maybe even in Japan.
5. Try to engage with the local community clubs that have relations with the centre, and tell them about your hobbies and interests.
6. Make many friends and practice your Japanese in everyday situations experiencing Japanese life. It’s a great way to fall in love with Japanese language.
7. *Most Important* Eight months is a very short period of time, don’t put off anything you desire to do until later. You will be surprised at all the various activities that will demand your time until you finally realized that you are about to leave in the next couple of weeks. So go ahead, make friends, spoil yourself with the amazing Japanese cuisine, travel all over and make each second count.

I trust that you will surely encounter a transformational perspective and experience that you will never forget. Enjoy Japan!