It's difficult, it's fast paced, but in the end it pays off extraordinarily well.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
I very much so enjoyed the undoukai - such a big event that included the whole school was not only fun, it helped me feel much closer to my classmates and teachers. I'm not fond of sports at all, but I still really enjoyed myself and by the end of the day I felt disappointed that it was ending already.
Which co-curriculum classes did you find most satisfying?
The cooking class with the Hosei university students. I could practice my Japanese and make tasty food, all at the same time!
Why did you select this program?
I chose KCP because compared to the other programs offered by my university, this one had the most to offer for me. Most other programs seemed to be centered outside of Tokyo, and those that were in Tokyo had very poor housing options and could be rather pricy. KCP was in my price range, in Tokyo (where I wanted to study), and had the option of living in a dorm - quashing my worries for finding an apartment in Tokyo.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
I love the way the minna no nihongo textbooks were set up, it made finding my weak points in grammar much easier and provided a lot of practice, both in and outside of class. I also really liked the hatsuon readings we would do every day. They really helped improve my speaking and reading ability.
What did you find most valuable in the Culture Course?
Most culture classes were small, which gave a lot of room for group discussion and debate, which was very informative and interesting. Talking about issues concerning foreigners in Japan especially was helpful, as it prepared me for what to expect as a foreigner living in Japan. It also gave me a deeper understanding of the Japanese people and, as a result, the language that I'm studying.
Any further thoughts or tips for those considering the program or new KCP students?
KCP is a fantastic - but rigorous - program. Those considering must be prepared to work hard and put in extra hours to succeed, much more so than most any class in the states. However, it certainly doesn't feel as though any of my work is going to waste - quite the opposite actually. Because I get to use my newly-learned skills regularly outside of class, I feel very satisfied after every lesson and come back ready for more. It's difficult, it's fast paced, but in the end it pays off extraordinarily well.
