It was really eye opening to see the passion in a Japanese workplace.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
The 朝日新聞 field trip. It was fascinating to get an inside look on how a rigorous company in Japan works from day to night to day again, along with the methods and messages that need to be passed from department to department in order to get the perfect story out for the rest of Japan to know about as soon as possible. It was really eye opening to see the passion in a Japanese workplace.
What were the most productive and interesting aspects of the program for you? The least interesting and productive?
The most productive were definitely the interactions between the teacher and the student during class. Least interesting/productive was probably coming down to this last week where everyone is trying to cram in as much information as possible into a certain time frame. It can get very tiring and mentally draining.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
English support definitely helped clarify my questions about grammar points. As for in class I feel the pair work was a good combination of being able to practice our conversational skills with new grammar as well as learning from your partner about their own experiences especially as foreigners.
Where did you reside over the course of this program?
Dormitory
Where did you live?
Ikebukuro
Were you pleased with the general living arrangements? Anything you especially liked? Any problems you experienced?
The problems I experienced were flooding in the bathroom but considering that was the fault of someone else in the dormitory it was understandable. I definitely enjoyed how little time it would take to get to KCP every day. I also enjoyed having the common room to either study together or as a meet up point to hang out
Any further thoughts or tips for those considering the program or new KCP students?
STUDY STUDY STUDY (especially 上司/particles） For new KCP students I would definitely advise them to make the most of their time while they're studying. Considering I was always having a hard time in class for tests and memorizing certain vocabulary it can really be tough on one's self esteem and hinder them from wanting to continue Japanese study. But for me as I'm nearing the end of my time here and look back at the people I've met and the memories we've made I tell myself that if I hadn't pushed myself to the limits of my Japanese capabilities I wouldn't have had the chance to experience them. And these are memories that I will be carrying with me forever.
